Welcome to the Preparing For Baby series. This series will run for two weeks (Dec. 3-7 & Dec. 17-21). If you missed any past posts in the series, just click the links below.
Preparing For Baby {a series} – intro
Labor Playlist
Prayers for Labor
Advice for First-Time Moms
Post Partum Freezer Meals
To-Do List
Several months ago, I asked my fellow pregnant bloggers that participate in the My Pregnancy Journal Link-up, to share some advice for first-time moms. The moms had so much great advice to offer, here is a sampling of it.
1. Sleep when the baby sleeps! Almost everyone offered this advice. It sounds simple, but yes, it can be difficult; you want to clean, eat, visit with family and friends, get out of the house, and just get back to normal. You need your sleep! All the other things can wait. It’s pretty amazing how fatigue and severe exhaustion can affect a person. So you, and your spouse, need to make sure you are getting your rest.2. Be flexible with your birth plans. Birth is unpredictable and it may not go as you had envisioned or dreamed. Be prepared for this. Research different scenarios for labor and birth so that you will be prepared and educated. And remember, it’s God’s plan that will prevail.
3. If you are planning on nursing your baby, just know that it may not be a walk in the park (at least in the beginning). This is a learning experience for both you and baby and it could take days, or even weeks to get the hang of it. If it is your heart’s desire, keep at it, you will get it! And don’t be afraid to ask for help if you are having difficulties; use the nurses in the hospital, a lactation consultant, the LeLache League, or a friend that has experience in this area.
4. Accept help when offered (if it’s from someone you trust). And ask for it if it’s not. Don’t be afraid to ask for help or accept help from others. More than likely, you will bless that person by allowing them to help out!
5. Make and freeze about 2 weeks worth of meals about a month before you are due (and use disposable pans). And use anything else disposable that you can – plates, cups, bowls, etc. You will thank yourself later!!