About to Pop,what Do I Do?

C.,

Recruit help if you can. I learned the hard way that the only people to invite over those first few months are people who are there to help, not to be catered to.

I would also recommend getting some easy meals on hand. Either freeze some dishes or buy easy to fix meals. It will be a while before you are ready to do a lot of cooking and you may have a really big appetite, especially if you breastfeed.

Another thing I learned with my first... you can take a shower and use the bathroom and leave him unattended for 10 minutes. He will not stop breathing or spontaneously combust. (But your instincts will scream otherwise.) :)

Congrats to you,
S.

Hi C.,

Congratulations on the upcoming birth of your baby! What an exciting, but anxious time! You've probaby seen lists of things that you need for a new baby...diapers, wipes, clothes, blankets, car seat, etc., so my guess is that you are ok with the "stuff." How about support...do you have a labor coach in place...someone to help after the baby comes for a while...someone to help in case of an emergency...WIC, if you qualify (they have a great program for breastfeeding moms too)...a family doctor or pediatrician chosen? Have you taken childbirth classes, baby basics or breastfeeding classes? You may still have time to squeeze a couple of classes in, and they can be invaluable. A good baby book (The Baby Book by Dr. William Sears is a good one)that can set your mind at ease when you wonder if something is "normal."

Bottom line is that babies adjust to us and we adjust to them, so just take one day at a time and enjoy your little one!

Blessings,
K.

You can search the internet for some new baby checklists, just to make sure you got it all if your wanting to make sure and be extra prepared. I found a lot and i copied this one for ya. Also just get lots of rest now cause your gonna really need it. Having your first baby can be a shock. Thers a few things on here that i dont think i ever needed but some ppl may. I know diaper cream is very very important, especially on little babies, as a barrier to keep the skin from getting irritated. You dont wanna experience diaper rash. A&D ointment is good also i liked johnsons three in one, cause my son was sensitive to diaper irritaion. The key is to try to catch it very quickly after they pee or poop to get it off the skin. Anyways hope this helps. Good luck!

Baby's Nursery

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You can never have to many diapers and wipes! I would say the most important thing next to that is to have someone there for you after you have your child. You are going to be tired, I promise! Having your mom or a friend there for you for at least the first 48 hours helps a lot so that you can recooperate and then continue the long and joyous road through mommyhood. Just always remember...your baby is learning everything just like you. When you get frustrated, and it will happen, just think about the fact that he/she does not know anymore about what they want than you do. Take a deep breath, call a friend or loved one, and vent. Better them than the baby. It always worked for me. Also, babies are okay to cry for a little bit, as long as it isn't full blown bawling, it helps strengthen their lungs. Congrats when he/she is here! I just had mine 2 months ago. This is my second and my eight year old is having as much fun as I am.

Congratulations C.!

I know it's overwhelming, but you will do great, I'm sure. The thing I needed most with all my children was plenty of onesies, burp rags, and receiving blankets because ALL of these will eventually end up with spit up/pee/poop on them. And with my kids, it was several times a day. Then just make sure you have plenty of diapers and wipes since you may not feel like going to the store for a week or more. If you are breastfeeding, which I did with mine, please be patient and don't give up if it doesn't seem to work, once he gets the hang of it, it will be fine. Other thing that suprised me was once my breast milk came in, everytime my children latched on until the milk released it was SO PAINFUL...but I counted to 10 and by then the pain released as the milk came down. This went on for about a week and a half then it was no pain at all.

Just a few things to think about. Let us know how you do. And enjoy this time, you'll miss it later!

Love to you and your baby!!
D.