image: nancySo here's the deal, in approximately no time flat I will be a parent. On top of that, in order to be a parent, I will need to first endure a child coming out of me where the sun don't shine. and on top of that, its going to be really painful, so i hear..
one might say this is a lot on your plate. because, well it is. there is SO much to learn and figure out and decipher that sometimes I am just lost. I know that there is a lot that you just figure out along the way, same way it was when i first figured out how to be first grader, or how to kiss a boy.
but i also feel like God gives me 9 months for a reason. to prepare as much as I can.
So if you'd humor me, this mildly anxious first mom to be, I would love your thoughts and wisdom on anything baby. birth, epidurals, diapers, crying, swaddling, sleepless nights, midwives, baths, breastfeeding... anything really. I'll take it all.
you can begin commenting.....now. :)
My best advice: Don't listen to anyone else's advice ;-) No really...being a parent and raising a beautiful child is more about intuition and following your heart than anything else! Everyone will have an opinion on everything. It doesn't mean that it will work for you! It just worked for THEM.
ReplyDeleteMy baby musts:
*Hold them when they cry. There is always a reason why they are crying...they could just be lonely.
*Get some GOOD baby carriers. I recommend the Sleepy Wrap and Ergo.
*Sleep WITH your baby. Nothing will make your life easier. Nothing.
*Nurse on demand. Not on a schedule.
*Resist the urge to "sleep train" your baby. Read www.ezzo.info for more.
*Just love your baby! Hold it as much as possible! You cannot spoil a baby. Babies are not manipulative.
Being a parent is the best! Go with your gut and ignore the rest. Do lots of research, but when it comes to the actual DOING...get rid of the books and friends over your shoulder and go with the flow.
Much love to you!
xxoo
sara
Hi there! I just started following your blog. I love it and all of your designs. I have a 2 1/2 year old and here are some of my thoughts on having my first child...
ReplyDeleteI had an epidural but now I wish I went natural and will be doing so with my next child.
The first two weeks of no sleep was hard but after that, your body adjusts...or it did for me. I was able to function with 2-4 hours of sleep.
Breastfeeding was very hard for me but I stuck with it. Even if it meant I had to feed my little one every hour on the hour just so my body could produce enough milk for him. It was well worth it and I was able to breast feed him for a year.
Everyone told me not to hold my baby too much - my mom, MIL...pretty much all the older ladies. Don't listen to them. I wish I held him more because now, he hates to be held.
In the end, enjoy your baby and learn as you go. They're only that little for so long...
Sorry this is so long. Good luck with everything!
Oh, I sleep trained my kiddo and for us, it went very well. I had to since I work at home and I couldn't spend 1-2 hours trying to get my baby to sleep. Of course, do what works for you! :)
ReplyDeleteI agree with everything Sara said...anyone who tells you that holding and responding to the baby will spoil the baby is dead wrong. Trust your instincts, and love and hold your baby as much as you can! Sleep when the baby sleeps. Don't try to jump back into normal life too quickly, rest and be kind to yourself during the postpartum period.
ReplyDeleteTrust me: when you become a mother, it's going to be so natural. God created you to be a mom and gave you the tools you need to take care of your baby. It's the weirdest thing. Seriously. haha The minute I became a mom, I felt like I was a new person that instantly knew exactly how to take care of my baby. You're going to be an awesome mama! From my personal experience:
ReplyDeleteEpidurals -> I got one the first time after being induced. For my second pregnancy, I wanted to go all natural, but ended up getting one again. I just could not handle the pain and wanted to be conscience during delivery (it was that bad). So, I think I'll probably get one with the next, as well. They just work for me. haha
Breastfeeding -> For some women, breastfeeding does not come as naturally as they expect. I started losing my milk after 6 weeks with both of my babies. I tried everything people recommended, but my body would not cooperate. Being able to breastfeed your baby is an awesome thing, but if it doesn't work out, don't beat yourself up about it. I had to learn that the hard way.
Sleep Training -> For us, co-sleeping with the baby did not work at all. My baby snored so loud that neither of us could get any rest. I finally got the courage to move the baby into the next room and keep the rocking chair next to the bassinet. For midnight feedings, this just worked best for us because at least one of us could sleep through it. After 3 months, Josiah was already sleeping through the night (8pm - 8am) and we hope the same happens for Lucia!
Baby-Wearing -> It's so important to have a comfortable baby carrier! I high recommend an Ergo. It's saved me with this pregnancy while being in public with Lucia and even around the house when she doesn't want to nap. She hates her stroller right now, so carrying her around has been a life-saver.
If you have anymore questions, feel free to email me! I'm an open book. haha God bless the rest of your pregnancy. Get a lot of rest before Baby's big arrival! :)
Hey Lady! Wow it's your due date month! Sooo excited for you! Hope you are feeling well!
ReplyDeleteHi Lisa! Well, being a childbirth educator (natural childbirth), I have to encourage you to try not to use interventions (epidurals, pitocin). There are many side effects and risks that come with messing with your bodies natural instincts and hormones. Epidurals slow down labor, while Pitocin speeds it up and can cause fetal distress. Both cause either high blood pressure or low blood pressure. Have both and you're really messing with things! My advice is to take a good childbirth class (not the hosptital's) and make an informed decision! I have had three natural births in the hospital and would never do it any other way.
ReplyDeleteBreast feeding is a wonderful thing. Learn all you can before hand, again preparation is the best thing you can do!
We had all of our children on a sleep/eating schedule. We weren't nazis about it, but let me tell you, our kids are well adjusted, happy, social, loving, and smart as whips... and they all started sleeping through the night between 5 weeks and 8 weeks, no joke... all three! Makes for happy kids and happy parents.
Well, that's my two cents! I'm putting together your feature post right now! I plan on posting it on Tuesday, the 16th. :)
Follow your instincts. Learn your kid. If something works, you'll know. If it's not working, you'll definitely know. :)
ReplyDeleteYou know me. I wanted to be an all-natural, baby-wearing, co-sleeping, breastfeeding mama. None of it worked for us, we were dealt an entirely different deck of cards! Rowan was his own person, even as an infant and he made his desires and needs very known! He hated being worn, didn't sleep well with us in the room, and I was never able to breastfeed due to all my complications. You just go with what YOU know to be best for YOUR babe. It all works out in the end.
If you ever have questions, moments of panic or just general unease about the whole thing, I'm always around. Feel free to call anytime.
Love you, friend! You're going to be GREAT!
Listen to your child and listen to yourself. And listen to the parents at Ask Moxie (http://www.askmoxie.org/).
ReplyDeleteGood luck (from a mom of 3)!