tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7231649446485548787.post2322945669895536350..comments2024-02-05T00:16:50.221-05:00Comments on Loulou's views: Tips for a new momLoukiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03066879990007701379noreply@blogger.comBlogger43125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7231649446485548787.post-53023243664669076122010-02-25T01:53:49.602-05:002010-02-25T01:53:49.602-05:00Thank you sooo much for these awesome tips! Of cou...Thank you sooo much for these awesome tips! Of course I haven't read any of this stuff in any books...b/c the books never seem to cover the "real" stuff.<br /><br />So...get the epidural huh? I'm so torn on that one.<br /><br />Love your blog!<br /><br />http://thepursuitofmommyness.com/Unknownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04393577206497799094noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7231649446485548787.post-29849446392815241262010-02-21T22:19:59.191-05:002010-02-21T22:19:59.191-05:00Great post! LOVE IT. Congratulations to your sist...Great post! LOVE IT. Congratulations to your sister- so exciting!! PINK!<br /><br />I would say try to have zero expectations (fat chance, but worth a try). I wanted a natural birth, and I wanted breastfeeding to be easy.. I wanted my son to never watch television and to give up his paci after he was one. I wanted to never yell or lose my patience at silly things or get frustrated easily. <br /><br />If I hadn't expected all of those things, I would have been better off- and felt less that extremely guilty.<br /><br />But... that is motherhood. She will be fantastic. :)Jessicahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18298185476099591114noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7231649446485548787.post-34750255959895919302010-02-21T10:34:25.153-05:002010-02-21T10:34:25.153-05:00I would add that breastfeeding is not easy for eve...I would add that breastfeeding is not easy for everyone...I desperately wanted to do it, but it just didn't work out for us. I had twins who were preemies and wouldn't latch. So I had to pump exclusively....<br /><br />And ditto on changing stations everywhere. And not being afraid to ask for help.<br /><br />And that often, you know your child better than anyone else and your instincts will tell you when something is not right. Trust yourself, even if you are a brand new first-time mom!!<br /><br />;-)Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13214914707096410664noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7231649446485548787.post-74820265065269850252010-02-20T23:32:54.654-05:002010-02-20T23:32:54.654-05:00I LOVE #1! (and #2 - so true - that girlfriend'...I LOVE #1! (and #2 - so true - that girlfriend's guide book said that you will never be so afraid of going #2 in your life and I couldn't agree more).<br /><br />And you crack me up with your thank you note advice - you are such a Greek! Reminds me of my friend Kristina and her avalanche of presents post-baby (her family also does baby showers for EVERY baby - not just the first - it's awesome).<br /><br />Okay - my advice for your sister:<br /><br />1. DO let the nurses watch your baby at night. They might give your baby a bottle. Your baby will survive and will still prefer breastfeeding. You will be well rested and better able to produce milk. This will be your ONLY opportunity to get a full night's sleep for a long time.<br />1a. Don't let the La Leche League mavens that may visit your room make you think otherwise. Breastfeeding doesn't come naturally to everyone (ME!) and those first few days will not define your ability to nurse your child.<br /><br />2. Pay close attention to your emotions. If you find that you are feeling something far more severe than baby blues or if it lasts more than a few weeks, talk to your doctor. Post partum depression comes in many forms, and you may not even realize that you have it until it's over. There is no shame in taking Prozac for a temporary condition.<br /><br />3. Don't even bother trying natural childbirth unless you are seriously committed and have a detailed birthing plan. If you go in thinking that you're just going to "see what happens," then you may as well request the epidural upon arrival. If you don't take this advice I give you a maximum of one hour of hard contractions until you cave (and if you are too far along - they may not let you have the epidural at that point...)<br /><br />There is so much more! So #4 is EVERYONE is going to have advice for you. Listen to what they have to say - but in the end you'll find your own way. You'll be amazing. And You have a very experienced sister to help.Kate Coveny Hoodhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18006589284938683965noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7231649446485548787.post-24522448711923309042010-02-20T19:02:33.671-05:002010-02-20T19:02:33.671-05:00Many great tips!
I only have a couple to add:
...Many great tips! <br /><br />I only have a couple to add:<br /><br />Take (or have someone take) lots and lots of photos! Don't worry about how you look, you will appreciate having these photos later. I often said 'no don't take a picture now I look terrible' but now I regret not having more photos of me with my babies.<br /><br />Don't be ashamed if you don't feel like everyone says you will feel. Everyone has a different experience. Sometimes it takes a little while for things to click, it's not always instant for everyone and there is nothing wrong with that.Betsy Maehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02498274247502373134noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7231649446485548787.post-44631533402947130002010-02-19T19:04:03.497-05:002010-02-19T19:04:03.497-05:00Ohhh...I have too much advice for this little comm...Ohhh...I have too much advice for this little comment. :) But I can guarantee you that if you have a natural delivery, you will become best friends with a little thing call PERI BOTTLE. You will wonder how you ever survived on this earth without the knowledge that this little plastic piece of miracle even existed. :)McMommyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14205694488371923701noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7231649446485548787.post-66414514940357344922010-02-18T12:23:40.318-05:002010-02-18T12:23:40.318-05:00LOL, Elisa! I know, some people swear by them... b...LOL, Elisa! I know, some people swear by them... but I never used mine! And I told my sister NOT to put one her registry! Haha... ;)Loukiahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03066879990007701379noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7231649446485548787.post-68659948608529039662010-02-18T11:48:40.314-05:002010-02-18T11:48:40.314-05:00oooh, dude. you SO need a diaper genie.oooh, dude. you SO need a diaper genie.Elisa @ Globetrotting in Heelshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13920820564549246339noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7231649446485548787.post-13540618956491740462010-02-18T08:10:12.073-05:002010-02-18T08:10:12.073-05:00What a great list! When I was pregnant I quizzed ...What a great list! When I was pregnant I quizzed my friends with babies about everything baby-related, and it helped enormously (especially the tip to bring cheap, giant granny underwear to the hospital, because you're going to need them - and will likely want to throw them out when you get home). Also, bring two-piece pajamas if you are going to try nursing - unless you want to have to hike a nightie up everytime the baby feeds (hint: this is awkward).<br />I can only think of two other things to add - if you are breastfeeding, have more than one nursing pillow if you intend to nurse on more than one floor of your house (which you will, because staring at the same room every time you nurse - which is all the time - makes you crazy), and nothing is more annoying than constantly having to fetch the pillow from upstairs. And if you can't or don't want to breastfeed, put the guilt aside. Babies do fine on formula too.<br />The one item that was indispensable for me until my daughter was about six months or so was a sling/baby wrap. I had a couple of styles that were useful in different situations (ring sling, baby wrap from mamankangarou), but the fact that I could pop her into it and have both hands free was a life-saver. She was colicky, and the sling soothed her when nothing else would (including that stupid expensive swing everyone said she'd love and in reality she never used). When it comes to baby 'equipment' (swing, jolly jumper, exersaucer, etc.) borrow what you can, because they grow out of it really, really quickly, and they might hate it from the start (yes, I'm talking about that damned swing!).Tristahttp://www.mindyourknitting.wordpress.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7231649446485548787.post-78643315968717656672010-02-18T08:08:02.947-05:002010-02-18T08:08:02.947-05:00Awesome tips mama! My biggest piece of advice woul...Awesome tips mama! My biggest piece of advice would be to be flexible. I am still learning to do this as well!Theta Momhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04841965283594674300noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7231649446485548787.post-76424165627994043932010-02-18T07:41:55.718-05:002010-02-18T07:41:55.718-05:00I'm going through this right now, with a 5 wee...I'm going through this right now, with a 5 week old little girl :-)<br /><br />My suggestions:<br /><br />Take all the help you can get. If someone offers something (anything! lol) take it!<br /><br />Count on going home from the hospital in the same clothes you went in with. <br /><br />Bring shower shoes! A must for some hospitals (Civic) but a just in case for others (Montfort)<br /><br />Bring slip on shoes to go home in - swelling in your feet can be quite significant, and not being able to put your shoes on can bring on a crying jag... not that it happened to me or anything.. ahem.<br /><br />If you end up with a c-section, stay on top of your pain meds... believe me! Set the stove timer to remind you if necessary.<br /><br />Also, remember to eat and drink when you get home. Sounds like a no-brainer, but you'd be surprised how quickly 10 hours can pass before you realize that you haven't eaten anything other than a Lindt chocolate ball.<br /><br />Breastfeeding can be difficult - ask to speak to a lactation consultant in the hospital.<br /><br />When public health calls you when you get home to see if you'd like a visit from a nurse, take it. They'll weigh the baby for you, help with any breastfeeding issues, and answer any questions you might have. I had a wonderful nurse come over, I could have sat with her all afternoon.<br /><br />Be prepared to go with the flow when it comes to the birth. Unfortunately not everything always goes the way we'd like it to. <br /><br />Also important to go with the flow when it comes to feeding the baby. The best laid breastfeeding plans can be derailed for a million reasons. Just remember that as long as you're feeding the baby - either breastmilk or formula, you're doing a great job! <br /><br />It's ok to cry and feel sad :-) Hormones can be tricky things!. Make sure you speak to your husband, best friend, sister, mother, etc. about how you're feeling. It helps to just get it out there. Don't keep it all bottled up.<br /><br />Get a bassinet for your bedside.<br /><br />Newborns can be very noisy sleepers - it doesn't mean there is something wrong with them.<br /><br />Have a diaper station on the main floor, or where ever you will be spending the majority of your time, in addition to one where you will be doing your night feedings.<br /><br />Newborn poop can be a myriad of colours - black in beginning, yellow and green afterwards... don't freak out, lol<br /><br />Have some swaddle blankets ready for home. I can't believe how great they are (they didn't have these 5 years ago when we had our son!)<br /><br />Remember the keys to calming a newborn - swaddling, shushing, swaying, and side laying (in your arms) A great book - happiest baby on the block.<br /><br />Baby gowns are great when they're first home - great for fast, easy diaper changes, esp at night (newborns are not the biggest fans of diaper changes!) and since they're wrapped up the majority of the time, no worries about them getting a draft from the gown.<br /><br />You don't need a diaper genie, wipe warmer, electric bottle warmer, etc. Just the basics will do in the beginning. However, I'd recommend a Bundle Me bag for the infant car seat - we got a beautiful JJ Cole one - love it!<br /><br />Have plenty of sleepers and receiving blankets washed and ready to go.<br /><br />Don't stress if your nursery isn't ready by the time baby comes home - they likely won't be in there at all for the first three months, lol<br /><br />Sleep when baby sleeps - easier said than done, but just try your best.<br /><br />DejaVu and TV tropic networks play old school tv shows from midnight to 6am - good stuff! :-)<br /><br />Trust your gut feelings, regardless of what others might say - if something doesn't feel right, then it's likely not.<br /><br />Hold that sweet baby and stare at them for hours if you want - it really does go by in the blink of an eye.Jennoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7231649446485548787.post-29622335577417181022010-02-17T21:52:19.997-05:002010-02-17T21:52:19.997-05:00I think at this point, most things have been cover...I think at this point, most things have been covered. We put the baby in her own bedroom from the first night home because she was so loud when she slept and we thought every little noise was something wrong. Now, nine months later, I can definitely appreciate the value in the co-sleeper. <br /><br />I am curious what you do without the Diaper Genie? I just assumed that was a must have!Alecia @ Hoobing Family Adventureshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06924202532283765706noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7231649446485548787.post-10982317097224546842010-02-17T17:58:21.135-05:002010-02-17T17:58:21.135-05:00Wow, between your post and the comments, this is a...Wow, between your post and the comments, this is a goldmine!!!!Scary Mommyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00885710131012274860noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7231649446485548787.post-72413745852037621352010-02-17T12:48:36.774-05:002010-02-17T12:48:36.774-05:00Before you get up with your crying baby, go pee.
...Before you get up with your crying baby, go pee.<br /><br />Accept any and all help. Meals, cleaning your house (even if it isn't your way), doing dishes, and laundry, etc.<br /><br />If you need a break, go outside. Go to the store. The baby will be fine with another adult. You will feel like a new person.<br /><br />Enjoy holding your baby when you want to, but don't worry about setting her down.<br /><br />Don't rock your baby to sleep.<br /><br />Wake your baby to eat...cluster feeding is horrible.<br /><br />Get Lanolin for your boobs and use it from day one.<br /><br />Always have several extra pairs of clothes for the baby and even an extra shirt or two for you.<br /><br />It's okay to tell your MIL to back off:)Krystyn @ Really, Are You Serious?https://www.blogger.com/profile/02910477558968993067noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7231649446485548787.post-77766598670167066922010-02-17T10:47:47.999-05:002010-02-17T10:47:47.999-05:00Oh this is so so good! If only someone had told m...Oh this is so so good! If only someone had told me going to the bathroom after having a baby would make me cry! (maybe I wouldn't have cried and been so freakin scared) Yuck!<br />You are going to be the best Aunt!Stephaniehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17218519474695662328noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7231649446485548787.post-22948448242383298362010-02-17T08:38:17.919-05:002010-02-17T08:38:17.919-05:00Great list!
My only comment is on breastfeeding. ...Great list! <br />My only comment is on breastfeeding. It's definitely not easy for all, and I wish someone at the beginning told me that...I know some women want the encouragement to nurse for 6-12 months, but for me, I truly wanted someone to say that I needed to do what worked for me/my family. Hourly feedings for months, plus pumping makes for a miserable mom. A lactation consultant was the one who finally reminded me that there is nothing wrong with formula, and for a sleepless mom who has done her best, it can be a great option and is nothing to feel guilty about.<br /><br />Also - I couldn't agree more with OHmommy. Get a quick shower in every day. <br />Oh, and one last bit - remind her that sometimes babies cry. Sometimes, there is absolutely nothing you can do, because they just want to cry. Buy earplugs, leave the room. It's ok to not be attached to your baby every minute.LZ @ My Messy Paradisehttp://mymessyparadise.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7231649446485548787.post-80409572305891708252010-02-17T08:27:57.609-05:002010-02-17T08:27:57.609-05:00I think the best piece of advice for new moms is t...I think the best piece of advice for new moms is to tell them not to put too much pressure on themselves to have everything all figured out right away. My kid is almost 4 and I'm still working on it!!<br /><br />Also, that whole sleep when the baby sleeps thing? Really wish I'd listened to that one!The Mommyologisthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15957108098571392880noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7231649446485548787.post-6924636275027006072010-02-17T07:48:22.177-05:002010-02-17T07:48:22.177-05:00Great posts! There`s not much for me to add, but ...Great posts! There`s not much for me to add, but one thing that helped me with both of my births. Advice given to me from my first doula. Freeze sanitary pads. You will be swollen down there after birth and the coolness of the frozen pads will be great and yet not as shocking to the body as ice or ice packs.<br /><br />Take a regular pad, spray water on it, fold it back up and put them in the freezer (you can do that ahead of time), and then you can put them over your regular pads when needed. The frozen pads won`t help you with absorbency! Remember they are already soaked. <br /><br />Sounds weird, but everyone I`ve suggested this too only has good things to say about how good it feels.<br /><br />And yes, people will offer you all sorts of advice. Nod and smile and then do what`s right for you.Unknownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07353512941882358932noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7231649446485548787.post-60128893674845222162010-02-17T05:53:43.998-05:002010-02-17T05:53:43.998-05:00No matter how much time you spend with children be...No matter how much time you spend with children before you have your own, you still won't be properly prepared because every child is different. <br /><br />One tip I have is that if you don't like co-sleeping, keep your baby's crib right next to your bed so that when the baby wakes up in the night to nurse, all you have to do is take the baby out and you can lie down again to nurse. This made it easy for me after the c-section when it was hard to get up and down so much.Mercy Langillehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01707857497422089004noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7231649446485548787.post-153920102892979062010-02-17T00:09:46.687-05:002010-02-17T00:09:46.687-05:00This is such an encouraging post...full of great b...This is such an encouraging post...full of great bits! :)Muthering Heightshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06660310558298459636noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7231649446485548787.post-680348637730102872010-02-16T21:30:36.894-05:002010-02-16T21:30:36.894-05:00What a great idea for a gift!
I agree with so man...What a great idea for a gift!<br /><br />I agree with so many of the suggestions other moms have added, and I love the list you've provided. <br /><br />My thoughts for new mommies:<br /><br />1. As noted a few times by others - trust your instincts - throughout your pregnancy and after. You would be surprised at how much you never knew you knew!<br /><br />2. You might find that you worry about your new baby, especially if you're alone a lot within the first few weeks/months - any time you feel worried about your baby's health, development, poos/pees, sleep patterns, eating habits - write them down so you can discuss them at your first few dr.'s appointments - this way you won't forget anything, and you can get peace of mind when they repeatedly tell you everything is fine! (okay, maybe I was a big worrier!)<br /><br />3. You'll get tons of advice from other moms - friends, family, strangers, etc... don't feel obliged to listen to all of it! All babies are different, and a lot of this advice comes a mom's own experience with their baby/babies. If in doubt ... read Thought #1. <br /><br />4. Smell that baby as often as possible in the first few months! That new baby smell is so calming, and once it's gone ... it's gone!<br /><br />5. Cherish every single moment - the good, the bad, and the ugly - They are all just that: moments - and sadly they will pass. The good news is that as children grow they continuously give you more moments to smile, cry, and yes - want to pull your hair out.<br /><br />6. Never be afraid to ask for help, or to admit that you don't know everything ... yet. If friends and family offer to help - accept it!<br /><br />7. Be patient with Dad. My youngest son's dad was completely lost and terrified when I brought him home. Being patient and understanding while he learned how to change diapers, bathe, and dress our precious little one was an immense help to his confidence.<br /><br />Sorry I can't add a lot more to suggestions that others have made, but I guess that great minds think alike!K.Thorntonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02333764420310294969noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7231649446485548787.post-49587516528694371292010-02-16T20:44:22.002-05:002010-02-16T20:44:22.002-05:00You are a good sister! I love and agree with every...You are a good sister! I love and agree with every single one of your tips. I never used the diaper genie, but loved the arms reach co-sleeper - it is the perfect way to sleep beside your baby. One tip I might add (and add to the humiliation) is to put a few maxi pads in the freezer to soothe the... um... sore area..! Great post!Lady Mamahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00933248315325429447noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7231649446485548787.post-12222736119520442062010-02-16T20:39:30.121-05:002010-02-16T20:39:30.121-05:00I'm going to have to agree with some of the ot...I'm going to have to agree with some of the other comments and say that bfing isn't easy for everyone, but it is worth fighting through the early rough days. If it is hard, do NOT hesitate to call a lactation consultant. For some dumb reason I waited 10 days before calling, suffering so miserably the whole time, to find out that my daughter was tongue-tied. They spotted it right away, we got it fixed and things got better. Slow-ly. But they got better. <br /><br />So I guess the overarching point here is to NEVER be afraid to ask for help.CaraBeehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04614627167922944626noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7231649446485548787.post-21287692537972237212010-02-16T20:27:24.738-05:002010-02-16T20:27:24.738-05:00Breastfeeding is easy once you get the hang of it....Breastfeeding is easy once you get the hang of it. And if it's not, hiring a lactation consultant is still cheaper than formula! Worth the money!!<br /><br />Find a mommy group and go regularly (this was a savior for me, I went out about 3 times a week!)<br /><br />Don't pack books for the hospital, but do pack a magazine or two.<br /><br />Consider cloth diapers. They are super easy to use and wash.<br /><br />All my other advice has been written by others here.Stephaniehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06655611786683183517noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7231649446485548787.post-39006643691158444212010-02-16T20:00:48.069-05:002010-02-16T20:00:48.069-05:00This is such a cute idea! I'm not sure I can a...This is such a cute idea! I'm not sure I can add much at this point. I will say this - do what you are comfortable with and ignore critics (they come from surprising places).Amyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14258405168792203613noreply@blogger.com