Hey Mommies, May I Pick Your Brains?
February 6, 2008
EDIT: Contest closes Wednesday, February 13th at Midnight, E.S.T.
My sister-in-law is about to have her first baby (a girl – yay!) and while she is very well read, and an intelligent woman with lots of support, I thought it would be cool to give her some advice the books don’t offer.
I was pretty honest with her about the first 3 weeks of breastfeeding being a challenge: the pain, the secret of nipple cream, and the fact that baby and mom are both in a learning curve. I told her the cotton, washable breast pads win out over the disposable ones that shift and keep the nipple too moist, inviting moisture.
I told her about Parent Hacks. (Hi Asha!)
Not wanting to overwhelm her with bossy tidbits that helped, I thought it would be cool if instead you shared some of your best tips.
As an incentive to you, I am going to give away $50 via Paypal to a random tipper.
The Rules? One tip per comment, enter as many times as you like. Now go forth and comment!
February 7th, 2008 at 12:03 am
Well, I didn’t READ this in a book:
NO ONE told me that you would bleed for the whole month right after birth! So My tip is to stock up on heavy duty sanitary pads!!
mrs mogul’s last blog post..Three things I share with you today
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February 7th, 2008 at 12:39 am
Start the lanolin on your nipples now! I didn’t realize you had to start beforehand. I waited until I had the baby and it was too darn late.
MammaLoves’s last blog post..Come, Witness My Failure
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February 7th, 2008 at 12:44 am
Keep an emergency kit in your trunk. Diapers, wipes, butt balm, a change of clothes for baby and an extra shirt for you, an extra baby blanket and trash bags.
That way you don’t have to drag a diaper bag with you everywhere–especially if you’re just going out for a short time.
I can’t tell you how many times that saved me, and how many times I wished I’d had it before I figured it out.
MammaLoves’s last blog post..Come, Witness My Failure
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February 7th, 2008 at 12:52 am
Great idea Karen!
Slip warm tea bags in your bra if you get dry, cracked nipples. The tannic acid is very soothing and healing
slackermommy’s last blog post..Crazy weather and breathing problems
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February 7th, 2008 at 12:53 am
Have gas drops on hand. They will be a Godsend when the baby is inconsolable with a gas bubble.
slackermommy’s last blog post..Crazy weather and breathing problems
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February 7th, 2008 at 12:56 am
People will IMMEDIATELY start asking you if “she slept through the night”. Nobody bothered to tell me that “through the night” meant 5-6hrs. I assumed that Ladybug would start sleeping 8hrs at a time pretty quickly after she was born. Damn was I wrong! Don’t expect your little one to sleep that long at a time and be super happy when you get 4 or more hours at a stretch!
Christy’s last blog post..I feel so famous!
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February 7th, 2008 at 1:55 am
You need a Boppy pillow. It’s the c-shaped pillow that you put around your waist for your infant to rest on.
It takes SO MUCH STRAIN off of your shoulders and back and you will need it. It puts tons of strain on those muscles and it is also really useful in other way. (Like propping them up).
Loralee’s last blog post..Sideblog:Cache Valley Bloggity Lunch
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February 7th, 2008 at 1:56 am
I should clarify, that it’s for use when breastfeeding. (Duh)
Loralee’s last blog post..Sideblog:Cache Valley Bloggity Lunch
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February 7th, 2008 at 8:11 am
Forget all of the crap you’ve read, smile and nod your head toward anyone offering advice and do whatever works for you. Never, not for one second forget THIS IS YOUR BABY you get to decide.
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February 7th, 2008 at 8:29 am
Whatever you’re feeling, other people have felt the same way, no matter what they say. And if whatever you’re feeling is negative, (like, say, the urge to leave the baby on the sidewalk with your recycling on garbage day) that’s ok. It doesn’t make you a bad mommy (well – unless you actually DO put the baby on the sidewalk!). Everyone has days like that.
Shannon’s last blog post..unsaid
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February 7th, 2008 at 9:45 am
Forget the heavy travel system. Buy the removable car seat and base, and then go pick out a nice, durable, light stroller. I finally did this for baby number 3 and although my muscles were great by then, I could have saved myself a lot of time and effort and trunk room!!
Chris’s last blog post..Have a Heart…
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February 7th, 2008 at 9:48 am
Remember that everyone means well when they give you advice and ‘just want to help.’ They want to be the knight in shinning armor for you and help you solve your new mommy issues.
As annoying as it is, just smile and sing something silly in your head.
You are the parent, you can do this, it is a natural instinct. Just trust yourself and call the people who managed to keep their own alive for help when you need it
Chris’s last blog post..Have a Heart…
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February 7th, 2008 at 10:01 am
Learn to trust your instinct. The lactation specialist HATED that I was using a nipple shield, but I would drown the poor child if I didn’t! Not to mention that um, that area of my anatomy isn’t huge and there wasn’t much to latch onto
I used the shield for quite a while. Even up to about 3 months, I used it in the morning just because I would be so engorged. You know if your baby is getting enough to eat – you just have to trust yourself that you know.
Stacey’s last blog post..The big day
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February 7th, 2008 at 10:16 am
Remember this:
“She’ll be fine”.
She’ll get bruises and bumps and rashes (which, ok, the rashes you should have checked out).
She’ll eat dirt.
You’ll walk in the kitchen one day and find her on top of the counter.
She’ll throw a tantrum or bite a fellow child or refuse to sleep through the night for the first two years even though EVERYONE ELSE’S BABY DOES IT! And you’ll worry that this is all a sign that she’s going to grow up to be [insert ominous outcome here].
She’ll be fine.
Miss Britt’s last blog post..Yes, I’m A Sellout
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February 7th, 2008 at 11:37 am
That it is okay to cry if you need to. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Everyone needs an extra set of hands in the beginning.
Don’t try to do it all.
Shash’s last blog post..Mah Closet, Let Me Show it to You
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February 7th, 2008 at 11:45 am
Let her know that although it doesn’t happen all the time, sometimes a baby girl can pass some blood a couple of days after being born and that it’s shocking but normal, and a side effect of the mother’s hormones. I had read about it once but totally forgot and had to make a freaked out phone call to the maternity ward when I went to change her diaper (she was three days old) and it was full of blood. Cripes, that was scary until they told me it was perfectly okay.
My second never had that happen.
sherry’s last blog post..Catching up
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February 7th, 2008 at 11:47 am
You can go ahead and buy overpriced wipes in stores but I only ever bought them to keep in the diaper bag for times we went out. At home I used those little baby washcloths and took some spare receiving blankets to cut into squares as well. They worked better than the commercial wipes and you’ll be doing so much laundry anyway that tossing some cloths into the wash is no big deal.
sherry’s last blog post..Catching up
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February 7th, 2008 at 11:49 am
Last one, and the one I find most important – trust yourself and your instincts. You may not always know what the hell you’re doing, but if your gut is telling you something, listen to it instead of listening to the eight billion people who will give you their opinion. Someone is bound to tell you not to sleep with your baby, that you should sleep with your baby, that you’re too paranoid about this or that, whatever. Your gut instinct will tell you what to do.
sherry’s last blog post..Catching up
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February 7th, 2008 at 11:55 am
I only knew this because my mom experienced it with either me or my sister – little baby girls can have a period when they are born. Don’t be freaked out if there is blood in the baby’s diaper for the first few days. They have lots of your hormones running through their tiny little bodies.
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February 7th, 2008 at 11:56 am
Oh, and definitely take all help offered. If someone wants to bring you dinner – let them! If someone wants to run to the store to buy you nipple shields – let them!
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February 7th, 2008 at 12:35 pm
For if the diaper keeps leaking even on the first pee (or other):
There are these little… what would you call them… gussets? around the inside of the leg part of the diaper. If you pull those up and flip them out, they hold against tiny thighs a lot better. I still do this for my 2 yo, and we have rarely had leaks.
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February 7th, 2008 at 12:39 pm
The sanitary pads are great for those few weeks after the birth, but you should give your skin a break once in a while from having to be in contact with the synthetic material. What worked beautifully for me was cloth diapers- the cheap, old-fashioned, need to use a pin kind. I sat on those for a few hours each day instead of always using the pads. You can throw them in the wash with hydrogen peroxide and use them as rags later.
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February 7th, 2008 at 12:55 pm
Don’t get dressed to go anywhere until AFTER you’ve fed, burped and changed the baby. I’m sure you’re carrying an extra outfit or two for baby, but I always packed at least an extra shirt for myself to keep in the car. I was sitting in the middle of a restaurant one day when my daughter had a blowout poop and it leaked through her diaper, outfit, and right onto me!
Lisa’s last blog post..Toto, I’ve got a feeling we’re not in Kansas anymore!
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February 7th, 2008 at 12:55 pm
Don’t be proud. If you mother-in-law offers to do you laundry, LET HER.
Sarah, Goon Squad Sarah’s last blog post..Another SATGS PSA: On DayQuil
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February 7th, 2008 at 12:56 pm
Remember this: eventually that baby will sleep througg the night.
Sarah, Goon Squad Sarah’s last blog post..Another SATGS PSA: On DayQuil
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February 7th, 2008 at 1:16 pm
I don’t have any advice to offer (yet) because I am expecting my first child in May. I just wanted to say thanks for this post because I need all the advice I can get!!!
-Amy
Amy’s last blog post..You Make My Day Award
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February 7th, 2008 at 1:17 pm
Breatfeeding hurts for the first six weeks. If you can make it through that past it gets really really easy. It even feels good.
Sarah, Goon Squad Sarah’s last blog post..Another SATGS PSA: On DayQuil
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February 7th, 2008 at 1:21 pm
it’s okay to let them cry sometimes.
you know…so you can, um, pee.
ali’s last blog post..a conversation
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February 7th, 2008 at 2:18 pm
When weaning, when your boobs turn into giant, rock-hard…uh, rocks, cabbage leaves really help with the pain and the swelling and the rock-ness.
mamatulip’s last blog post..To sleep, perchance to dream
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February 7th, 2008 at 2:47 pm
The squirt bottle with warm water will be your friend.
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February 7th, 2008 at 2:48 pm
If you need to, sit on a doughnut. Don’t be embarrassed and suffer unnecessarily.
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February 7th, 2008 at 2:52 pm
Some may argue, but the mesh panties from the hospital are a godsend.
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February 7th, 2008 at 3:38 pm
It’s alright to cry when your baby won’t stop crying. No one is going to tell you you’re weak if you break down and it will make you feel SO much better.
And sitz baths are your friend in those first few weeks after delivery.
Chicky Chicky Baby’s last blog post..The Fisher King and his wonky liver
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February 7th, 2008 at 4:27 pm
A boppy pillow works great as a donut for the first days after birth.
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February 7th, 2008 at 4:29 pm
Buy more bibs and burp rags than you think you could even use…cause trust me, there will be 4/5 bib/burp rag days ahead. Better to have them when you need them then to have to run out to get more.
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February 7th, 2008 at 4:30 pm
Don’t feel bad about laying bibs/burp rags out to dry and reusing them. If you washed them everytime they got soaked with drool or had a little spit up on them you would be washing them twice a day.
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February 7th, 2008 at 4:34 pm
I’m with Divrchk on this one. Ask for EXTRA mesh panties while you are still in the hospital. That way, you don’t have to worry about dirtying up your undies until you are a little “less leaky”.
If you end up with a C-Section, DEFINITELY beg, plead and bribe for extra panties to take home with you. You will be much happier with them than trying to get into any other type of panties.
Christy’s last blog post..I feel so famous!
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February 7th, 2008 at 4:45 pm
So many good pieces of advice given over the years, and WAY to many that suck.
Best piece of breasfeeding advice given to me with my second child was that if I really wanted to breastfeed – that I should stick it out until they were finished 4 months old because by that time it would be so sceond nature to both mommy and baby that it would be WAY easier than bottles…..I did quite before 4 months with my first and did stick it out until the 4th month was finished with my second and it was true for her and my 3rd and 4th babies….adn they’ve all presented different challenges, but by that time we had a system down and it rocked. They all nursed for 12-15 months.
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February 7th, 2008 at 4:47 pm
The more rest(sitting down relaxing) you ACTUALLY do in the first 6 weeks post pardum, the faster you will heal resulting in less “flow” for less amount of time.
Patti’s last blog post..an Update
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February 7th, 2008 at 4:48 pm
When others offer to help out – TAKE IT! Seriously, don’t try to be supermom….if fact write out a list of things that need doig and when someone offers – show them the list and let them pick something….less stress for you trying to come up with something that you hope is not too bothersome for them to do.
Patti’s last blog post..an Update
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February 7th, 2008 at 4:51 pm
Sleep when your baby sleeps….if you end up having more, you will not be able to do this one very often as it’s a miracle if two or more kids go down at the same time. You will feel SO MUCH BETTER if you are able to get some extra sleep. I didn’t do this, and regret every moment that i could have slept and didn’t…Tiredness is a BAD, Bad thing…makes you crazy.
Patti’s last blog post..an Update
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February 7th, 2008 at 4:54 pm
Let other “less important” things (house cleaning, laundry, meetings, etc) slip by….as long as you are relishing every moment with your baby. You will never get this time with them again, and it goes by way too quickly. My biggest regret with my first was that I was too busy to stop and slow down and enjoy every little thing and moment, and now that time is gone. I can still enjoy her now, but I didn’t fully appreciate what I had when she was my only one and that infant time….Relish every moment.
Patti’s last blog post..an Update
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February 7th, 2008 at 5:31 pm
Tell her that if, by any chance, she is physically unable to breastfeed (and despite what La Leche says, there are women who CANNOT produce enough milk to sustain their babies, no matter how hard they try) — DO NOT FEEL GUILTY. As long as the baby gets what little colostrum there is, she is protected. And while breast is best, today’s formulas are NOT BAD. (They are certainly better than starving your child because you don’t want to resort to formula.)
Also — anyone who tries to tell her that if she bottle feeds, she and her child will NEVER BOND is full of shit.
Donna’s last blog post..I Scheduled a Conference — NOW What?
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February 7th, 2008 at 7:49 pm
Your sister-n-law can receive all the advice in the world and during the course of the first few weeks or months she will keep all this advice in mind. Once she becomes comfortable in her new role as Mommy she’ll fall into her own natural routine and create her own ideas of how things should be done.
Until then all she needs to concentrate on is loving her baby girl and making sure the little Angel that God has given her has everything she needs to strive and grow … Love, attention, food, a dry bottom, and lots of hugs, cuddles, and kisses.
Linda’s last blog post..Sharing some Blog Love
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February 7th, 2008 at 9:42 pm
The wool breast pads are way better than the cotton ones, they are a bit bigger, so it doesn’t look like you are wearing the bottoms of styrofoam cups in your bra and have lanolin “built in”. I bought 2 sets so I could wear one and wash one. During the winter months they were snuggly warm and helped wick away icky milky sweat during summer.
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February 7th, 2008 at 11:02 pm
She may find herself depressed and having fleeting thoughts of “what have I got myself into?”, and that’s totally normal! No one told me I’d have those thoughts, and I felt like the worst mother for occasionally wishing for my old life. Most of us feel that way at least once, and it’s OK.
Oh, and the other big piece of advice: put two sets of sheets on the crib mattress: a mattress pad, a sheet, then another pad and another sheet. Then when the baby spits up or leaks through her diaper onto the sheet in the middle of the night, you can pull off the first set and already have another set on and waiting to go. Saves a lot of time and sleep.
Christina’s last blog post..A Turning Point
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February 8th, 2008 at 12:46 am
BE SURE TO RUB BABY OIL ON YOUR BELLY EVERY DAY TO AVOID THOSE DREADED STREGHT MARKS
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February 8th, 2008 at 12:48 am
my best advice for EVERYTHING child-related:
“this too shall pass.”
janet’s last blog post..It’s the little things that make up the big things
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February 8th, 2008 at 1:08 am
Here’s something they rarely tell you before it happens(although I did find out beforehand in our Bradley class): Some time during the first year – it was at 7 months for me the first time, second time I was too busy to notice – YOUR HAIR WILL START FALLING OUT. It seems freaky even if you know it’s coming, and it seems like you will surely be bald if it keeps up, but it’s just the extra hair you didn’t know you were growing during pregnancy falling out. The hair loss is normal and you won’t go bald.
Violet the Verbose’s last blog post..All Is Well
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February 8th, 2008 at 1:14 am
And by the way, Miss Sugarpants (in the British sense of the word “pants,” apparently), I am in awe of your ability to choose exactly the right picture for your title. Hee hee hee! Do you think that baby giraffe’s brain will be enough to sustain its mama, or does she have to eat other little baby giraffe’s brains at the same time to make a full meal?
Violet the Verbose’s last blog post..All Is Well
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February 8th, 2008 at 11:39 am
Tell her to get some alone time. Dear god you need it.
It’s a saving grace for not only your sanity but I think marriage.
It’s hard but she needs to.
Christie’s last blog post..The good, the bad, and the supa-craftEEE!
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February 8th, 2008 at 1:31 pm
That advice to “sleep when the baby sleeps”? TAKE IT. For at least the first month. Your sleeping schedule will be completely screwed up anyway, so forget email or TV or trying to read a magazine, just lay the heck DOWN right after the baby goes to sleep.
Elizabeth’s last blog post..There’s no doubt she’ll be a Girl Mogul
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February 8th, 2008 at 1:54 pm
She may not instantly love motherhood,a nd it will be nothing like A Baby Story, but that that is normal, and nothing to be ashamed of.
http://www.suburbanoblivion.com/2007/01/18/what-you-dont-expect-when-you-are-expecting/
Suburban Oblivion’s last blog post..Fighting the Frump, Mardi Gras Edition (Ball Update w/pic)
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February 8th, 2008 at 3:20 pm
my advice is this; try not to hold your baby on your lap as though they are standing (while too young). My doctor and some of my friend’s doctors have told me (and them) that in doing this (since the baby’s legs and bones are still so limber and brittle) you could actually force the bones outward during growth (bow-leg and so forth). Never rush to get the baby leaning and walking with things (such as putting them in any sort of walking device when they are less than 8 months). In time they will accomplish this themselves.
Everybody wants to be able to say that their baby was walking by 10 to ll months and as great as that is, most people force their kids to walk (not by fault but more by eagerness to watch them grow) so by putting them in these devices (walkers, jumping buddies and others)remember that it may be wise just to let them get to that point on their own…(it will happen faster than you want). It’s cute to see them stand on tip-toes at an early age but it does have its down falls. I am not saying that everyone will have these issues, but it is safer to let your baby build strength with running motion while laying on their back (and you could assist with that). There are many ways to strengthen your babys growth and muscles while they lay on their back or tummy. They don’t need to be put to stand too soon.
Sorry about the long drawn out explanation…being a mom does that to you sometimes.
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February 8th, 2008 at 3:37 pm
Sniff your babies newborn smell and let that smell etch itself into your brain…it goes away too quickly.
Congratulations and good luck.
Jennifer’s last blog post..Goodnight Little Girl
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February 8th, 2008 at 4:11 pm
Paint one wall of her bedroom black and white checker board, since baby’s are best stimulated by those two shades. It’ll get her brain working at an early age.
It’s true, research has proven it.
Sarcastica’s last blog post..Not a Princess; there is no Prince.
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February 8th, 2008 at 4:26 pm
stock up on DVDs. They’re a god-send when you spend hour on hour trying to breastfeed. Once you get it down so you have a hand free, it’s great to have a stack of books and magazines to occupy your time.
AbsolutelyBananas’s last blog post..Sometimes spiders make mommies act funny
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February 8th, 2008 at 4:27 pm
make sure the nursery has
1) a nightlight
2) a COMFORTABLE chair (preferably where you can rest your head)
3) a fan. The white noise is awesome for masking sounds whil baby is sleeping.
AbsolutelyBananas’s last blog post..Sometimes spiders make mommies act funny
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February 8th, 2008 at 4:28 pm
Get your hair done before you have the baby. Who knows when you’ll have another chance, plus you might actually LIKE some of those in-the-hospital-newborn-babe-in-arms pics.
AbsolutelyBananas’s last blog post..Sometimes spiders make mommies act funny
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February 8th, 2008 at 4:29 pm
the pain doesn’t stop when the baby comes out. I wish someone had warned ME!
AbsolutelyBananas’s last blog post..Sometimes spiders make mommies act funny
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February 8th, 2008 at 6:48 pm
We live in the same town (well I live in St. T) and I had twins in August so I have some hospital specific advice if she’s having them at Vic:
- you must bring your own diapers, hospital only provides 6 (unless you get a nice nurse), they use pampers swaddlers
- they will not give you mesh panties upstairs, keep the ones from birthing centre and rinse them out
- bring your own pads or double up on hospital provided ones
- if you end up having to use formula ask for some to take home, and some of the tiny bottles they have, hospital uses similac advanced
- if dad is staying the night ask for a cot the second you get up stairs, they only have a few
- bring flip flops to wear in the shower
- if your taking tylenol 3s ask for ib profin to go with it, some nurses give it to you automatically and some don’t
- the baby stays in your room but the nurses will watch them if you want to get some sleep
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February 8th, 2008 at 7:01 pm
General Advice:
- sleepers with the feet (while very cute) didn’t work out for us, both my boys alternatively got their foot stuck up the leg because the foot was too loose to growing out of the outfit too fast because they legs where too short – we perfer sleepers with open feet and socks – Old Navy is a great place for this and they are 30% off right now, I was there this morning
- We use vasaline at every diaper change and penaten after every poop and have never had a diaper rash yet
- get lots of bibs, you go through them like crazy once they start teething (a must all the time or their shirt will be soaked)
- have thermometer and infant tylenol on hand
- if baby is crying uncontrollably or spitting up a lot or arching their back they may have reflux, and lot of babies do, don’t assume babies just spit up a lot
- if you think something is wrong then something IS wrong, trust your instincts
- I thought a bassinet was useless because you only use it for a few weeks but it turned into a godsend to have beside the bed so I wasn’t standing up every 5 minutes (could use a pack and play beside the bed too)
- do not buy very many (if any) newborn size clothes, they grow out of them way too fast, your baby may be size 0-3 at birth and will probably be size 3 – 6 long before 3 months
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February 8th, 2008 at 9:50 pm
From a daycare owner, I give you this:
Throw out every brand of diaper cream you’ve ever known, read about, or owned and purchase one tiny 4 ounce jar of Resinol and all your worries will go away!
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February 8th, 2008 at 9:52 pm
And now I give you what to do if and when you need something on top of the Resinol to keep overnight wetness away from your baby…..
I give you…
Aquafor or maybe it is Aquaphor – but it is more like 20 bucks for a really large jar of it.
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February 8th, 2008 at 10:07 pm
The Poo had a hard time every night between five and seven – still does. we call it the witching hour. When she was little, I had her in the bath by 6 p.m. every single night. The docs will tell you not to bathe an infant every night, but that warm water is so soothing to them. This bath became an important linchpin in our evening routine, which I highly recommend you begin ASAP. It helps ease into a bedtime routine. We always put her down fed and sleepy, but AWAKE. This is key. They need to learn how to sleep by themselves. Don’t let them fall asleep in your arms.
All I have to say is, the kid slept through the night at two months exactly. It was like my brain was released from prison.
Good luck!
Mrs. Chicken’s last blog post..The Haircut
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February 9th, 2008 at 12:37 am
Remember to laugh your way through a lot of the strange things your body will do. We women are machines. But it seems unfair some of the stuff that goes on. The hormones alone will make you wonder who took over your mind. But they will go away!
My best advice is take a break and go for coffee a walk, whatever you like to do. One hour(no bebe)… with your hubby and stay connected. Your baby will need a strong mommy and daddy team.
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February 9th, 2008 at 9:14 pm
Do whatever feels right about breastfeeding. If you love it and you want to do it for 2 years, then do it. If it isn’t working for you, then don’t feel guilty about having tried and then stopped. There are too many things in life to make you feel guilty and you shouldn’t feel that way about feeding your baby. Don’t worry about what other people say.
June Celver’s last blog post..Adding insult to injury
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February 9th, 2008 at 9:15 pm
Buy the elastic bottomed nightgowns. Sometimes they are draw stringed. Either way, they are amazingly convenient–especially in the middle of a sleep deprived night.
June Clever’s last blog post..Adding insult to injury
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February 9th, 2008 at 10:45 pm
One of my twins had trouble pooping when first born, put 1 TB of molasses in 4 OZ formula and tada!!
Sandra’s last blog post..Coming Along
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February 10th, 2008 at 12:34 am
I say go with the flow…. Advice is great, but nobody knows your baby or YOU better than you do….
And, ENJOY!!!
OH, re gifts: return all clothes other than sleepers and onesies that are size 0-3 months!!!
haley-o’s last blog post..And, the WINNER IS?..
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February 10th, 2008 at 12:36 am
I didn’t mean regift, by the way!!! i meant re as in REGARDING! one hand typing, baby on boob right now — hey great bumper sticker: baby on BOOB!!! …don’t worry, I’ll be alright…!
haley-o’s last blog post..And, the WINNER IS?..
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February 10th, 2008 at 1:41 am
Regular breast massage to stimulate milk production before and right after giving birth works wonders!
Goodluck to you and enjoy!
grace’s last blog post..Bloggy Giveaways – What I got
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February 10th, 2008 at 1:43 am
VERY IMPT: Sleep when the baby sleeps! Don’t bother with the messy house. That’s where husbands take over (at least for a while).
mom to p’s last blog post..Aloha Friday #13
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February 10th, 2008 at 11:07 am
Be comfortable with your decisions and trust your instincts. I had a miserable time in the hospital because the nurses and lactation consultants were rude and condescending to me and my breastfeeding skills. I finally started lying to the staff about how often and long he nursed just to get them to shut up. When I got home, things clicked and then we got on the road to a great breastfeeding relationship. I had to be confident in myself in order to lie like that, but I knew it was all going to be ok.
alli’s last blog post..Self Portrait Sunday: On being a handler
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February 10th, 2008 at 11:39 am
Early on, leave the house and do something nice for yourself, leaving the baby in the care of your partner. No mothers in law to help, just the baby and your partner. It’s amazing how many (usually fathers) want to parent but feel like they don’t “know how” and quickly default into “helping.” If your partner has some equal responsibility for diapering, feeding, sleeping then life will be MUCH EASIER and feel more balanced. Plus they’ll feel more bonded to the bambino – bonding happens in as many of the hard moments as the fun easy ones. And if you’re out of the house you can be taking care of yourself and you won’t be tempted to rush in and rescue your partner when you hear the diapers falling onto the floor while the baby is squalling….
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February 10th, 2008 at 12:41 pm
* learn to nurse lying down
* get a sling and use it, your baby will be infinitely happier snuggled up to you
mamaloo’s last blog post..Out Of The Mouths Of Babes #588
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February 10th, 2008 at 1:18 pm
You can put the baby down on the floor or other safe surface, even if they scream, long enough to go to the bathroom, get dressed, etc. It’s not as long as it seems, and they will be fine!
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February 10th, 2008 at 1:19 pm
Also, after the first couple of weeks, (or earlier if you are up to it),try to leave the house every day, even if it’s just to go to the pharmacy or walk around the block, you feel so much more like a person that way!
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February 10th, 2008 at 1:40 pm
Be prepared for the one size fits all mesh underwear the hospital provides. I thought my friend was joking when she told me about them. But alas, no.
Have some comfy clothes that you like. You’ll sleep in them, wear them out and then wonder the last time you changed your clothes
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February 10th, 2008 at 2:16 pm
If your mommy instincts are telling you there’s something funny going on, listen to them. My son had a weird leg rash (the doctor prescribed a cortisone cream), colic-like symptoms, but not full-blown colic, and NEVER slept through the night. He would also have screaming fits if I had a bit too much dairy in a meal. Finally, I gave him yogurt at 8 months old, and he vomited and got hives. Finally, the doctor said that he had allergies. I should have trusted my instincts from the beginning, and gone off dairy a lot sooner.
Gladys’s last blog post..How to make chocolate lollipops
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February 10th, 2008 at 2:19 pm
Our household rule is: whatever gets everyone the most sleep. If that means that baby sleeps with you, then that’s what happens. Every baby has a personality, and that determines how much or how little contact they need with you. Some babies NEED to be held while others have more placid personalities and can calm themselves a lot more easily. Again, trust your own instincts, not everyone else’s advice.
Gladys’s last blog post..How to make chocolate lollipops
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February 10th, 2008 at 4:16 pm
It’s impossible to spoil a baby.
Conversely, no baby ever died of crying.
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February 10th, 2008 at 4:19 pm
When you get to those days where nothing on your to-do list has gotten done, and you have no idea where the past 4 hours went, and you’re not sure when the last time you ate was, and you feel like you’ve somehow managed to do absolutely nothing ALL day…just ask yourself one question: “Does my child feel loved?” If you can say yes, then nothing else matters.
Euphrasie’s last blog post..Relatives over the Holidays
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February 10th, 2008 at 4:20 pm
It is okay to call your baby’s doctor at home.
Euphrasie’s last blog post..Relatives over the Holidays
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February 10th, 2008 at 4:22 pm
Before baby arrives, make some dinners that you can put in the freezer. It will save lots of despair, panic, and sanity later when people stop offering to bring something over.
Euphrasie’s last blog post..Relatives over the Holidays
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February 10th, 2008 at 4:24 pm
Have a birth plan…but be prepared to ditch it when you actually get to the hospital.
You can plan to have natural birth and be screaming for drugs later. You can plan for an epidural and have things move too fast to get one. You can plan to go with the flow and panic when you have to get a C-section.
Plans are nice, but anything that gets the baby here safely is okay.
Euphrasie’s last blog post..Relatives over the Holidays
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February 10th, 2008 at 4:26 pm
Have someone look over the birth certificate for you before you turn it in. You may be really tired and/or drugged up after the birth, and you don’t want to pay fees afterward when you find you’ve written your name on the line for the doctor’s name or the baby’s name on the line for Daddy’s occupation.
Euphrasie’s last blog post..Relatives over the Holidays
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February 10th, 2008 at 4:27 pm
Tide to Go pens will be your friend. Put one or two in the diaper bag.
Euphrasie’s last blog post..Relatives over the Holidays
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February 10th, 2008 at 4:29 pm
If you get hungry in the hospital, you don’t have to wait for them to bring trays around. There should be a fridge and snack area you can raid for extra custards, juices, peanut butter and crackers…
Euphrasie’s last blog post..Relatives over the Holidays
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February 10th, 2008 at 4:35 pm
Bring some receiving blankets to the hospital for positioning the baby in the carseat. I’ve never been able to get the straps tight enough for a brand new baby, and the nurses won’t let you leave until the baby passes a carseat check. Roll the blankets up in long tubes. Fold two in half to put on either side of the baby, and wrap a third between baby’s legs around the center latch.
Euphrasie’s last blog post..Relatives over the Holidays
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February 10th, 2008 at 4:39 pm
Take the free stuff. The hospital most likely won’t let you keep any of the blankets/washcloths/linens, but hats, combs, vaseline tubes, pacifiers, extra diapers, alcohol wipes, sanitary pads, nursing cream samples, peri bottles, etc. should all be fair game. Check with a nurse to find out what you can keep, and take it all!
Euphrasie’s last blog post..Relatives over the Holidays
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February 10th, 2008 at 6:32 pm
Practice saying YES … once the baby arrives you will benefit from having practice accepting help and being able to ask for help when you need! The sooner you get over “not wanting to be a bother” the better!
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February 10th, 2008 at 6:44 pm
The easiest and most versatile breatfeeding clothes are faux wrap tops! I have them in long sleeve and short sleeves in every color of the rainbow. Underneath I wear the breastfeeding camisoles from Target. I also love many colors offered from Glamourmom, but they are twice as much. Wear this top with skirts, shorts, jeans, whatever. They are good all the time.
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February 10th, 2008 at 6:52 pm
Get yourself a sling. They are very versitile and comfortable and make breastfeeding in public very discreet. I even use mine as a leash for my 2 yr old in a pinch. You can buy them from la leche league or if you or someone you know sews, you can very easily find free instructions to make one online.
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February 10th, 2008 at 6:56 pm
One thing to take home from the hospital, the bulb syringes they use when the baby is first born to clean up the babies airway. They will have extra ones still in the package in the room. Take home as many as you can, They will come in handy whenever the baby has a stuffed up nose until baby is able to blow her own nose. After each use, rinse well with soapy water.
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February 10th, 2008 at 6:58 pm
When breastfeeding at night, you will most likely leak a little on the bed. Buy a waterproof bed mat to sleep on top of. (The kind used for potty training kids)
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February 10th, 2008 at 7:20 pm
I haven’t read all of the comments yet so hopefully I am not giving repeat advice.
I just had my fourth baby and I didn’t realize it was normal to stop bleeding for a week or two and then start up heavily again. I stopped around three weeks and then started again after about 8 days. Bled for another five days, stopped again for over a week and then started again for another week and a half. I was still lightly bleeding 7 weeks post partum and the doctor said it was fine. Even with baby four there are surprises!
Also, the belly bands that are great use during pregnancy are just as great afterwards. I used them to hide the panel on my maternity pants because my regular pants didn’t fit. Then I used them when I could get my regular pants on, but not buttoned. Now I use them to help hide my poochy belly that needs another few thousand sit-ups before it doesn’t show. Here is my blog post about the bands when I was pregnant:
http://whim.nordquist.org/?p=91 (sorry, can’t figure out how to hyperlink)
Kim N’s last blog post..Tales Of An Eavesdropper
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February 10th, 2008 at 10:11 pm
The Kangaroo Korner pouch saved me. I tried other baby slings and front pouch carriers, but this one is the absolute best. Baby doesn’t even know someone isn’t holding them. You just tuck them right in they curl up and drift off to sleep.
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February 11th, 2008 at 12:21 am
Get your baby used to noise in the house. Let the baby nap near the TV while it’s on, talk in a normal voice around the baby while she is sleeping. Don’t tell visitors to be quiet while the baby is sleeping, let them talk normally. Your baby will get so used to this! Both our kids learned to sleep through the dog barking, doorbell ringng,phone ringing, TV noise etc…
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February 11th, 2008 at 1:02 am
drink everytime you nurse and while nursing don’t let your arm touch your side (it can cause blocked ducts, your don’t have to keep your arm away very just a tiny bit) I did that the second time and I had no blocked ducts unlike with my first baby.
If your baby does get diaper rash the best medicine is air, just have the baby lay in the diaper instaed of in it. Lastly if you are only nursing the poop can be liquidy and it can shoot out, watch out.
Noreen’s last blog post..Contests
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February 11th, 2008 at 1:08 am
How about, the first 6 months sucks ass and during that time, you are allowed to drink wine or cocktails in the backyard, garage, bathroom or closet to make the time pass quickly.
or maybe I should say, it’s all rainbows, puppy dogs and fairy tales.
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February 11th, 2008 at 1:46 am
It’s all well and good for people to say to sleep when the baby sleeps, ignore housework, etc… but you can only do that if it comes naturally to you. If ignoring the housework means that you are going to be depressed about the state of the house, by all means – clean the house so you can relax and feel good about it. If you are not a natural napper and you’d rather have the time in front of a book – then go ahead and read when the baby sleeps. Just try to get sleep when you can, and don’t worry about all the people exhorting you to sleep when the baby does.
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February 11th, 2008 at 1:51 am
Don’t take any dogma too seriously. For my first baby, I read “The Baby Book” by Dr. Sears from cover to cover, tried to follow it to a tea, ran myself ragged trying to respond to every whimper, and beat myself up over not being able to get any sleep with the baby in bed with me, and occasionally using the word “No” to the baby. With my second baby, I was much more well-rounded. I am all for attachment parenting, but if it doesn’t work for you, then it doesn’t. Go with what works. You are not going to damage the baby for life by not cosleeping, or by using disposable diapers, or letting the baby “cry it out” to sleep, or anything else like that. Whatever works best for the family (all members, including you!) will work best for the baby, despite anyone else’s “parenting philosophy.”
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February 11th, 2008 at 1:56 am
Consider having your baby at home. I have had one in the hospital and one at home, and there is no question that the homebirth was better for every single person in my family. No question in my mind – if we have another baby, it will be at home.
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February 11th, 2008 at 1:57 am
Definitely get a sling. It’s essential for getting a little baby calm sometimes, and for keeping an older baby engaged with the environment but restrained at the same time.
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February 11th, 2008 at 2:03 am
My advice is for the slightly older mother, but it was a mantra for us:
Remember, she will not be sucking a dummy and in a nappy at the age of 16 – everything will happen in good time.
jeanie’s last blog post..Jeanie’s Gunna Post
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February 11th, 2008 at 5:13 am
All those people who tell you “go out and have fun when they are still little and portable?” Ignore them. If your baby doesn’t mind the car seat or the car, okay, fine. But if your child screams every minute in the car (and plenty of them do for the first few months) then don’t feel pushed to be the woman about town. There’s this weird kind of pressure to prove to people that you can do it all and nothing has changed. Go easy on yourself. Go easy on the babe. Let other people run to the store for you. Stroll around the block or to the park – babies like the outside, not the back seat. After a few weeks – maybe five weeks – the babe will start finding some kind of routine that is not based on going places. Just go with it, and love her, and reject any external pressure of any kind.
And that relative who tells you she mopped all her floors every day when her babies were young? Ignore her too. She means well, but she has clearly lost her memory and her mind.
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February 11th, 2008 at 8:58 am
My advice? Take everything from that hospital curette that’s not nailed down. Diapers, formula samples (even if breastfeeding — you may need them in case of emergency and you can always donate them), pacifier samples (ibid), and definitely hospital supplies. You’re not supposed to take the teeny hospital cap & t-shirt, but I snuck one away from each baby because they are never that tiny again and it’s a great keepsake! (Sorry, Northwestern Memorial.)
Things to ask a nurse nicely for before you leave:
- Those blue disposable bed pads you’re sleeping on there. Great for preventing accidents while you’re recovering, and awesome portable, disposable changing pads.
- DEFINITELY take the soft, disposable paper wipes they give you. Nobody told me you can’t use baby wipes until the baby is several weeks old, so these came in handy. Dipped in a little warm water, they were perfect wipes for bottoms, faces, and even portable washcloths.
- Ask for additional perineal ice packs, disposable net “underwear,” and the bulky perineal pads they have you use. The pads are not comfortable but they work, and the net underwear allow healing parts to breathe and hold the pads on. (And save your own underwear from irreparable damage.)
The perineal ice packs are a godsend while you’re recovering. I relied on those more than on Vicodin (and I’d still have that epidural in if they’d let me, so that’s saying something).
Most of all, best of luck to the growing family!
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February 11th, 2008 at 9:57 am
Whatever gets the most people in your family the most sleep, do.
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February 11th, 2008 at 10:42 am
Those open-bottom sleepers (no legs, just a dress-like shape with elastic at the bottom) are a lifesaver! They make for easy diaper changing, especially in the middle of the night.
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February 11th, 2008 at 10:45 am
Always pack a change of clothes FOR YOURSELF in the diaper bag (or the car). Babies look perfectly normal covered in drool, spit-up, etc. and really don’t mind the mess, whereas you might prefer to be somewhat presentable in public.
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February 11th, 2008 at 10:47 am
Babies will not be harmed by an occasional nap in a carseat. If your child falls asleep in the car and you are able to transport them into the house without waking them, put the seat in a quiet place and enjoy the break.
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February 11th, 2008 at 10:53 am
When your baby yawns the first time, nap her! Nap her asap to prevent an over tired baby trying to fall asleep.
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February 11th, 2008 at 11:31 am
- have a regular once a week date for yourself, your spouse/partner will be forced to be more involved in the baby’s upbringing and you will enjoy time for reflection and peace for yourself
- burn flour http://crafterscommunity.com/forum/baby-book/2423-burned-flour-diaper-rash.html for a diaper rash
- sleep as much as you can
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February 11th, 2008 at 12:32 pm
Instead of buying a wipe warmer, stick a couple wipes under your breast while you undress your baby for a diaper change. By the time you’re ready to wipe, they are toasty warm.
Buy thin, foldable cloth diapers to use as burp clothes. Once laundered, they are super absorbent, and they work better than anything that’s actually made to be a burp cloth. Because of how thin they are, they are also very good at quickly drying pump parts and bottles.
Rummage sales are the best places to buy baby clothes. Let someone else pay full price for clothes her child probably only wore five times before they grew out of them.
Cheryl’s last blog post..Can’t. Seem. To. Get. It. Done.
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February 11th, 2008 at 1:42 pm
If you have a Dream Dinners, Super Suppers, or other freezer dinner franchise, get stocked up now! Better yet, if someone wants to host a shower for you, ask them to make it a private party at one of these places and you won’t have to cook (or worry about getting too many baby clothes!)
Diana S.’s last blog post..Let Me Introduce Myself…
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February 11th, 2008 at 1:44 pm
If by chance you have a c-section (I had 2), holding a little pillow against your tummy when you have to cough or get up really helps those first few days…
Diana S.’s last blog post..Let Me Introduce Myself…
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February 11th, 2008 at 1:47 pm
As for diaper creams, I’ve tried all the usuals (A & D, Desitin, etc.), but for my daughter, nothing works as well as the Burt’s Bees stuff. I like that it’s not full of chemicals, too!
And here’s a hint: I’m 99% sure that the Dr. Burt’s Herbal Defense Ointment is the same thing! It’s much cheaper and I’ve been using it on my daughter’s bum with the same great results.
Diana S.’s last blog post..Let Me Introduce Myself…
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February 11th, 2008 at 4:21 pm
As the mom of a 12 year old the best thing I have done in those twelve years is use the inside of my kitchen cabinets for important phone numbers.
One cabinet is for doctors, the vet and pediatricians & also for the superintendent & management of my apartment building, the newspaper delivery guy and other apartment related phone numbers.
Another cabinet door is for my daughter’s friends,
one is for my friends & family members
and another is for the really good take out places nearby.
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February 11th, 2008 at 5:21 pm
When you just can’t take the screams of a colicky baby, its OK to put baby in the crib or hand him over to someone else to pace with him. And then go take a long, hot shower with the fan on so you don’t hear anything else.
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February 11th, 2008 at 5:23 pm
A sling can be a godsend, especially for shopping and outings with an older child. The baby will go to sleep cuddled next to your heart.
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February 11th, 2008 at 5:26 pm
Pick a CD you really love and use that to signal sleep time. We’re still thankful we did this 4 years later. (I suggest a CD of mixed classical music as the least likely to drive-you-nuts after the 900th hearing. Which is less than a year of naps and nights!)
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February 11th, 2008 at 5:27 pm
Find the local drop-in centre or parent hang-out. Isolation is deadly, especially in the dead of winter.
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February 11th, 2008 at 5:29 pm
If you feel overwhelmed, down, or can’t sleep for more than 2 weeks, talk to your doctor, your pediatrician, a public health nurse and get support! Postpartum depression is real, not your fault, and can be treated.
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February 11th, 2008 at 5:33 pm
Jot little notes about “firsts” on the calendar, so you can go back to correlate pictures and other events together.
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February 11th, 2008 at 6:02 pm
When it’s cold outside, and baby’s pants (if you have a boy like me) inevitably ride up, cut off some old socks and put the ankle part around baby’s legs to keep them warm. Someone markets this idea as Babylegs, but I just use old socks. It works great and still looks cute!
Allison’s last blog post..N.T. Wright in TIME
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February 11th, 2008 at 6:05 pm
Buy a pouch sling and keep it rolled up in the diaper bag. It is great for short trips in and out of stores, and can double as a nursing cover, changing pad, and blanket in a pinch! One good brand is Hotslings, but Lucky Baby has great sale prices!
Allison’s last blog post..N.T. Wright in TIME
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February 11th, 2008 at 6:12 pm
Definitely take the hospital provided formula (and if you get it) the bag, even if you’re breastfeeding. I had an emergency and had to go back to the hospital soon after our son was born — he lived on the hospital formula for two days while I was away! And I only had one bottle in the house — even if you’re breastfeeding, at least have 2! Also, the black free diaper bag is actually the most practical…I’m sad I gave mine away!
Allison’s last blog post..N.T. Wright in TIME
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February 11th, 2008 at 7:36 pm
Breastfeeding is a *learned* behavior for both you and your baby. DON’T BE AFRAID TO ASK FOR HELP.
Renée’s last blog post..Straddling
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February 11th, 2008 at 11:08 pm
Keep Tylenol and Motrin in your diaper bag at all times. (This tip from a mother whose infant son had a febrile seizure while they were in a car wash.)
Lotta’s last blog post..Free Facial
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February 11th, 2008 at 11:14 pm
Cook extra casseroles and such in the weeks before – even go so far as to prep ground beef ahead and freeze it, and cook extra chicken breasts. Plop those suckers in the freezer and you’ve got most of dinner done.
But wait to use those until all of the food people brings you is finished.
carmen’s last blog post..A Room With A View
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February 11th, 2008 at 11:19 pm
I found that just getting on in the regular tub with my baby made his baths lots easier- and fun! And- this works great- use a washcloth held to the baby’s head to wet for shampoo and and to rinse it. If you use only a bit of water at a time when you squeeze the washcloth, you have more control and won’t need to worry about getting water or shampoo in his/her eyes.
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February 12th, 2008 at 1:53 am
If she gets an episiotomy, go ahead and take a mild stool-softener to stave off later issues…don’t wait until you’re constipated and then take a fast-acting dose at night…baaaad idea.
InterstellarLass’s last blog post..Reconnecting
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February 12th, 2008 at 1:55 am
When the baby gets a little older, don’t be afraid to let them cry a little. Sometimes they rouse slightly but don’t really need a feeding or change. Letting them fuss through a few wimpers is OK.
InterstellarLass’s last blog post..Reconnecting
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February 12th, 2008 at 1:58 am
Don’t be afraid to push the doctors if you have questions…undiagnosed whooping cough at 6 weeks can freak you out…but doctors aren’t gods and aren’t always right. Get your money’s worth at the checkups and ask questions!
InterstellarLass’s last blog post..Reconnecting
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February 12th, 2008 at 1:59 am
The suction bulb is mommy’s best friend. They hate it, but clearing their nasal passages from colds makes everyone happier.
InterstellarLass’s last blog post..Reconnecting
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February 12th, 2008 at 8:30 am
Inevitably, the baby will roll off the changing table, the bed, whatever. It’s gonna happen. So make sure things are nice and cushy and don’t berate yourself too badly.
There’s a reason why we don’t remember much until the age of 4
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February 12th, 2008 at 8:53 am
If a natural birth, Lanocain (or is it Lidocain?) can be a lifesaver. Antibacterial and pain-relieving… ahhhhhhh.
Sitting on the couch, constantly nursing and watching HGTV while crying is absolutely normal and will eventually NOT be your normal daily routine.
Remember they will sleep through the night. Someday. And it will feel amazing.
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February 12th, 2008 at 11:12 am
The best advice I received is to cook and store one (if not two) week supplies of dinner for your family. Just microwave your dinner each night – saves you time and hassles. You can devote more time for your little precious bundle of joy and get the sleep you need.
Congrats!
DoubleHappiness’s last blog post..Usborne Book Ultimate Blog Party
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February 12th, 2008 at 11:48 am
I prepped my house two months before my baby was even born. I thought I was ready for anything & everything. I had everything washed, set, and put together. But why was I at Target the second day that I was home from the hospital with my baby? My mom thought I was nuts for taking the baby out that early (actually a woman came up to me & asked me how old my daugther was & I told her 5 days old & she looked at me like I should be put away). However, I needed more washcloths, more onesies and more bath towels. I never knew how often you actually go through those things!
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February 12th, 2008 at 11:50 am
Oh yeah..one more thing..the first few days are really tough on you–no one tells you the real deal on what labor & delivery does to your body..it helps to tell her what to expect (all of the grusome details)..
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February 12th, 2008 at 12:00 pm
Parenting Advice:
Do some shopping before the baby comes. Not the fun, cute, adorable baby shopping but the shopping trip that will save a loved one some serious humiliation. Stock up (well just get one- hopefully you won’t need a stock of these things) on the following: Stool softeners, MAXI-pads (yes- MAXI), nipple cream, nipple soothies and nursing pads (all for the breast-feeders of course), hemorrhoid pads, hemorrhoid cream, and some Midol for it all. (now all of this would be under the advisement of a doctor. Feel free to use as many maxi-pads as you see fit). See what I mean? This doesn’t make a new dad or mother-in-law excited to “help you out.” It just makes them scared to ask the second time- afraid you might send them on another embarrassing mission of sorts. Not meant to scare you either – I’ve just learned to laugh about all of it- I’ve found that’s all I do these days. Parenting is the most fun you’ll ever have and you’ll likely find yourself laughing more than you ever imagined. Best Wishes.
Graco Advice:
Instruction manuals and registration cards- what a bland topic for this exciting time but surprisingly important when it comes to baby stuff. First things first- save them. Don’t toss them aside in the flurry of opening all the wonderful shower gifts you may receive. If the product has a spot to keep the instruction manual with it, do that (like a car seat and playard). If not, keep them all in a folder together somewhere. Second tip- Read them. Some of the products may seem self-explanatory but never assume- always read. (much different than parenting where “winging it” is the only option considering there is no instruction manual for babies!) Third tip- Fill out the registration card and mail it in. These are used to alert you if there is ever a product issue or recall. (or save the stamp and register your product online). Get these little things organized now because once the baby comes, a lot of other things become a priority (as you can imagine!)
Lindsay Lebresco (Graco)’s last blog post..Not MY Child!
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February 12th, 2008 at 12:15 pm
When it comes time to potty train, don’t stress yourself out. Bribery is always a good motivator for toddlers, but if they aren’t ready, then no amount of bribery will help. Unless you have a child who is unusually interested in the potty right at 2 years old, wait another 6 months to start.
June Clever’s last blog post..Tantrums. I think I’d like to have one of my own.
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February 12th, 2008 at 12:17 pm
Several weeks before you’re due, start preparing food and putting it away in the freezer. Stack it neatly in a chest freezer (if you have one) and post an inventory outside the freezer which states what the dishes are in the order they were put in. That way, if you really want lasagna, you’ll know where to find it instead of digging around like crazy. I did this for my 4th child and it was a lifesaver!
June Clever’s last blog post..Tantrums. I think I’d like to have one of my own.
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February 12th, 2008 at 12:19 pm
We preferred our small, portable swing to the large traditionally sized one. We didn’t really move the swing around the house a lot, but if we needed to it was possible. What we loved about it was the compactness of it. It wasn’t in the way. The only downside is having to bend all the way down to put the baby in it, but really that wasn’t even bad.
June Clever’s last blog post..Tantrums. I think I’d like to have one of my own.
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February 12th, 2008 at 12:20 pm
Buy a Bjorn carrier or a sling. They are wonderful and great in public when total strangers feel the need to come up and touch your child. They aren’t quite as grabby when the baby is actually attached to you.
June Clever’s last blog post..Tantrums. I think I’d like to have one of my own.
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February 12th, 2008 at 12:35 pm
From a Dad’s perspective…
Parenting Advice:
You don’t have to go it alone – real men change dirty diapers too! If a dad can change a flat tire, he can change a diaper – he doesn’t even need a wrench.
Beware the books; Some are certainly worthwhile, but my wife read one parenting book that actually advocated getting the child’s buy-in on a suitable punishment for misbehavior. We did. His response? ”Ummmmm…..Ice Cream?!?” Duh! Friends,family and your instincts won’t lead you astray.
Graco Advice:
When it comes to child passenger safety, remember “Rear to a Year.” Infants should ride rear-facing until they have reached at least 1 year of age and weigh at least 20 pounds. Read and understand your car seat owner’s manual so you install and use it correctly. Visit a Child Safety Seat Inspection Station or a car seat check in your area to check your work and learn more about child passenger safety so you can worry less and enjoy the wonder of parenting.
Some Car seat links you may find helpful:
http://www.usa.safekids.org/skbu/cps/index.html
http://www.aap.org/family/carseatguide.htm
http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/cps/cpsfitting/index.cfm
http://www.carseat.org/
Jon D (Graco)’s last blog post..Not MY Child!
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February 12th, 2008 at 2:42 pm
My best tip: Have a couple of kids when you’re young, then have a couple more kids when you’re a bit older. Then when you want to go on a date with your husband, you’ll have free babysitters for the younger two. Brilliant? I think so.
Sassy’s last blog post..Healthy hair.
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February 12th, 2008 at 2:44 pm
My second best tip: Duct tape. Handyman’s secret weapon? No, a frazzled mother’s best friend.
PS. For older kids obviously, sheesh, you don’t duct tape babies. That would be wrong.
Sassy’s last blog post..Healthy hair.
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February 12th, 2008 at 2:46 pm
Third tip: Hire a nanny. But make sure she’s ugly. Just ask Uma Thurman about THAT.
Sassy’s last blog post..Healthy hair.
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February 12th, 2008 at 4:53 pm
* Use the peri (squirt) bottle every time you pee. It keeps the burning around the incisions to a minimum.
* I second the whole “It’s not uncommon for a newborn girl to bleed from her lady business.” Can be shocking if you don’t have a heads up.
* The skin on my baby’s hands and feet peeled for the first day or two. Weird but normal (apparently).
* Giving your baby a bottle of formula to get through the first couple of nights will *not* screw up your milk supply and does *not* make you a bad mom!
* If your baby starts to sleep long stretches early on, try to get in a pumping session to build up a supply of frozen milk. Also be sure to pump right before going to bed if you have a good sleeper to prevent engorgement.
* Do NOT give your child solid food before four months. It does not help them sleep through the night (if it did, my 6mos old would sleep like a champ) and can put them at risk for food allergies. There is good science behind this!
brigita’s last blog post..Hell Hath No Fury…
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February 12th, 2008 at 5:00 pm
I forgot the best tip: Install a light dimmer in the nursery! Sets a sleepy tone when going down and keeps them (and you!) sleepy for those midnight feedings.
brigita’s last blog post..My Cancer Anthem
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February 12th, 2008 at 5:50 pm
stacking cups. if my kid had only one toy, it would be stacking cups. they are $3.
i have 2 sets. i travel with them. i use them in the tub. you can use them into their preschool age if you’re really creative!
so yes – stacking cups
i seriously think this tip was worth the $50
congrats on the new baby
xo
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February 12th, 2008 at 6:01 pm
relax and get ready for the best thing in life – do what feels “right” to you – and a BIG congrats – kids are the coolest!
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February 12th, 2008 at 6:13 pm
Best tip I wish someone had told me:
ACCEPT every offer of help that’s extended to you. Say YES to neighbors who want to bring meals and coworkers with armfuls of hand-me-down clothes and baby gear. Never in your life will people come out of the woodwork to support you more than they will right after you have a baby. It’s the hardest thing you’ll have ever encountered so ACCEPT the help!
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February 12th, 2008 at 6:16 pm
Have some formula on hand just in case you need to supplement. Nothing feels more defeating than having to run out to a grocery in the middle of the night b/c your boobs aren’t producing enough milk.
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February 12th, 2008 at 10:28 pm
The one I wish someone had told me?
Even after the first flush of your water breaking, you will still continue to produce amniotic fluid, meaning that you will still feel like you’re peeing uncontrollably for awhile after your water breaks.
PandoraWilde’s last blog post..Chibi Update
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February 12th, 2008 at 10:48 pm
Forget the bulb syringes- they’re barely better than nothing. Get a http://www.nosefrida.com- for real- it works better than anything else. And no, the baby’s boogers won’t get in your mouth!
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February 13th, 2008 at 12:53 am
Forget the “do this” “don’t do that” advice. Do what you are willing to do every day.
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February 13th, 2008 at 11:22 am
One thing that saved my sanity after my two children were born was something my mom shared with me. Thank jebus!
Mom brought me a bag filled with Tucks Medicated Pads. I thought she was crazy! I didn’t have hemorrhoids! What I didn’t know was that they could be used on your “lady bits” to soothe the pain and/or itching from tears, stretching or swelling.
Seriously. Sanity saved!
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February 13th, 2008 at 11:35 am
Oh, and MYLACON drops! Holy hell, those are a life saver for the gassy baby.
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February 13th, 2008 at 11:38 am
Learning you babies language is a powerful tool. My sister used this and I swear on my last piece of cake they work.
http://www.dunstanbaby.com/
She was on Oprah with some new moms and they loved it!
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February 13th, 2008 at 12:16 pm
Save the receipt when you buy a pack of diapers. When you get home, tape it to the front of the pack. That way, if the rugrat outgrows them before you get to use them, you can take them back and get a bigger size! (Some stores require a receipt to exchange).
Christy’s last blog post..WFMW: No time for Christmas Cards?
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February 13th, 2008 at 2:15 pm
Relax and follow your heart.
Get a sling!
Baby wearing saved my life.
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February 13th, 2008 at 4:32 pm
If your mom (or other close relative or friend) offers to come over accept right away. I spent months pre-baby telling my mom that I wanted minimal help during my maternity leave. Fast forward to the realization that I was too sleep-deprived to drive and couldn’t get a simple household chore done without someone to watch the baby and I had to eat a lot of crow. Even worse, refusing the offers ahead of time could lead to them actually believing you. As in love with your child as you will be you will appreciate the chance to nap, do laundry or even have a little date with your spouse.
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February 14th, 2008 at 2:25 am
i was a postpartum/newborn nursery nurse before i had my baby last july. i never questioned that i would exclusively breastfeed baby girl. well, after a rough pregnancy, rough delivery that ended in a c-section, rough recovery complete with wound infection and narcotics for the first month of my baby’s life, i began to question whether breastfeeding was as important as my overall mental health (this is a rare experience that i understand is called the “nurses curse” so do not feel alarmed
. i was so tired! nobody told me how all consumming breastfeeding can be in the beginning. i had such a hard time getting it together to just leave the house (and believe me, i NEEDED to leave the house).the guilt i felt about quiting breastfeeding was terrible. how could i deny my baby the best of everything? well, the realization that i WAS giving my baby the best, as in a more mentally stable and happier mom was a great relief. as my nurse practitioner advised me (per her mom), “you are going to feel guilty no matter what you do. i did everything the opposite of how you are doing it and i still felt guilty.” i just loved this. YOU have to make the right decisions that work for you and baby and dad. just be patient and take it day by day. and don’t feel guilty if your original plans fall through. you are going to be a great parent and make choices that best fit for your family and circumstances, not some preconcieved book ideal of motherhood, of shoulds and shouldn’ts. best of luck to you.
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February 14th, 2008 at 4:39 am
You may not bond with your baby right away, no matter how much you wanted her. You may wonder who this little person is, and find her frequently surprisingly boring and/or annoying. It is fine and if not universal, it is a normal reaction. You are OK. It will pass. As much as hate to talk about it, and adore my daughter, I wasn’t 100% into having her around until I could put her down and leave the room for a minute. That was about 6 weeks, since we attachment parent and don’t leave her somewhere if she is unhappy. My friends said it was at least 6 months until they just loved their daughter without feeling sort of reserved about it.
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February 14th, 2008 at 4:44 am
Your baby is a little person. If she is freaking out, speak to her in a soothing voice, and try hard to make eye contact. Picking her up and doing that was one of the only things that helped sometimes. I could spend hours doing things to her (bouncing, rocking, feeding, etc) only to have her calm when I got her to look into my eyes.
At the same time, your baby is a little animal. She just wants to be physically lose to her mama animal. Physical contact most of the time makes for a happier baby.
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February 14th, 2008 at 4:52 am
I’m all about internet research. Having said that, remember that many online parenting sites are sponsored by baby product companies, and take them with a grain of salt. This means they are pro-formula, encourage table foods too soon, and make you feel like you need to buy way too much. As an attachment/natural parenting person, babycenter.com started to seem wrong to me at about 4 months. Better sites are kellymom.com for breastfeeding info, and askdrsears.com plus Dr. Jay Gordon’s site for other stuff. Remember that people who post on message boards, like the babycenter.com ones and Mamasource, are not medical experts, and even if they say their doctor rec’d something, that doctor may have been practicing for 30 years and be giving what is generally now considered bad advice. For that matter, you don’t know if they really are who they say they are.
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February 14th, 2008 at 5:32 am
In case baby doesn’t always love the car and fall asleep in the car seat, these things help:
1. Have a goofy buckling song, and ham it up. Smile big and make eye conact. Ours goes: “Pulling your arm through (wiggle arm), pulling your arm through (wiggle arm), buckling the buckle, BUCKLING THE BUCKLE! Yay!!!!!You’re in you car seat! (help baby clap) ”
2. Put a rattle or other small toy on a pacifier clip and clip it to baby. Shake it or whatever to get baby interested. You can use a pacifier too of course but my baby mostly rejected them.
3. For longish trips, either have one of you sit in the back with some books, or, if you are alone, have back up toys in the front. I keep a rattle and a silicone spatula (best teething toy EVER) in the front of the car, and when she drops the toy that is clipped to her or complains, I pass one back.
4. If you think baby might be fussy in the car, you can also strap her in and then read a short, fun book to her before you drive off. I do this every time I have been lugging baby around mostly ignoring her,and have to get back in the car. I feel like her attention tank is a little more full that way and she is slower to feel neglected and angry back there.
5. If you think your baby is sleepy, sing lullabies once you start driving.
6. For that matter, any singing can help if baby is starting to complain.
7. Get a mirror that allows you to see the baby in the rear-facing seat. This is the one thing my baby safety teacher said is not sure to be safe that I use, because it looks fine to me and I want to see if she is screaming because she is stuck somehow, or dropped the toy, or whatever.
8. If the crying gets hysterical, pull over. Nursing is the best soothing thing, but walking around hugging your baby very firmly (like swaddling) or in a strap on carrier can elp too. If you are in the right place this can actually be a great opportunity to stop in a store for a thing or 2 you’ve been needing–just don’t try to take a hysterical baby in to try on clothes!
9. When you stop at a light you can sometimes calm your baby by reaching back and giving her pets and squeezes. Please do not do this while driving! It is very tempting and very dangerous!
10. If you can have someone sitting in the back, hand play rhymes can distract your baby. We do one from Itsy Bitsy Yoga (available in the book) called baby Planet I think, where you touch baby’s head and feet and move her arms around. If she is crying, but not hysterical, she stops while I am doing this, and then starts again when I stop. That sounds sort of futile, but it helps her lat longer without really losing it, and often we just need a few more minutes to get home.
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February 14th, 2008 at 2:35 pm
[...] Thanks to everyone who participated in the contest to give my sister-in-law the best advice you had! [...]
February 15th, 2008 at 5:05 pm
[...] the Mothership and the paper pony.> Hot Contests: Submit your best mommy tip to win $50 from Karen Sugarpants, then sign up for the Joggermom giveaway at Houses, Couches, and Babies and the Kai Kids grand [...]
March 3rd, 2008 at 3:38 pm
[...] this afternoon, Thomas, Gramma and I are going to my sister-in-law’s. You know, the one that is pregnant that you gave all the good advice to? Yeah her. Her hubs is away so us ladies + Thomas are going to totally look after her and pray to [...]
March 4th, 2008 at 2:44 pm
I know the contest is over but here’s my 2 cents. Either you get a sleeper or you do not. There is very little you can do besides try to mitigate the wakings if you don’t get a sleeper by figuring out where your kid sleeps best (with you, near you, without you, etc) and how (w/ pacifier, w/ boob, w/ lovey, w/ hands entangled in your hair…). Sleep regressions can be terrible and if you come to the point of CIO and it doesn’t work as quick as they say, it’s probably not going to work and there’s no need to torture the whole family for weeks on end trying to make it work. As you can tell I did NOT get a sleeper and even at 3 years old he’s up at least once every night.
Rayne of Terror’s last blog post..Happy Valentine’s Day
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