In no particular order, a list of things I wish I had known about or planned for before pushing my baby out.
1- Pack the diaper bag. Everyone talks about preparing the hospital bag. Hardly anyone mentions the fact that you'll have to take your baby to the pediatrician the day after you are discharged from the hospital. You will have just spent the first night with your new baby in your own home. Getting ready in the morning is tough. Thinking clearly is tough. Remembering you need a diaper bag at all is a challenge. Pack that bag before the baby comes.
2- Buy straws. As in pregnancy staying hydrated is key. It can be hard to drink on your own when your hands are busy holding baby. Have straws or at the very least a water bottle with a straw.
3- Padsicles. I did not know these were a thing but I'm glad some wonderful people made me some. These are amazing and help immensely. Baths are a great suggestion to help healing but making time for a soak can be a challenge. This is a nice way to provide relief and help the healing process.
4- If you're breastfeeding, learn what a good latch looks like. Breastfeeding is really encouraged, at least it was to me. I didn't take any classes. My family was all breastfed and I was told that having support from family is the biggest gauge of success. So I didn't feel a class was necessary. The articles and patenting books I read all made it sound like a baby's natural instincts make breastfeeding easy- after all, it's natural! My first week was terrible! Did you know nipples can scab? Well they can. The good news is, they shouldn't! Breastfeeding takes practice and persistence but when done correctly it should be pain free! Learn from my stubbornness and know what a good latch looks like. Check out videos on youtube or meet with a lactation consultant
5- Communicate clearly and often. Until you have your baby, you don't really know how or where they will sleep. You also can't predict what toll delivery will take on your body or how mobile you will be. All the new, plus little sleep, combined with your body healing can make for a very stressful and overwhelming situation. Whoever your support team is, communicate clearly about what's working and what's not. Remember to say thank you!
6-Massages! If you're not a fan I hope you become one. They're great during pregnancy and can be amazing after baby comes too. If you have a baby registry, add a massage to it (or a massage chair). You'll be glad you did. Lack of sleep can take a physical toll on your body. Remember, you may not be sleeping in your regular bed either which can throw your body out of whack.
7- It's okay to cry and feel all the feels. There are a lot of hormone adjustments taking place, your life has just changed completely, it's okay to feel overwhelmed. Sometimes you'll be overwhelmed with good feelings, sometimes not so good feelings. It's okay to feel those things. Remember, communicate with your support team, you don't have to feel these things alone. Also remember to ask for help! There is absolutely no shame in asking for help.
8- Pillows are your friend. Your baby may start off light and tiny (if you're lucky) but they will get bigger and heavier quickly. Feeding lengths can vary and can be as frequent as every 45 minutes. Your wrists and arms will hurt if you don't have support. Grab some pillows, blankets, cushions, whatever you need to make sure you and your baby are supported.
That's really the bottom line...
During my pregnancy I felt very supported and encouraged and was told many times I was a "goddess" for this miracle that was taking place. Parents should feel the same way after they have their babies. You are a part of a miracle and you still are given the amazing opportunity to nourish and growth that little miracle. That's no small task.
Grab what/who you need to make sure you and baby are supported.
