I'm not an expert ...
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... but if I could give all of my pregnant friends advice about their labor/birth and early days of parenthood without feeling pushy or overbearing, this is what I would tell them:
1. Take a childbirth class outside of the hospital. Don't be afraid to ask for advice, and try to accept unsolicited advice with a smile even if you have no intentions of doing what that person suggests. Most people have an idea of what they will do and how they will parent, but until it's just you and that baby (and your husband), it's impossible to know how you will react and/or what you will try as a new parent.
2. If you plan on breastfeeding (and I hope you at least try it for a few weeks), take a class, or at the very least read a book about it. Before you have your baby, know the names of a few lactation consultants so you can have help if/when you need it.
3. If you are planning on a natural birth, hire a doula. I believe that every woman deserves one. If you are easily overwhelmed by change, consider hiring a postpartum doula, too. They can help you with breastfeeding and basic baby care, give you a chance to take a shower, cook food, or pretty much anything else you need in the first few weeks as a mommy. Do not turn down extra help.
4. Research extensively about the drugs and interventions that are used during labor, especially if you want to avoid a c-section. Know your options.
5. When all else fails: Boob.
6. When your baby is clean and #6 doesn't work, either, and you don't know what else to do to make them stop crying, put them in a carrier (like this one, this one, or this one) and walk around and/or skin-to-skin contact.
7. Even if you know you don't want a natural birth, watch a documentary about pregnancy. My favorites are "The Business of Being Born" and "Pregnancy In America."
8. Having a new baby often seems to be centered around having stuff. The only things that you really need are diapers, a few clothes, and your breasts (or formula). After that, a carrier would be most beneficial, and a carseat if you want to leave the house.
9. A white noise machine has been useful for our household - not only does it help Duncan sleep more soundly, but we avoid having to tiptoe around our house all the time when he is asleep. We have this one.
10. Before you have your baby, find a new moms group or a playgroup to go to after the first few weeks with your baby so you can get out of the house. These women saved my sanity in the first few months of parenthood.
I know I'm not an expert by any means, but I just want to help ... not tell people what to do. All of these things don't/won't apply to everyone, but they really helped me, and will help me in the future, too. I did not do all of these, either, but will try to next time.
1. Take a childbirth class outside of the hospital. Don't be afraid to ask for advice, and try to accept unsolicited advice with a smile even if you have no intentions of doing what that person suggests. Most people have an idea of what they will do and how they will parent, but until it's just you and that baby (and your husband), it's impossible to know how you will react and/or what you will try as a new parent.
2. If you plan on breastfeeding (and I hope you at least try it for a few weeks), take a class, or at the very least read a book about it. Before you have your baby, know the names of a few lactation consultants so you can have help if/when you need it.
3. If you are planning on a natural birth, hire a doula. I believe that every woman deserves one. If you are easily overwhelmed by change, consider hiring a postpartum doula, too. They can help you with breastfeeding and basic baby care, give you a chance to take a shower, cook food, or pretty much anything else you need in the first few weeks as a mommy. Do not turn down extra help.
4. Research extensively about the drugs and interventions that are used during labor, especially if you want to avoid a c-section. Know your options.
5. When all else fails: Boob.
6. When your baby is clean and #6 doesn't work, either, and you don't know what else to do to make them stop crying, put them in a carrier (like this one, this one, or this one) and walk around and/or skin-to-skin contact.
7. Even if you know you don't want a natural birth, watch a documentary about pregnancy. My favorites are "The Business of Being Born" and "Pregnancy In America."
8. Having a new baby often seems to be centered around having stuff. The only things that you really need are diapers, a few clothes, and your breasts (or formula). After that, a carrier would be most beneficial, and a carseat if you want to leave the house.
9. A white noise machine has been useful for our household - not only does it help Duncan sleep more soundly, but we avoid having to tiptoe around our house all the time when he is asleep. We have this one.
10. Before you have your baby, find a new moms group or a playgroup to go to after the first few weeks with your baby so you can get out of the house. These women saved my sanity in the first few months of parenthood.
I know I'm not an expert by any means, but I just want to help ... not tell people what to do. All of these things don't/won't apply to everyone, but they really helped me, and will help me in the future, too. I did not do all of these, either, but will try to next time.
1 Observations or Opinions:
Great suggestions, Katherine! It's funny-- we have the same white noise machine! And although I watched (and loved) 'the Business of Being Born,' I haven't seen the other one you recommended. It's going on my list now!
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