So you coped with nine months of pregnancy, and a number of hours of
labor, and now it is finally time to bring your infant home. You have
had time to think about this moment in so much detail that you probably
feel sure that you have factored in every possible obstacle. But, there
is inadvertently something not calculated in that happens or that detail
you're wishing someone had prepared you for. Below you'll find 7 points
you should think about when planning for your first baby.
Remember loose fitting clothes to wear home. Most parents spend hours
thinking about how to keep baby comfy for her trip home, but many forget
to plan properly for their own comfort. A new mom's body has recently
been through a huge event. Expect that she will stay sore and aching for
some weeks, and she will also carry some "baby weight." The chances of
all skin and muscle eventually returning to pre-pregnancy appearance are
low, and especially so just after labor. Of course this is not always
considered a problem, it just means that your previous outfits will not
fit the same. So, bring spacious, wearer-friendly, outfits that feel
comfy and cozy. You can take lots of time to fit back into your tight
pants, so you needn't be concerned with that now.
Jot down your
child's first doctor's appointment before you leave the hospital. The
upcoming appointment often gets scheduled for a week following delivery,
but be certain you have written down exactly when.
Ask about
everything. You will come up with tons and tons of questions after the
baby arrives. You might feel too embarrassed to ask, but the hospital
staff is ready for you to ask questions. No matter how silly your
concerns may be, just ask. After all, it is wiser to learn and grow than
to not ask and remain ignorant.
Don't forget you'll need to
transport your child home securely with a baby seat. Put the baby seat
in on a day when you can plan for enough time to ensure it is just
right. If you need help, ask at the hospital or stop by at the closest
fire station. Often, they are glad to help you keep your baby safe.
Expect that you might experience the various ups and downs of feelings.
It's common and nobody expects a new mom to be perfectly calm. Of
course, you will be overjoyed with your newborn. However, you will also
be jittery, drained, irritated, short-tempered, impatient, insecure, and
terrified. That is what happens. Between the hormonal changes occurring
in your body and the major life-change taking place in your family, it
is healthy to have a few separate emotions simultaneously. But, if
melancholy and rage are too much or do not go away, talk to your doctor.
Post-partum depression is an illness and should always be handled as
fast as possible.
Nap every time your little one goes to sleep.
Many times, new parents push their bodies and attempt to use baby's nap
time to complete everyday chores. They think that the dishes have to be
done and lying down is a luxury. But really, disposable tableware sets
are ok, and getting sufficient rest is a must. You cannot be a good
parent if you are not taking care of yourself. Therefore, take the
benefits of your little one's sleepiness, and put yourself down for a
little sleep too.
Get a bouncy chair or swinging harness. Of
all the wonderful baby items in the stores, one of the most under
appreciated is the bouncy seat. At those moments when baby is wide
awake, but you absolutely must put him down, for example when you
genuinely need to take a shower, the bouncy harness is a marvelous
invention.
Those seven points are just a small selection of the
unexpected possibilities to eliminate from the list of unknowns when
getting ready to bring your new baby home. Ask friends and family
members who are moms and dads what they wish a parent had told them
prior to the arrival of their first baby. And always, always, have faith
in yourself. When your baby is safe, fed and healthy, anything beyond
that is icing on the cake!
Comments
2010-05-19 11:11pm PDT
great suggestions. this is one of those things for which you can never be fully prepared enough.