I can't begin to tell you how happy I am for you. I can't explain the pure joy that comes with being a new parent--you just have to experience it for yourselves. But I can tell you that though it's exhausting, sometimes overwhelming, and always so busy, it is such a beautiful, wonderful experience that you won't really care about the worst of it. :-)
Some advice that holds true:
1. Sleep when the baby sleeps. Catch naps whenever you can!
2. Hold your baby as much and as often as you want...don't let anyone tell you you're spoiling her, because you aren't.
3. Breastfeed, even if it is uncomfortable at first, and ask for help if it is. It's such a wonderful bonding experience and nothing is quite like it. It's the best food for baby, period. Plus, it's FREE, and you can do it anywhere, on demand! Do it for as long as you are comfortable. But if you can't, don't feel guilty about feeding formula. What's important is that your baby is well nourished and healthy, after all.
4. Don't be too quiet around the baby. Make noise, even when she's sleeping...vacuum right under her swing as she naps, even! It will condition her to not wake quite so easily.
5. If you co-sleep, be safe about it. Both of my girls would not sleep anywhere but with me, period, even though I never wanted nor thought I'd be a bed sharing parent. Don't let people make you feel bad about co-sleeping if you choose to do so (or are forced to by the baby, LOL).
6. If you find yourself feeling overwhelmed, put the baby in her crib and take a fiver, even if she's screaming. Sometimes they freak out and you just can't figure out why. Don't beat yourself up about it. In addition, if you feel depressed or sad, it's very normal for new moms to experience the baby blues. Ask your friends and family for help. Never be afraid to ask for help.
7. A cradle swing could be your best friend. Maeby napped only in her cradle swing, and for hours! It was a real lifesaver when I needed to get things done.
8. You don't need to many newborn or size 1 diapers. They grow out of those so fast, it's ridiculous. If you stock up early, get some size 2s and 3s.
9. Huggies wipes are my fave because you can tear them in half (Pampers, Target brand and BJs brand you can't, and sometimes you only need a half a wipe for a little pee or spit up). Additionally, wipes are awesome, I use them for cleaning everything!
10. Don't perch the infant carrier on the child seat of grocery carts. It's not meant for that and it can fall right off. Put the infant carrier in the large part. Less room for groceries, but a perfectly safe baby!
11. Don't hide in your house for months. Get out as soon as you feel comfortable. Just try to avoid sick folks, enclosed areas, and don't let anyone touch your baby's face or hands. If you isolate yourself in the house you'll go nuts really fast. As long as your little one is healthy, there is NO reason to be housebound for the first 60-90 days, though older people will try and tell you that's what you're supposed to do.
12. Vaccinate on time when baby is due so she will be protected from disease. It sucks to see them cry, but it's better they cry from a little shot than get gravely ill from a nasty disease.
13. Ignore everyone's advice (LOL) and do what feels right. Step away from the child care books! This was the greatest lesson I learned. If you feel weird about something, then don't do it. Alternately, if it works for you and the baby, then it's right for you! There is so much info...too much info...out there and you will find yourself more confused than ever, and second guessing yourself at every turn if you read too much on any one subject. Trust your gut. Honestly!
I'll step off the advice soapbox now since I could go on and on and just say, you're going to make a GREAT mama!! This is such a cool journey and I am so excited you're joining the Mommy Club! Take lots of pics and videos, keep a journal and enjoy every minute. It goes by really quickly. If you need anything, you know where to find me. Love you, Col! Congrats to you and Scott both!
Love, Jes :-)
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