10 Tips for New Moms – Bringing Home Baby
This is a topic that I’m well aware of – after all, I brought home 9 babies!
Here is a little advice from moi.
1. Don’t rush home. If your comfortable at the hospital, and more than one day
is covered by your insurance, don’t feel as if you have to checkout right away.
I always wanted to head home as soon as I could – usually in less
than 24 hours…but once I got home I came to my senses.
Although childbirth is a natural function – it does take a toll
on your body and on your emotions.
2. REST – REST – REST
This doesn’t mean that you have to stay in bed and sleep,
but you don’t need to be lifting heavy objects, mopping floors,
or vacuuming your house. You will probably be sent home
with instructions on what you should and should not do.
3. Eat a balanced diet and drink plenty of fluids…especially
if you choose to breast feed! This is not a good time to indulge
in lot’s of fatty foods, and caffinated drinks.
Your digestive system may be off for a few days
after childbirth, and you sure don’t need to add
fuel to the fire. It’s no fun to deal with stomach upsets,
even on the best of days.
4. Accept advice graciously, and then “go with your gut”.
If great grandma is insistent on pushing something that you
don’t feel comfortable with…let your husband, partner,
or best friend run interference.
Also, what works for one family, may not work for another.
5. Keep up with the latest news concerning vaccinations,
suggested lab work, and feeding guidelines.
Your pediatrician should be someone that you feel comfortable with.
Try to meet a few doctors before you have the baby.
If a doctor won’t take time to meet with you and answer questions…
he or she, is not the doctor for you. Remember that the staff
and the medical practice will be important. Make sure
that they have a nurse available to answer questions.
What are their after hours policies. If it’s a group practice
must you see all doctors on a rotating basis, or can you aske
to see a specific individual.
6. Your home does not have to be sterile.
Just my 2 cents – but I don’t feel that you have to boil bottles,
nipples, and pacifiers. Hot soap and water,
is your best defense against germs.
Do be sure that you wash your hands often – especially after using the bathroom.
There are many products on the market, for cleaning, that are
safe to use, and affordable.
7. Babies can be bathed from the get go…but they don’t need
a dunking every single day. Use a mild soap, and be sure to rinse well.
Don’t use lot’s of baby powders, or heavily scented lotions.
The rule for me was: if the baby is dirty – give them a bath!
some babies love the water…others will scream their little lungs out.
Just be sure that the water isn’t too hot, and have towels ready.
Little babies can be slippery little things:-)
8. Hand me downs, are GREAT. Babies spit up and poop about
10 times their weight. There is no need to have them dressed
for a fashion show 24/7. Put them in comfortable fabrics, without
lot’s of lace and buttons, and trim.
Breathable fabrics are best – and they don’t need to be wearing shoes.
Spend your hard earned money on take out instead of expensive baby clothes.
Save the fancy stuff for family portraits.
9. The BABY BLUES is NOT just cute little saying.
It’s a truly physical occurance from rapid shifts
in hormone levels. If you have ANY feelings of anger, serious
agitation, or depression – TELL SOMEONE- and call your doctor
right away. This is nothing to be ashamed of, and should be
treated as soon as possible.
There is a difference between Post Partum Exhaustion
and Post Partum depression.
If you aren’t sure – then you should ask for help.
10. Relax and enjoy that precious new life that you’ve brought into the world.
Cherish the quiet moments, the hurdles, and the milestones.
Life is a learning experience for you and your baby.
Now – go kiss that newborn!
“I wrote this blog post while participating in the TwitterMoms and Lysol® Wee Wisdom blogging program, making me eligible to get a $50 gift card. For more information on how you can participate, click here.”