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Tips from a new (ish) mum
Hi Girls
I loved to this forum while pregnant and now that my baby is here, I love the baby forum too. While feeding by baby in the middle of the night it occurred to me that I could use this pregnancy forum to share some things that I wish I had known before the baby arrived.....
Firstly, while pregnant take the time to read up about how to care for a baby. I know it sounds obvious but when I was pregnant I was so caught up in the pregnacy that I didn't read any books on what to do once you have the baby at home. Parents, friends and professionals are a great source of advice but when its 3am and you have no idea why your little one is crying they all seam a million miles away!
Secondly be prepared to never get a straight answer or even the same answer twice. This drove me nuts at first! There I was asking all these, highly trained, health care professionals sensible questions to which I couldn't get an answer! The truth is there probably isn't a straight forward answer. Oh yeah and be prepared to hear the phase "all babies are different" so many times you will want to lump the next person that says it!
And finally the thing I wish I had bought...a rocking chair..an old fashioned rocking chair. My baby loves to be rocked, it calms her down and helps get her wind up. Lots of people buy swings but its more fun for you and baby if you rock together (especially to music!!!) I'm going to stick to manual rocking now but if I do it all over again the first thing I'm buying is a rocking chair.
I loved to this forum while pregnant and now that my baby is here, I love the baby forum too. While feeding by baby in the middle of the night it occurred to me that I could use this pregnancy forum to share some things that I wish I had known before the baby arrived.....
Firstly, while pregnant take the time to read up about how to care for a baby. I know it sounds obvious but when I was pregnant I was so caught up in the pregnacy that I didn't read any books on what to do once you have the baby at home. Parents, friends and professionals are a great source of advice but when its 3am and you have no idea why your little one is crying they all seam a million miles away!
Secondly be prepared to never get a straight answer or even the same answer twice. This drove me nuts at first! There I was asking all these, highly trained, health care professionals sensible questions to which I couldn't get an answer! The truth is there probably isn't a straight forward answer. Oh yeah and be prepared to hear the phase "all babies are different" so many times you will want to lump the next person that says it!
And finally the thing I wish I had bought...a rocking chair..an old fashioned rocking chair. My baby loves to be rocked, it calms her down and helps get her wind up. Lots of people buy swings but its more fun for you and baby if you rock together (especially to music!!!) I'm going to stick to manual rocking now but if I do it all over again the first thing I'm buying is a rocking chair.
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Replies
thanks hezza, i think im gonna ask for a rocking chair now
xx
I'm glad you think the rocking chair is a good idea hezza! We have ordered one as love the idea of it!!
Thank you and congrats on your beautiful babies.
Amy 28 weeks xx
[Modified by: CrochetMom on December 03, 2007 01:41 PM]
Totally agree with Hayley about getting your sleep!! I've resorted to asking Santa (AKA other half) for 7 hours solid sleep!!
BTW, I found the baby whisper book very good and i've heard good things about one called what to expect in the first year".
Good Luck
I'm halfway there but it's REALLY not sinking in that we're having a baby. I've taken your advice and read some bits about the first year already, in fact almost everything! But it seems like there's so much to remember! Don't do this, don't do that...arrrgh...I've had the same from family, and it's very annoying. I will be locking my doors when lo born to avoid the 'helpful' comments
Also, 7 hours sleep! Eep! I can't function on that! This sounds really lazy but me and oh used to about 10, he works nights and I'm not working. Oh God I really am going to be a terrible mum!!!!
Philippa
19 weeks today x x x
1. Yes bf can be amazing- but if you cant do it try not to beat yourself over it...if everyone could do it and it was the only thing your baby should have they wouldnt have invented formula.
2. Rocking/bouncing chairs/play mats great for new borns when your preparing bottles etc.
3. Try to read as much on actually bringing up and looking after baby- as already mentioned, i was so preoccupied with my pregnancy i kind of forgot i was going to have this tiny person to look after lol.
4. Dont just buy newborn size babygrows/bodysuits get bigger, and if your oh says you wont need more than 5-6 baby grows just laugh at him and buy dbl that amount cos when you cant be bothered to do a load of washing they'll come in handy.
5. Buy more nappies, cotton wool, wipes, nappy sacks than you think you'll need cos you will use them.
6. Washable breast pads - at one point i was leaking like niagra falls.
I could have written so much more but dont want to turn into one of those people giving too much 'hepful' advice, enjoy the rest of your pregnancies ) Vicky and Joshua
my biggest tipis to join all the mother and baby clubs you can. I joined Tesco, morrisons, boots, early learning centre and bounty. All give you free stuff and coupons for money off nappies, washing powder, wipes etc. I have only just used my last nappy coupon and LO is 22 weeks!!
They also send you magazines and more coupons as your baby grows so it mounts up. Very handy when you on crappy maternity pay!!!
Good Luck everyone. xx