Hey Baby!
I can not believe my little guy is already 6 months old!
I am not going to lie, these past 6 months have been the most tiring time in my life for sure.
I thought since I had so much experience being a nanny (been babysitting since I was in the 5th grade, so almost 20 years experience working with children), this would be a breeze.
Nope!
When you have your own child, it is never ending.
However, I have never felt so fulfilled and proud of myself EVER!
I truly feel I was born to be a Mommy.
Becoming a parent is the hardest, but most rewarding job you could ever have.
Here are my personal experiences.
I hope they make you feel a little more normal and not alone during this crazy time.
Every day honestly gets easier and better as you get to know your baby, develop routines and figure out what works best for you and your family.
In the Hospital:
I was so glad to come home from the hospital...
I was in the hospital for 2 nights and got slim to no rest while I was there.
You have visitors to entertain, a new baby to learn about, and endless nurses and doctors checking on you every hour. I especially loved it when they would come in every hour and tell you how you should be resting and sleeping when the baby is...
Hello??? Then quit waking me up!!! LOL
My advice is to limit visitors and do not feel guilty sending baby to the nursery to get some much needed rest.
I knew it was time when my husband told me he didn't think he could drive us home the next day if he didn't get some sound sleep soon.
So off my baby went to the nursery while I cried myself to sleep.
Learning to breast feed can be frustrating.
Don't give up...
YOU CAN DO IT...
and it will eventually be way easier, cheaper, and healthier for you and your baby!
My lactation consultant was really not the most friendly woman, so I actually learned more from one of the younger nurses that helped me.
Don't be afraid to ask for help from the person who you connect with more.
It becomes a personal connection when having your chest exposed and handled by a stranger, so feel free to do what makes you comfortable.
Things I actually used and found helpful to bring to the hospital:
1.Your own shampoo/soap/lotion/ toothpaste etc... The hospital stuff sucks and dries out your skin and hair.
2. Your own pillow...it will make you more comfy and smell like home.
3. Ipod/ speakers/ kindle/chargers/camera...I listened to spa music while in labor and it made me feel much more relaxed.
4. Snacks...lots of different healthy kinds both for me and the hubby.
5. Comfy clothes...loose fitting and comfy. It will be painful to move around a lot after birth, so easy breezy is best.
Things I thought I needed but wish I hadn't brought:
1. A million outfits for baby...the hospital gives you a few long sleeve shirts and beanies. It's easier to change baby's diaper in just a shirt. Just a cute going home outfit would be enough.
2. A million blankets for baby...The hospital will swaddle baby in the standard blanky which is nice to take home as a keep sake. Maybe just one cute/extra soft one would be fine.
3. The boppy...it takes up too much room and I just used a regular pillow for the first few weeks.
4. More than one suitcase...keep things simple. The hospital will send you home with lots of stuff and you don't want to worry about lugging around a million things while putting baby in the car for the first time.
5.Breast pump/bottles... If breastfeeding your boob is enough in the beginning :)
Welcome Home:
I had been in labor for 4 days so needless to say my husband and I were tired...very very tired.
And I brought a cold home with me as well...awesome!
I had severe tearing so was in quite a bit of pain...and it lasted a long time! I would say about 4 months.
I did everything to keep the area clean but still got an infection which prolonged my recovery I think.
I for sure had the Baby Blues for the first 2 weeks as well.
Your hormones are all screwed up so crying for no reason will happen a lot.
Your life changes so dramatically once you have a baby it can feel so overwhelming.
My life felt so different so fast.
Luckily my best friend had just had a baby 9 months earlier so she was my go to lady!
I love you Britt!!!
Of coarse my husband is the most caring and sweet man ever,
but you really want advice and to talk to another woman who has experienced the same thing you just went through.
We had only family visit for the first 2 weeks home.
They would bring food and help hold the baby which is a huge relief for even a few moments.
Lack of sleep, learning to breastfeed, and a crying baby can make you crazy!
Things that definitely helped us in the beginning:
1.Sleep sheep or sound machine...Clark likes the rain sound best. We have 2...one for the house and one for the car.
2. Baby carrier...We have the Ergo with infant insert which was great for when he was super little, and the Bjorn for when he was a little bigger and liked to face out. Essential for getting a few things done around the house when baby wants to be held close.
3. Gripe Water (Mothers Bliss)...great for hiccups or when you try everything else and they are still crying. Maybe they have an upset tummy and this seems to help us a lot.
4. Baby swing...Clark slept A LOT in his swing in the beginning. A huge lifesaver when you need to just set the baby down for a bit!
5. Boppy...so great for nursing!
Hang in there...
The pain will subside, sleep will come, and there will be no greater love or joy then taking care of your adorable little baby.
Good luck, from Our Family to yours :)
I can not believe my little guy is already 6 months old!
I am not going to lie, these past 6 months have been the most tiring time in my life for sure.
I thought since I had so much experience being a nanny (been babysitting since I was in the 5th grade, so almost 20 years experience working with children), this would be a breeze.
Nope!
When you have your own child, it is never ending.
However, I have never felt so fulfilled and proud of myself EVER!
I truly feel I was born to be a Mommy.
Becoming a parent is the hardest, but most rewarding job you could ever have.
I hope they make you feel a little more normal and not alone during this crazy time.
Every day honestly gets easier and better as you get to know your baby, develop routines and figure out what works best for you and your family.
In the Hospital:
I was so glad to come home from the hospital...
I was in the hospital for 2 nights and got slim to no rest while I was there.
You have visitors to entertain, a new baby to learn about, and endless nurses and doctors checking on you every hour. I especially loved it when they would come in every hour and tell you how you should be resting and sleeping when the baby is...
Hello??? Then quit waking me up!!! LOL
My advice is to limit visitors and do not feel guilty sending baby to the nursery to get some much needed rest.
I knew it was time when my husband told me he didn't think he could drive us home the next day if he didn't get some sound sleep soon.
So off my baby went to the nursery while I cried myself to sleep.
Learning to breast feed can be frustrating.
Don't give up...
YOU CAN DO IT...
and it will eventually be way easier, cheaper, and healthier for you and your baby!
My lactation consultant was really not the most friendly woman, so I actually learned more from one of the younger nurses that helped me.
Don't be afraid to ask for help from the person who you connect with more.
It becomes a personal connection when having your chest exposed and handled by a stranger, so feel free to do what makes you comfortable.
Things I actually used and found helpful to bring to the hospital:
1.Your own shampoo/soap/lotion/ toothpaste etc... The hospital stuff sucks and dries out your skin and hair.
2. Your own pillow...it will make you more comfy and smell like home.
3. Ipod/ speakers/ kindle/chargers/camera...I listened to spa music while in labor and it made me feel much more relaxed.
4. Snacks...lots of different healthy kinds both for me and the hubby.
5. Comfy clothes...loose fitting and comfy. It will be painful to move around a lot after birth, so easy breezy is best.
Things I thought I needed but wish I hadn't brought:
1. A million outfits for baby...the hospital gives you a few long sleeve shirts and beanies. It's easier to change baby's diaper in just a shirt. Just a cute going home outfit would be enough.
2. A million blankets for baby...The hospital will swaddle baby in the standard blanky which is nice to take home as a keep sake. Maybe just one cute/extra soft one would be fine.
3. The boppy...it takes up too much room and I just used a regular pillow for the first few weeks.
4. More than one suitcase...keep things simple. The hospital will send you home with lots of stuff and you don't want to worry about lugging around a million things while putting baby in the car for the first time.
5.Breast pump/bottles... If breastfeeding your boob is enough in the beginning :)
Welcome Home:
I had been in labor for 4 days so needless to say my husband and I were tired...very very tired.
And I brought a cold home with me as well...awesome!
Bringing a baby home from the hospital is super scary...
You just went through this exhausting trauma of birthing a baby and then are expected to be a full time caregiver!I had severe tearing so was in quite a bit of pain...and it lasted a long time! I would say about 4 months.
I did everything to keep the area clean but still got an infection which prolonged my recovery I think.
I for sure had the Baby Blues for the first 2 weeks as well.
Your hormones are all screwed up so crying for no reason will happen a lot.
Your life changes so dramatically once you have a baby it can feel so overwhelming.
My life felt so different so fast.
Luckily my best friend had just had a baby 9 months earlier so she was my go to lady!
I love you Britt!!!
Of coarse my husband is the most caring and sweet man ever,
We had only family visit for the first 2 weeks home.
They would bring food and help hold the baby which is a huge relief for even a few moments.
Lack of sleep, learning to breastfeed, and a crying baby can make you crazy!
Things that definitely helped us in the beginning:
1.Sleep sheep or sound machine...Clark likes the rain sound best. We have 2...one for the house and one for the car.
2. Baby carrier...We have the Ergo with infant insert which was great for when he was super little, and the Bjorn for when he was a little bigger and liked to face out. Essential for getting a few things done around the house when baby wants to be held close.
3. Gripe Water (Mothers Bliss)...great for hiccups or when you try everything else and they are still crying. Maybe they have an upset tummy and this seems to help us a lot.
4. Baby swing...Clark slept A LOT in his swing in the beginning. A huge lifesaver when you need to just set the baby down for a bit!
5. Boppy...so great for nursing!
Hang in there...
The pain will subside, sleep will come, and there will be no greater love or joy then taking care of your adorable little baby.
This could not be more true.
