First time mom ready to absorb ...

Ourbabygherkin

any advice on getting ready for baby, labor and delivery or the first few weeks home.

jerseygirl227

Wish I had some, but I am a FTM, too!

I know a lot of moms here wash baby clothes before baby comes home.  And they prepare freezer meals so it's easier to prepare meals.  

KateLouise

I highly recommend freezing meals. Even if it's just the meat portion that you can cook up some rice with, or throw together some quick salad to go with.

I remember being so sad when I used my last freezer meal up.

I don't know what your hopes/plans for labour are, but if you plan the natural route there is a natural birth board on here, and a wealth of knowledge on the internet. Even if you don't wish to deliver naturally there is a lot to be said for preparing for the mechanics of it all. I've had two wonderful natural birth experiences, and found knowing what the process was really useful, I read some stuff about useful positions for labouring. On the day I just did what felt right, but it helped to know that what I was naturally doing, was also helping my body to use gravity to open up and help the baby descend.

I don't know that you can truly prepare for a baby, but I think having a network of where to go to for help in the back of your mind is a good thing. Do you have other Mum friends? Do you plan to breastfeed? If so who will you seek help from if that's difficult for you? Have you and DH talked about what the division of labour look like? etc etc I think if you've got some ideas for help lined up then if you need to call on that help it's easier, and if you don't need the extra help then that's cool, because sometimes just knowing you have that safety net is a big moral boost.

Perhaps if you have more specific questions we can give more specific ideas, but best wishes to you. When are you due?

niknak1208

This baby is our third. I think my best advice is to actually TAKE the advice. lol When other moms tell you to sleep when the baby sleeps.. listen to them.  I didn't and I wish I would have.  Housework will always be there. Your rest is more important.  

Also.. don't stress yourself out about a perfect nursery and having all the baby gadgets and making sure every little thing is in place.  Babies need love, a warm place to sleep, food, diapers, clothes etc.  It's so easy to get caught up in all of that and believe me.. it's fun and I'm caught up in it a little bit now too but the baby will be just as happy and healthy if things aren't perfect.  

As far as gear goes..  the simple things I was glad I had were extra changing pad covers.. babies spit up and poop and pee on everything and I was glad I had extras to change while the others were washing.  Diaper champ.. not geenie.. you can use regular trash bags in a champ but have to buy specific bags for the geenie.  

Having someone at home to help is nice too.  DH usually only takes a couple days off when I initially have the baby and then goes back to work but my mom usually takes the first week off and helps around the house or with the other kids etc.  It's nice to have that.   

sidey1

I second the advice about not stressing about everything being perfect, labor, birth, motherhood is so different from what is portrayed in the movies, on tv and in magazines, except for maybe the baby coming out part, lol. It took me a while to let go of the idea I could control everything and make things 'perfect', once I just started to just roll with it, I was able to enjoy being a mom alot more!

Also sometimes just taking 5 minutes for yourself, even if baby is in the middle of a screaming fit, is so important. Mom's need a time out too, and as long as baby is in a safe place, you can walk away, regroup and get re energized to go back and deal with the situation.

cneiding

well I am having my 8th...so I probably have a lot of suggestions to give...what specifically do you want to know about?  Anything about pregnancy, childbirth, babies etc...just ask