Type A new mom

Jaki1981 · December 2014

I'm just about 8 weeks and this is my first baby. Knowing myself to be a pretty type A personality I'm trying to research, read articles about items to buy and such now while it's still early. Any advice what I should be thinking about/planning for at 8 weeks?

MrsC0409 · December 2014

At this point, just take your vitamins and take care of yourself.

ELauren88 · December 2014

If you're really looking for something to do/keep you occupied, and you feel well enough; start organizing your house. Second tri is typically when you have the most energy for this, and 3rd is when the nesting hits, but you could always start now?
Ooooor, find a nice long show on Netflix, sit back, and enjoy.

MrsC0409 · December 2014

Hate to tell you, but PP is right. Type A will make for a very stressed out mom, which means a very stressed out baby. They feed off of you. You can't control much in a newborn and toddlers are just as bad. I had a friend who had the best baby right when I got pregnant. She was so good, never cried, loved everyone she met. She gave me the best advice I ever got: to stay calm and just roll with everything. We did... it worked and I'm praying this next baby is even half as good as my daughter was.

catahoulatte · December 2014

All you can do right now is take care of yourself and maybe do some purging of stuff to Goodwill to make some space.

You can do all the research you want on crib mattresses and car seats but really, it's going to be a while before you buy all that, so there's no rush. I think we started doing registry research around 18-19 weeks, and that was more than enough time.

urbancountrymommy · December 2014

I'm very Type A too.

that doesn't stress me out (I've been this way a long time, I'm comfortable with the way I work). I'm reading lots of preggo books and articles, and strolling through baby aisles to start getting to know what I don't know and will want to start researching (who knew there were so many different kinds of stroller/car seat combo's?!). I browse Pinterest a lot for ideas. They have cute ideas for pictures throughout pregnancy, links to articles, checklists that are fun to read, etc. Also, pre-natal yoga is awesome in helping you safely prepare and be fit for the "marathon" of labor. I'm going to be starting a class soon. Already found the studio that clicks with me.

Honestly, I had an OB tell me that I had to let the type A go or I would bring unneeded trouble on myself and the baby. I cried the whole way home feeling like a bad soon-to-be mom (first baby, so everything is new to me too). Then I went to a second OB who was so much more supportive and just said to do what felt comfortable to me. She even sent me home with a big thick pregnancy book that she called the bible of pregnancy (Gentle Babies) for free. Needless to say I'm sticking around there. So I'm all in my cozy research and study mode (on my second master's, so it's pretty second nature). I think sometimes people forget that pregnancy is not something that everyone gets to be exposed to. I didn't have any friends, siblings, cousins, aunts, etc. pregnant around me so all this stuff is new and scary!! Reading, researching and preparing help me feel better. Hopefully there's some ideas for you in here that help!

ahsile10 · December 2014

Theusualmischief said:

Agree with PP, but something that might be important if you live in a bigger city, start looking into daycare. Some have VERY long waiting lists and you need to get on them as soon as possible.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^This for sure! If daycare is in your plans, you better start now. That'll give you something to stay occupied with.

yelah250 · December 2014

How about some birth and parenting reading? Let me recommend the dr Sears books, as well as Ina Maes books on birth.

And yes, get your daycare figured out. Could have some long wait lists in your area.

catahoulatte · December 2014

Theusualmischief said:

Agree with PP, but something that might be important if you live in a bigger city, start looking into daycare. Some have VERY long waiting lists and you need to get on them as soon as possible.

Ahh YES! Definitely a big one.

yelah250 · December 2014

I'm relatively type a myself (I appreciate being very organized and detail oriented). Saying to "let it go" is impossible - it's a basic tenet of your personality...just know that everything won't go according to plans exactly. The dr Sears mindset (as well as the baby whisperer) was helpful because I went into it from the start establishing a ROUTINE but not a SCHEDULE. So you are never "behind" or trying to catch up - you have order without watching the clock.

yelah250 · December 2014

Also - you could start freezing meals.

MisSmartyPants · December 2014

At this point try to take care of yourself. I am a total type A too, and I am learning to let go a little. :-) good luck!

Jaki1981 · December 2014

Wow, thanks everyone so much for all this great input! It so nice to hear that I'm not alone if feeling this way and really helpful suggestions here. Between daycare research, prenatal yoga and house organization.... that feels like a great place to start

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