From STM to FTM...

AmeliaKris · October 2015

I'm not sure if this kind of thread has been started yet, but I thought maybe we could build on it. We all know that as soon as you have a baby, people will give you all sorts of advice...most of which you have to take with a grain of salt. But what about actual useful mom hacks? If you are a STM and have a mom hack to share. Please post it here.

AmeliaKris · October 2015

So one thing no one told told me. Your books will leak a lot. I mean drench you at random times. Nursing pads were fine during the day, but they would shift a night and I got so damn tired of changing sheets/jammies. One night, I shoved some left over newborn sized diapers in my bra. Worked like a charm! No more soaked sheets. Saved my sanity. Thought I'd share. I only needed them for a few months til my milk regulated and the cheap brand worked fine. Just wish I had known sooner. And try to freeze milk in 2 or 3 oz increments. My first baby only ever took 4 oz at a time. The rest would go to waste if I froze a 6 oz bag.

JoJoMama730 · October 2015

One thing that took me awhile to figure out - A&D ointment is your friend and should be applied at every diaper change. DD would get awful rashes and we would apply the white goop to calm and heal her skin. It finally occurred to me that using the clear ointment every day would prevent the painful rashes. It was a head slapper - why did it take me so long to figure out? Also, skip the marketed "burp cloths", whih are skinny and rather ineffective at keeping your clothes clean. Instead, opt for some used flannel receiving blankets and cut them in half for burp rags. They are the thing that kept me clean enough in the mornings to make it to work wihout a wardrobe change.

JNGettinMarried · October 2015

Yes yes yes to what PP said about burp cloths... we used receiving blankets most of the time instead. One thing I will not leave the house without (that I internally gawked at when I received it at my shower) is poo bags. I'll just find a trash can to throw her diapers out in, I thought... why would I ever need these, I thought. Yes... I'll throw her diaper out, but what about the poo/puke covered clothes? Sometimes mine included? What about when it happens in the car and you desperately try to clean it out of the car seat with 1000000 wipes? Where will they go? Serioualy, it's a little clip on dispenser that goes on my diaper bag and is a total lifesaver when you need it!

kmo8986 · October 2015

Don't expect to feel like yourself right after you give birth. Have realistic expectations of how tired and SORE you will be and ask for help when you need its

ashs88 · October 2015

I totally agree with not using the little thin scraps they sell as burp cloths. We used cloth diapers as our burp rags. They are big enough to cover your whole shoulder while you hold baby and they are super absorbent. We also used them to lay baby on when changing diapers - over top of the changing pad cover. That way we didn't have to change the cover every single time there was a messy diaper that we couldn't quite contain from getting on the pad. Although now I see that they make changing pad covers with a wipeable center, which at least seem genius...they didn't have that 3 years ago! Also, for when baby is a little bit older and using a sippy, by far my favorite product we ever had was the Sippy Pal. It's like a tether for a sippy cup. You can attach it to a stroller or high chair and it prevents the cup from falling on the floor when baby drops it. We used this every time we went out to a restaurant so we never had to worry about chasing flying sippy cups or about the nastiness on the floors.

Brianna0915 · October 2015

I'm a FTM and I appreciate this thread more that you know!!! Thank you!

Theliops · October 2015

This thread is the best!

Achae · October 2015

For the post partum bleeding I used the spray bottle the hospital supplied as well as tucks pads for quite some time. They were so soothing!

BarrettJ89 · October 2015

ashs88 said:
Although now I see that they make changing pad covers with a wipeable center, which at least seem genius...

Seriously, best thing ever ^^ It saved me many times in the middle of the night. Another night-time saver, layer the sheets on the crib. On mine I ALWAYS have a mattress protector, sheet, another mattress protector, and another sheet. If there is ever a blow out, flooded diaper, or spit up ordeal, you just remove one sheet and one mattress protector and you're good to go.
A big one I've learned is to not be afraid to ask for help when you need it, and only from people you want it from. Everyone offers to help, but in all honesty, I wouldn't want most of them in my home, nor do I feel they would actually help. As a new mom, sometimes you just need to have two hands to yourself again! Ask someone for help, but only from people you trust and want to be around.

nickilynn0516 · October 2015

rubbing a thick layer of baby vicks on the bottom of their feet and putting socks or sleeper pj's on them when they are congested or have a cough. Seriously awesome!! its like a miracle! Just make sure you use the non medicated one for babies. They sleep soo much better this way!

ryan1reb · October 2015

Best advice I got was to take warm baths with dreft baby soap after delivery. I took two a day for the first two weeks and was never in any pain and healed perfectly. I had a third degree tear and my doctor was amazed at my six week check up. Also put dreft in baby's bath if they have bad diaper rash! The stuff has serious healing power!!!!

Phoebescat · October 2015

ryan1reb said:
Best advice I got was to take warm baths with dreft baby soap after delivery. I took two a day for the first two weeks and was never in any pain and healed perfectly. I had a third degree tear and my doctor was amazed at my six week check up. Also put dreft in baby's bath if they have bad diaper rash! The stuff has serious healing power!!!!

Is this the dreft laundry detergent? That's the only thing that came up when I googled dreft baby soap.

ainverso · October 2015

If you are breast feeding, medela make steamer bags to sterilize pump parts for the microwave --for a working mom they are genius. Also second cloth diapers for burp clothes and my favorite Breast pads are johnson and Johnson. Keep a towel by the bed in the early little bit for laying on for leaky breasts or baby spit up that sometimes comes from no where.

Lastly, at my hospital -anything that is open on babys bassinet (diaper, wipes, comb, nose sucker ect) gets thrown away when u leave so take them home with you.

Cejiml · October 2015

Pp mentioned taking everything from the hospital.. Yes! I also learned they have awesome nasal aspirations. This time I'll be taking 2. I cleaned out their diapers and their kimono tops. Don't waste $ on newborn kimonos. They also give you,formula samples too. They sent me home with at least 6 pkgs of the ready made. I know everyone wants to give BF their best shot and I did and will do my best again, but if it's 2 am and stores are closed and you are at your wits it's nice to have it at home just in case. And I know people always say sleep when the baby sleeps. It's so true! Especially in those first few weeks when they literally sleep the whole time. I was terrible at it and now that I have a 3 yr old I won't really get that luxury as much. Let SO take LO And get som sleep! HTH!

lfconner7 · October 2015

White noise machine with night light saved me during night time feedings - we still use the white noise anytime he is in his crib to sleep. Also only used the nightlight at night, ie tried to never use the overhead light to help teach him nighttime! Might sound crazy but it totally worked for us:) also the Nose Frida was bought for us and we were skeptical but it totally saved us! And lastly people said take everything from the hospital - yes do this... if you want something specific hide your stock and ask for more- I did this with the single use perineal cold packs I went home with like 6 extra that I used to help sleep at night! You'll get more advice than you want it just comes pouring out of people

You'll find the people you will then go too when you do have a question, try and involve your husband in the discussions too (does the baby need Tylenol, should we call the dr, is this normal?) and make a decision together! And trust your gut, you'll know your LO better than anyone else! Also let your husband take those pictures of you with the baby whenever he wants - you will cherish them even though your hair may be a mess!

mkatefin303 · October 2015

Putting witch hazel on maxi pads and freezing them is soothing and wonderful for postpartum healing

holocene · October 2015

After pains! I had no idea about them and was shocked when it felt like I was still having massive contractions despite holding my baby in my arms. Be prepared with homeopathics and/or Advil/Tylenol.

Prefolds are worth their weight in gold (as mentioned above). Get a dozen (or two) to use for everything. Under baby for changes, on your shoulder as burp cloths, under your breasts when your milk comes in and your literally leaking like faucet and can't wear a bra because everything is too tight. I even use newborn prefolds as cloth pads those first few days. (I react to chemicals), and you're going to be bleeding a lot. On this note - sometimes women can bleed for 2-3 months! I had no idea this was normal prior to having babies, but it is. Expect about 2-9 weeks post partum bleeding.

mvhyde · October 2015

If/ When you are bfing, you don't have to relatch everytime you don't have the perfect latch. As long as you are not in pain or the baby is frustrated then let it be and try again next time.
Trying to unlatch and relatch my son till his mouth was perfectly flanged and making the right noise etc etc just lead to sore, cracked nipples.

Eta 'if'

mvhyde · October 2015

Also, if your baby develops a rash around his mouth that seems associated with BFing it could be something in your lotion, soap or laundry detergent. We switched the whole family to free and clear laundry detergents, I started using unscented soap and unscented lotion and completely avoided using soap or lotion (other than nipple cream) around my breast area.

mesamyt · October 2015

Always have an emergency baby kit in the car. A spare diaper, wipes, a change of clothes for baby, and a spare shirt for you. You never know when you will be out longer than planned or forget to restock the diaper bag.

BarrettJ89 · October 2015

Everyone remembers to pack extra clothes for LO, but don't forget to keep a spare outfit for yourself! I keep mind in my car. If LO spits up or explodes a diaper, somebody still has to hold them until you can change them, and it's likely you. Baby pee, poo, spit up, or baby food, amongst others I'm sure are never pleasant to wear...

Lacynduck · October 2015

Post-Partum Depression is a real thing, even for those of us who have never been depressed. Seek help.

AmeliaKris · October 2015

Yes. I had post partum anxiety after my first. No issues with anxiety prior. I knew 5 days post partum something wasn't right. If you are struggling, be sure to reach out.

mamakculb · October 2015

Remember that sometimes babies just cry. They can have full bellies, clean diapers, plenty of sleep and just cry. If it's ever too overwhelming, check all the obvious concerns, lay them in their bed and go take a quick breather. Sometimes setting baby down, going and sitting for a minute to stretch/pray/breathe etc can help you just "reset" so you don't lose your mind. Remember, with raising kids, the days are long but the years are short. I promise they won't cry forever.

MrsB915 · October 2015

BF poop can leave some tough stains. Hang the clothes or changing pad cover out on the clothes line. The sun will bleach away the stain! I would wash it normally then hang it out to dry. It even works on set in bf poop stains!

Accept help when it is offered, as long as you're comfortable with the person who is offering. Food, laundry, cleaning, none of it is as important as your precious baby. You'll never get those first few days or weeks back so soak up each minute.

I second using noise while they sleep. We have a radio tuned to classical for bedtime and naps still and ds can sleep through me vacuuming right outside his door! And definitely help them learn early on to tell day from night by not using too much light for MOTN feedings. It helps them to sleep through the night better.

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