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I'm sorry if someone's already posted a thread like this and I just missed it.
I know that you learn a lot from asking questions, and there are things no-one just knows instinctively. I can't help feeling like I have NO idea how to look after a baby, though!
Jen mentioned in the pacifier thread about what position you put the baby to sleep in and it made me realise that I have NO idea what the wrong way or right way is, or if there are such things.
I was also thinking the other day about bathing the baby and realised I have no idea how to do that, either!
I'm sure it's just first time mum nerves. I know I'll have lots of people around that I can ask about these kinds of things. I know I also have months yet to learn the answers to these questions.
It just freaks me out sometimes how little I know right now!
I know they're supposed to sleep on their backs, but there's a ton of stuff (like the bathing) that I don't know a thing about. We're taking a "baby basics" class at the hospital next month and I'm hoping they'll cover a lot of that. Otherwise, it's back to the bookstore for me!!
I know they're supposed to sleep on their backs, but there's a ton of stuff (like the bathing) that I don't know a thing about. We're taking a "baby basics" class at the hospital next month and I'm hoping they'll cover a lot of that. Otherwise, it's back to the bookstore for me!!
Ooh, I didn't know they did classes like that! I'll definitely have to see if there's one in my area.
Idk about your hospital. But ours new we were first time parents and offered us a little class while we were there. The day after delivery. They taught us how to bathe the baby and feed the baby and all that fun stuff. They even let DD be a model during the bathing and nail care demonstration. lol. I know there's some places that have classes prior to birth as well. And if all else fails, there's always youtube. We're in the generation of Youtube demonstrations and tutorials.
Idk about your hospital. But ours new we were first time parents and offered us a little class while we were there. The day after delivery. They taught us how to bathe the baby and feed the baby and all that fun stuff. They even let DD be a model during the bathing and nail care demonstration. lol. I know there's some places that have classes prior to birth as well. And if all else fails, there's always youtube. We're in the generation of Youtube demonstrations and tutorials.
Oh yeah, as I said, I know there's time and I'll find out what I need to know one way or another
It still doesn't stop me from having little panicky moments when I think about all the things I don't know right now, though!
I was the same way with dd. the ex and I were on our own and I was terrified. But those classes really helped and we just used our gut instincts and common sense. Also a big life saver was What to expect: the first year. I used that book religiously. I'm deff gonna crack it out this time, it's been 6 years and I'm waay outta baby days. I'm even going to call the hospital and see if they have any classes df and I can attend together since this is his first.
Oh yeah, as I said, I know there's time and I'll find out what I need to know one way or another
It still doesn't stop me from having little panicky moments when I think about all the things I don't know right now, though!
I'm right there with you!! I ask my brother questions all the time (he has 2 daughters - ages 2 and 4) and always end the text/email with, "Geez, I hope I don't kill this kid!"
You aren't alone in this! I am very experienced with babies and children, but even I have tons of questions, fears and doubts as a first time mommy. I too suggest asking your doctor if the hospital where you'll deliver offers a baby basics class or if he/she knows of any in your area.
And keep in mind too, that a lot of the basics of things will be shown or explained to you in the days after you have the baby while still at the hospital.
Most hospitals with help you a ton before you go home, but I think the key is to educate yourself before hand. Read, read, read! Knowledge is the key!!
You don't have to do everything as recommended, but be knowledgeable so that you can make the best decision for you and your baby.
Babies do not come with instructions...but you will get the hang of everything really quickly. No worries!
__________________ Thank you, tasha_mae, for my very special siggy!
Another thing we did, and I'm not sure if they have this everywhere but it's quite popular in NJ, is hired a baby nurse. A woman came and lived with us for 2 weeks, basically teaching us everything about newborn care with our baby and not a doll. The classes are great, but nothing prepares you for actually holding the baby. The nurse also does the night time shift so i was able to recoup from the c-section. She was a lifesaver!
Thank you so much for the advice, info and replies!
It's not like I was expecting anyone to say "What do you mean you don't know already? You're useless, woman!", but it still feels good to know I'm not alone or too crazy!
I agree the classes are great, but don't be afraid to ask the hospital nurses to help you with things you aren't sure about either.
Another option from the baby nurse is a post-partum doula.
Another excellent book is The Baby Book by Dr. Sears and his wife.
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When they persisted in questioning him, he straightened up and said to them, "Let the person among you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her." John 8:7 Sail Back to Me
Before I became a mom I was never around babies, I might have held one or two but it never felt right. The only thing that didn't make me nervous was my hubby had a baby before and I read a lot. Also it came real natural once I held her for the first time everything felt right and I just knew by my gut instincts.
Before I became a mom I was never around babies, I might have held one or two but it never felt right. The only thing that didn't make me nervous was my hubby had a baby before and I read a lot. Also it came real natural once I held her for the first time everything felt right and I just knew by my gut instincts.
I agree. It's amazing how everything just falls in place and you know what to do.
__________________ Thank you, tasha_mae, for my very special siggy!
Glad you found the resources!! You are definitely not alone! Even 2nd and more times moms doubt it all each time. Things may be a little more comfortable but what worked with one could be useless with the next! Babies are really about safe trial and error. For instance, bathing my 12 pound newborn son was a nightmare the ways I had bathed Leila as a newborn! He was the size of an average 3 month old that holds their head up at least somewhat and yet was floppy like a newborn. It took me several tried to figure out how to safely bathe him. I ended up laying a folded towel down in the bathtub and laying him down in it with a pillow sort of built into the towel for his head to be higher. The other baby bathing contraptions he wiggled off of or was too heavy for. It worked for quite a few months until he was able to be held up better as he held himself more. Lesson learned for this momma!
Oh and I ditto Anna's Read read read!!! Find several good birthing and newborn care books(Dr Sears The Baby Book is awesome!!!) and read them BEFORE baby gets here!!!
You should take as many of those classes as you think will be helpful! If you want a more unbiased idea of the birth process you should take a labor and delivery class from an independent resource on top of the one offered by the hospital. The hospital class will often focus on their policies and procedures.
Even if you plan on getting to the hospital and getting the epidural as soon as possible, you really do need to learn how to deal with labor pains. Sometimes you can't get the epidural as soon as you want it, or it takes a few hours to get to 4-5 cm and they let you get it. Other times the epidural doesn't work at all, or only works part of the way. It can wear off during labor too. Being prepared will help you have a better experience. I was unprepared for the intensity of labor and although I *thought I could do it all natural, I got hte epidural as soon as I was admitted.
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When they persisted in questioning him, he straightened up and said to them, "Let the person among you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her." John 8:7 Sail Back to Me
