[KCMomma]

OK so not too bad, but have already starting thinking about all kinds of stuff. Like I have no idea how much a baby is supposed to eat/drink per day...how many times is it normal for them to dirty a diaper??? When do they start on cereal???? Anyone know a good book I can read about this stuff? I feel like I know all there is to know about pregnancy and stuff, but when she gets here I'm gonna feel completely clueless!!!! I'm really not stressing too bad, but have been thinking about it alot!! That's my random thoughts for the day!!! Thanks for listening!!!!!

[LuvMyToriBug]

"What to Expect the First Year" http://www.amazon.com/What-Expect-First-Ar.../dp/0894805770# is a GOD send!! I love this series of books. I had "What to Expect When you are Expecting" also and love it as well.

The baby should start off with an ounce a feeding. I fed Tori on demand, the baby will certainly let you know when he/she is hungry. As far as dirty diaper, every baby is different. Tori has a bowel movement at least once a day. Some babies have more, some have less. They can usually start rice cereal around 4 months if the pediatrician says it is okay.

You will be fine. I know I kind of sound like I know exactly what I am doing, and I don't want you ladies to think that I am a "Know it All" because I am not. I am just sharing with you my experiences to this point.

Hope this helps.

[Lauren S]

I don't know anything either! I'm hoping this little one comes out holding a manual that tells me everything. Oh and DH and I were joking last night that it's also going to come out with a handful of Milk Duds since I've been eating them non-stop!!!

[KCMomma]

rdburell - forgive me I don't know your first name....but I just wanted to say thank you very much. I at all DO NOT think you are a know it all...this is exactly what I want. I need some advice from others who have been there!! I will gladly take any information possible!!! Oh and thanks for the info too about the humidifier. That's very helpful!!!

Lauren - how nice would that be if they came out with a manual...with all the technology in the world...

Anyway, thanks for the info girls. I'll definitely be checking out that book. In fact, I think I registered for it!

[LuvMyToriBug]

rdburell - forgive me I don't know your first name....but I just wanted to say thank you very much. I at all DO NOT think you are a know it all...this is exactly what I want. I need some advice from others who have been there!! I will gladly take any information possible!!! Oh and thanks for the info too about the humidifier. That's very helpful!!!

Lauren - how nice would that be if they came out with a manual...with all the technology in the world...

Anyway, thanks for the info girls. I'll definitely be checking out that book. In fact, I think I registered for it![/b]

No problem, BTW Becky is the name . I don't have access to photobucket here and don't have internet connection at home so it is hard for me to change siggies. I want another one that has my name in it as I know that it would be helpful for those who do not know me. I have been around for a while and don't mind helping out when I can.

[MrsMamaS]

I ditto the "What to Expect the First Year."

Did you get free magazine subscriptions from your OB? I did. They come in handy too.

Finally, when we ordered our DVD to replace childbirth classes, I also got one one newborn care. We haven't watched it yet...but if it's anything like the childbirth video...it will be great. I'll let you know as soon as we get it watched.

[downunderchick]

You mean they DONT come with a manual! No one told me that
Seriously tho, I do completley understand where your coming from. I may look at etting that book Becky. Im hoping that we will get to know our little one and learn his/her (his ) cues.Im hoping to EBF so im assuming that al the while the baby is putting on wieght its getting enough. Ive looked after children for years, never really tiny babies or newborns though, Im very wary about how I hold them etc, I held my friends 9 wk old the other day (who is a little gorgoues chubba and huge for his age) and I was still very wary maybe I wasnt holding him right.

Im hoping that those 'natural motherly insticts' kick in

[NortheastWifey]

I've been feeling the same way, Gwen. And I really have been stressing about daycare, too. I'm freaking out because I don't want to leave Amelia with a total stranger. I have a friend who runs a daycare, but she's full right now.

I did buy WTE in the First Year and have started reading it. VERY helpful. Are you taking childbirth classes, Gwen? Mine send me an outline of what they'll be going over and there are a couple of classes where they are going to be talking about newborn care, etc.

[Boo]

I had zero baby experience before I gave birth to Christian and I was a nervous wreck! Honestly, most things will just come naturally to you. I guess it's mother's instinct. Try not to stress too much, everything will fall into place!
I also fed Christian on demand and, at first, he was eating every 1-2 hours. My parents were a godsend those first few weeks as they would take Christian for a couple of hours in the morning while I caught up on some well needed sleep. My Mom also cooked for us while she was here so that was one more thing I didn't have to worry about. So if people offer the help, TAKE IT! As Becky stated, diaper changes are different for every baby. In the beginning, I found that Christian pooped after practically every feeding but now only goes 1-2 times a day. Their poop schedule changes all of the time but as long as they have enough wet diapers and don't go several days without pooping, everything should be good.
Also, remember that every baby is different. Some are ready for cereal when they're a couple of months old and others not until they are several months old. I just started giving Christian cereal over the last week and he's almost 6 months old while others in my DDC have been giving cereal for months now. Just follow your baby's cues and he/she will tell when he/she is ready.

[courtneytcu98]

A lot of it is instinct, Gwen, but it does take a while to really learn your baby! Elliott and i are still figuring each other out, but it's definitely getting easier. A pediatrician's office is also helpful when you are really unsure of things. . .

I read Happiest Baby on the Block and have found it to be the MOST helpful with Elliott. I am a huge, huge fan of the advice/information included. I also read Secrets of the Baby Whisperer and liked it. . . not as much as the HBOTB, but still found it helpful.

[shannaj]

What a great thread! I have been feeling the same way! I have a couple of DVD's coming as well on newborn care, because Jeff is even more stressed about it than I am! I will let you know how they are when they come in. I can't remember the names of them at the moment, but I'll update you when I get home or at some point this weekend!

[KCMomma]

Thanks everyone so much for all the great info. I know I registered for that What to Expect book but I may have to buy it before then. But I will definitely look into those other book, Courtney!! Thanks so much girls, what would I do without you!!!

[LisaD]

What a great thread! I am going to register for some of those books. I definitely am nervous about all that stuff, but haven't had too much time to think about it yet.

[Lo_and_Behold]

DH bought me What to Expect When You're Expecting & What to Expect in the First Year when I was early on. I must admit that I didn't even crack open the ..First Year book until I was a good 7 months pg. It's a bit intimidating & overwhelming but the information is thorough & good to have on hand. Honestly though, there's so much to read that I haven't gotten past the breast feeding chapter There's just constantly so much to do! I'm sure I'll be referring to it quite a bit when she does get here.
You can also ask your pediatrician those kinds of questions. They're there to help!

[lttle_one]

Do you plan on breastfeeding? La Leche League has a lot of great information online, and I also suggest going to a few meetings. It's great to know you have other moms who have been there and can help you out! I can come here for most of my advice, but sometimes it's nice to have someone IRL, too. The ladies at LLL here are great! And, they have books you can borrow, too, that answer most of your questions.

I can tell you that a breastfed newborn eats about 10-12 times a day at first, and should have 6-8 wet cloth diapers (4-5 disposables) and 3-5 bowel movements a day. Most will suggest starting solids between 4-6 months, but a EBF baby often doesn't need to start solids until after 6 months. It's really all about how interested baby is and how much you want to start baby on food. At that point, it's really just to get baby used to eating and diffferent tastes, baby will still get most nutrients from you (or formula.) IME, formula fed babies tend to start solids earlier.

I'm not trying to seem like a know-it-all, I've just been a nanny for years, often for babies, so I've gone through this a few times. But even though I should know what to expect, I'm still super nervous! I'm just hoping it all ends up coming naturally when it's my own baby!

[Banned-Jaylas_Mommy]

these ladies have answered your qiestion good. i may look into getting those books. i have worked in an infant room for over a year now so i think i have it down....well most of it. im sure i will be lost with some things! im sure you will do wonderful!!

I plan on winging it

Seriously