[KCMomma]

Hey girls, I'm helping throw a baby shower for my friend and I was wanting to type of some "tips" for her. This is her first baby so do tell ladies....I want to hear all the advice I can get!

[Micksbabe]

Plan to do NOTHING the first 6 weeks

[Soape]

I agree with the above post.
Enjoy the night time feedings even though they may seem tedious, you will miss them later in life. It is the only time that your baby is all yours!!!

[CandaceDianne]

USE the nursery in the hospital (if they have one), do NOT let yourself feel guilty when you get home its ALL on you baby!

USE the nurse-call button, the nurses will be more than willing to assist you with whatever you need. You will miss this button when you go home! haha

It's OK to cry when your baby does, or to even cry because your baby is wide awake and has been all night and it's 7AM (ah the memories! ).

Start a routine as soon as you can, it will be tough at first but it will pay off in the long run.

Don't take everyone's advice, just smile and nod to those who give you advice but you don't need/want-even if it is your mom.

Go with your gut and instincts, they are usually right.

Call your ped ANYTIME you need to, day or night, that's what they are there for!!

Don't feel guilty if people want to watch the baby but you aren't ready....you will get there (especially if you work FT, you want the evenings and weekends to get more time with your LO). People will push you and push you to watch him/her, just tell them when you are ready you will let them know.

[KCMomma]

Thanks so much ladies! It's amazing how much you forget! Keep em coming!!

[Oreobaby]

It's ok to say NO. When people want to visit and it's a bad day, or your tired. It's ok to say not now, not today. I didn't say that enough during the first few weeks, and I was so tired. I even fell asleep pumping one day sitting in a chair in the middle of the day.

Take help when you can. If people offer to help you with house work, or cooking or whatever...TAKE IT. The first few weeks are the hardest.

[Lyz]

use the lactation consultants in the hospital...they are VERY helpful!

Let someone else cook meals, clean the house,etc. for the first few weeks.

snuggle with your LO as much as possible in the beginning...I miss those days

Get a routine with your DH from the getgo as to who is doing what shift. It'll save you from those 3am fights

I agree with saying NO to visitors if it's been a rough day. You need your rest too! It's okay not to be supermom!

[Soape]

these are all soooo true!!! I definately agree with telling people not to come over if it's been a bad day. Those days will come less often the older they get

[SassyMama]

Sleep when baby sleeps!

Don't worry if you have a mountain of dishes in the sink or piles of laundry to do - you're not a superhero, you're a new mom. (You will eventually become a superhero though.. )

Trust your gut!

There is no wrong way to be a mom (excluding the obvious cases) so just experiment with different methods of doing things and see what works out best for you!

[KCMomma]

Dina,

OMG Sierra looks so grown up in your siggy! Love it!

[Etph007]

I love and totally agree with Lyz's post.

A few extra-
Be FLEXIBLE and ready for things to deviate from the plan you may have had. Don't let yourself get bent out of shape, just roll with it.

No matter how much you think you're prepared, nothing can prepare you until you've lived it.

Accept all the help you're offered. Don't feel like you have to do everything.

Become the queen of the power nap. You'd be surprised how much better you feel.

Take care of you. Shower, make up, whatever makes you feel good, do it. It only takes a few minutes to make yourself feel 100% better.

Take a date night asap and don't loose sight of your DH and his experiences. He's going through a huge transformation too. Although he might not show it or evolve the way you think he should or want him to, be patient.

Remind yourself- THIS TOO shall pass. It's gone in the blink of an eye. The newborn exhaustion doesn't last forever. You will adjust. Be patient with yourself.

Don't be too hard on yourself or your body. Your body just performed a miracle. You'll be surpised how fast you will bounce back. Again, patience

[KCMomma]

Love this! Thanks so much girls! She is going to love all of this advice! Off to type it up and make it puuuuretty! Thanks!

[Lyz]

I forgot about the date night...that's HUGE! even if it's just going to dinner twice a month and having osmeone come to your house to watch the LO for 2 hours is KEY...also don't talk about the baby while you're out

[LuvMyToriBug]

The biggest one that I thought of that was not mentioned is.........

Just remember EVERY CHILD IS DIFFERENT and EVERY PARENT IS DIFFERENT, just because something worked well for others does not mean that it will work the same way for you and your child!! Some examples: 1. formula or breastfeeding, 2. disposable diapers or cloth diapers, 3. swaddling or not swaddling, 4. co-sleeping or not.......and many many more!! There is so many ways to parent your child, the bottom line is that as long as your child is well taken care of, you must parent the way it works best for you, your DH and your child!!

[Hopingfor1soon]

This is a great topic!! Im going to be a new mom in Feb. and reading this has just made me breathe and realize that it will be hard at first, but WELL worth it!

[MommaLee]

My best advice is....

Be thankful for your husbands help. Don't get upset if he doesn't do it the way you want him to.

[KCMomma]

Becky, that's awesome advice! So true Leann...I am thankful every day for my DH!!!! He is soooo helpful and supportive.

[Micksbabe]

Becky, what you said is sooooo true, I have four friends that had kids within 5 months of each other and we are all very different kids of parents. Go with your gut because it is right most of the time Mommy's intuition does exist!!!

I agree with Gwen, Siera does look so grown up I can't believe she is so big already !!

[USArmySPC_2010]

If you get stressed out dont hesitate to call family or friends to watch LO so you can just breathe!!!!

[SassyMama]

Aww thanks ladies! She's growing up too fast for me