10 New-Mom Tips You Should Follow but Probably Won’t

Pregnancy and life with a newborn, is an intense ride for the first-time parent.

Some first-timers adjust with relative ease, while others struggle to acclimate. If you’ve been blessed with a large family or your network of friends have kids, then it’s likely you’ll be one of the lucky one’s who manage the transitions with grace and ease. For others, like myself, we have to rely on self-education through books, conflicting advice and common sense.

During my own pregnancy, I received countless personal tips on pregnancy and helpful insight on co-existing with a newborn. Being the genius that I am, I absorbed all that great information and proceeded to not listen to one damn tip anyone offered. Which was a direct result of ignorance and conflicting advice coupled with the sheer volume of information being offered. It’s murky waters for us newly-minted Moms and trying to separate solid advice from out-dated wives tales, is a monumental task.

However, once you’ve earned your “One Year Baby” badge and begin to navigate  the often stormy seas of raising a toddler, all that earlier advice settles into two categories, Golden & Useless.

For the sake of clarity, here’s a list of the Top Golden Tips, I wish I followed but didn’t:

1. Go everywhere and anywhere you can. Grocery shopping, wandering through stores, trying on clothes, getting the oil changed, it doesn’t matter. Just do it, because it will never be this easy again and for the next 5* years you’ll be hauling around a diaper bag, snacks, milk, the stroller, a change of clothes, enough toys to entertain an entire nation of fussy babies and anything else our sleep-deprived brains believe is necessary.  (*5 years is an exaggeration, I’m aware of this)

2. Don’t get caught up buying a years worth of clothes. It’s pointless. Plan ahead, but play it smart. If the baby is due in September, then plan on stocking up winter clothes ranging from Newborn to 3 months. I ended up with about 4 months of useless clothing, that my son literally bypassed during an overzealous growth spurt.

3. DO stockpile diapers. You’ll use every last one of them, in record time. 10-boxes of newborn diapers/ 5-boxes of size 1 diapers & 4-boxes of size 2, is a respectable starting point. Naturally, this formula is based on of a typical birth weight ranging from 6-9 lbs. The point is, that if you think those 2 boxes you have stashed away is enough, just plan on making a mad dash to the nearest store in the middle of the night.

4. Don’t over think the Birth Plan. One way or another, that baby is coming out. You’re Birth Plan and pretty much any plans you make from here on out, is subject to change. Stay Flexible.

5. There’s no such thing as “Eating for Two.” I’m sorry to be the one to ruin the twinkie-fest but it’s true. The baby that’s brewing in your belly, is designed with built-in survival skills and will get sufficient nutrients from your healthy, normal eating habits. It’s not necessary to give in to every food fantasy you’ve harbored since childhood.

6. If you’re returning to work, find a daycare now. Depending on where you live, the majority of daycare’s have a lengthy waiting list. Not to mention the fact that you’ll want to meet the teachers, visit the school and get some questions answered. So it’s best to get this handled during the actual pregnancy.

7. Split the night shift with your partner. There’s no point in both of you waking up and rushing to the baby’s crib, since one of you will end up being a spectator while the other changes, feeds or soothes the Little One. My Husband naturally stays up later than me, so he took the 6pm-2am shift which gave me a solid-rock-block of sleep. At 2am, I got up with the baby and he was able to get some uninterrupted sleep in. It’s an easy plan that can save you both from accidentally showing off your best zombie impersonations.

8. When someone offers to help, let them. Once you’re home from the hospital, it’s natural that friends and loved ones will come by to see the newest addition. Along with them, will come offers to watch the baby while you shower, sleep or just stare at the wall. As soon as you here “Do you want me to…” you’re natural reaction is to say no. Reasons why we say no, tends to vary from Mommy to Mommy and typically range from not wanting to put out your guests to irrational fear that they couldn’t possibly care for the baby should they wake up, cry, need a diaper change, etc. Obviously, common sense plays a huge factor here, but assuming it’s your Mother-In-Law, adoring Aunt or long-time BFF, chances are they can handle it. Let them.

9. Pack comfy clothes 2 sizes larger in your hospital bag. During labor & birth, you’ll be hooked up to an IV drip to maintain fluids. It’s necessary, but afterwards you’ll puff out like a marshmallow and the clothes you brought might be tighter then planned. The good news? It’s temporary and most of the swelling goes down with in a few days. The downside? Not being prepared and walking around in jammies two sizes too small fearing a fire might spark from all the friction. Just saying.

10. You can get pregnant while breastfeeding and not all birth-controls are created equal. The Mirena IUD is awesome for those who want protection without having to take a pill everyday, but be aware- if you have a history of depression, it’s not for you. I don’t care what you’re doctor says. There’s another one on the market that’s better for you, if that’s the case. My Mom died 3 months after I gave birth to my son, and I went the Mirena route. It was great for a bit, but gradually became the proverbial thorn in my uterus and emotional mayhem ensued. Research everything and anything that might become a permanent fixture in you’re body.

Motherhood is amazing. It’s just a matter of learning how to play the game, while in the middle of the playoffs. You’ll get it and the first time the Little One smiles at you, the magic of motherhood makes itself known.