what is your best advice for a first time mommy?

Kim - posted on 06/22/2009

One more thing.... enjoy your baby! Take the time to play with her or even to just sit and stare at her. You will be AMAZED at how fast time will go by. Hold her as much as you can while she is little. Once she is mobile it will be hard to get her to sit still long enough to be held. Once they know they can move around that's all they want to do.

Kim - posted on 06/22/2009

I'll give you the best advise I got when I was pregnant.. routine, routine, routine. My son has resonded great to the routine we have in place for him. He actually did it himself. When he was born we just paid close attention to when he would nap, when he would get hungry and it was usually about the same time each day. Once he got a little older and not so "on demand" we were able to set eating time, nap and bed times. He is 7 months old now. He eats breakfast at 10:30, has a bottle at 2:00, dinner at 5:00 and then a bottle before bed at 7:30. He's asleep by 8:00 and sleeps through the night until about 6:30 and has a bottle when he wakes up. He naps from 11:30 - 1:30 (give or take a 1/2 hour). I am a first time mom too. My son is awesome and easy to take care of so far and I think ALOT of it has to do with his schedule.

Joy - posted on 06/22/2009

Quoting Andrea:

I haven't read all the responses, but I would say, assuming this is your first, sleep when baby sleeps and except help or ask for help when you need it. Also, don't get overanxious for baby to come. Babies all come at different ages, and the baby can drop long before labor starts- for some baby doesn't drop till they're in labor. Trust me, the baby is much easier to take care of now than she will be in a month or so. Enjoy the end of your pregnancy. You get the special privilage to grow a child- such a blessing! And a miracle! It goes fast, and your baby will be here before you know it. My biggest piece of advice would be to educate yourself on birth/labor and what's normal or not normal so you can make wise decisions when the time comes and the doctors put the pressure on. I would recommend a doula if you can find one in your area- they're a great resource and help. Best wishes! you'll be holding your baby girl before you know it!

That's true about the baby dropping.  I dropped a month before my due date and I still went a week over due and had to be induced. 

Andrea - posted on 06/22/2009

I haven't read all the responses, but I would say, assuming this is your first, sleep when baby sleeps and except help or ask for help when you need it. Also, don't get overanxious for baby to come. Babies all come at different ages, and the baby can drop long before labor starts- for some baby doesn't drop till they're in labor. Trust me, the baby is much easier to take care of now than she will be in a month or so. Enjoy the end of your pregnancy. You get the special privilage to grow a child- such a blessing! And a miracle! It goes fast, and your baby will be here before you know it. My biggest piece of advice would be to educate yourself on birth/labor and what's normal or not normal so you can make wise decisions when the time comes and the doctors put the pressure on. I would recommend a doula if you can find one in your area- they're a great resource and help. Best wishes! you'll be holding your baby girl before you know it!

Donna - posted on 06/22/2009

The first several of weeks can be rough, but it settles down after that. I allowed people to fold my laundry, load and unload my dishes, etc., when they came to visit. That makes some people crazy, but they wanted to help and it gave me more time to rest or nurse or whatever.



Trust your gut.



My opinion is newborns cannot be spoiled by too much holding or attention.



My goal every day of my maternity leave was to eat breakfast, make the bed and shower by noon. It was 11:55 some days, but I did it. Nothing wrong with sticking a baby in a car seat or something while you shower.



Take care of yourself. Get some exercise when it's safe. Even just walking with the stroller in the mall all summer was helpful.



Listen to other people with a grain of salt. Everyone has good intentions, but their style or ways of doing things or values may not be compatible with yours. Just let it go in one ear and out the other.

Joy - posted on 06/22/2009

Best advice I can give you is to listen to your gut instinct. You will be getting many different opinions from many different people. Your friends and family will tell you what THEY did and what worked for THEM. Take it all in with a grain of salt. Know that they mean well and don't hold it against them for wanting to help. But always listen to yourself first. I never really believed I had a maternal instinct until I had my son. And there were many times I didn't know what to do but I kept trying until I found something that worked. That brings me to another piece of advice...don't be afraid to ask for help. I had a few people I knew I could call and get non judgemental advice if I really didn't know what to do. Sometimes I just needed a shower, sometimes I needed someone else to hold the baby for awhile so I could just have my "space" back for a few minutes. Another piece of advice...I'm gonna bump what everyone else said....sleep when that baby sleeps Momma! Trust me, it's not a hard routine to get into (sleeping a little every 2 hours) because you'll be exhausted! But a little sleep is better than none. Congrats and good luck!

Sammie-Jo - posted on 06/22/2009

Definatley sleep when your baby sleeps and remember that it doesnt matter if the house is messy. Also you know best. If you think something is wrong then get it checked. if someone tells you not to do it this way or that way, do what feels right.

Jessica - posted on 06/22/2009

dont just asume because u droped your going to have her early you could but dont be set on it the hospital told me i wouldnt get to 36 weeks and i diddnt have my daughter till i was 42 weeks and 2 days

but on the advice thing sleep as much as possible

get every thing in order

double check that u have every thing

Kylie - posted on 06/22/2009

A couple of things I have learnt on the journey through three kids..



The most important Golden Rule is a happy mother = a happy baby (that goes for everything, breast vs bottle, sleeping arragements etc)



Take on board everyones opinions, but always form your own. Peoples advice is not gospel, but it definately is something to try so dont waste energy trying to make everyone else right!



If your house is immaculate - your not spending enough time with the kids!



What works with one baby doesnt always work with another - even in your own family.



Look after yourself first - you no use to that baby if your a crying heap on the floor!



Good luck!

Chenoa-bree - posted on 06/21/2009

dont feel guilty if the beds arent made or you go to bed with out doing the floors...friends of mine say if they could do it again, housework in the 1st yrs would not have taken priority (within reason of course)...no-one ever said my mums THE BEST because the house is perfect..enjoy every mesmerizing moment..youll be giving her advise on mootherhood b4 you know it!!!

Jill - posted on 06/21/2009

Go with your gut!! No parent in 100% perfect and there is no perfect way to raise a child. You'll have lots of people saying you need to do this or you need to do that. As long as your child is loved and has the basic needs met, that's all the matters. Every family has their unique way of doing things so do what it right for your family and don't be afraid if others do it differently, that's why we're all unique.

Sarah - posted on 06/21/2009

Amanda,
You've gotten such great advice. Take it all in and see what works for you! Realize all the things u have "planned" may need to change. In the beginning sleep when u can, and don't say no to help!! I will second the mom that said using a sling. It has saved me on many occasion. Breastfeed if u can. I did a mix of bassinet (co-sleep), sleep sharing (having baby in bed w/ u) & having them in their crib. Just do what u feel is right for you and your family. Every babe is different.
Most important is to enjoy it. They grow so fast. You don't get the time back to have extra snuggles, kisses, etc, so enjoy ur self, your baby and seeing ur favorite guy become a dad!
Good Luck 2 u!

Natalie - posted on 06/21/2009

Quoting Tammy:

Quoting Yvonne:

Cherish every moment. Time passes so quickly. The phone can wait, the dishes can wait. Smiles, tickles, hugs, kisses are what you will remember the rest of your life. Let your husband help. Don't criticize how he holds the baby, or gets the food all over her face. He's helping and that's what counts. You are a team, let him be a part.

Yvonne's advice is SO good!!  Also I would add to that, don't sweat everything. The range of "normal" is so huge that most everything is normal!  Ignore people that try to tell you that your child "should be" doing this and "why isn't she doing?" thus and so.   Above all, I recommend you "go with your gut".   It may not be able to tell you everything that is RIGHT, but it will always tell you when something you're doing is WRONG.  If doing something causes you to feel all twisted up and sick inside, it's probably wrong no matter how many people tell you it's okay or right.  If it's your doctor telling you something and your gut says, "No", get a second opinion.  It has worked for me through 4 kids and it's never steered me wrong.

I also totally agree with yvonne, let hubby find his own way, let them bond, i do give hubby advice every now and again (but it will be totally like "I've found that it helps if I do this as I put her nappy on etc, not saying you should do it, just letting you know") , and yes sometimes i do step in like  big policewoman going "no no it's sleepy time stop being livley with her" and i feel bad but i have to, other than that I bite my lip a lot and let him find his own way, my daughter looks at her daddy and smiles even when he's not looking, she adores him ! ...let them have their own relationship ....my husband is the most hands on dad I know and I'm so grateful !!

Natalie - posted on 06/21/2009

Quoting Tammy:

Quoting Yvonne:

Cherish every moment. Time passes so quickly. The phone can wait, the dishes can wait. Smiles, tickles, hugs, kisses are what you will remember the rest of your life. Let your husband help. Don't criticize how he holds the baby, or gets the food all over her face. He's helping and that's what counts. You are a team, let him be a part.

Yvonne's advice is SO good!!  Also I would add to that, don't sweat everything. The range of "normal" is so huge that most everything is normal!  Ignore people that try to tell you that your child "should be" doing this and "why isn't she doing?" thus and so.   Above all, I recommend you "go with your gut".   It may not be able to tell you everything that is RIGHT, but it will always tell you when something you're doing is WRONG.  If doing something causes you to feel all twisted up and sick inside, it's probably wrong no matter how many people tell you it's okay or right.  If it's your doctor telling you something and your gut says, "No", get a second opinion.  It has worked for me through 4 kids and it's never steered me wrong.

I also totally agree with yvonne, let hubby find his own way, let them bond, i do give hubby advice every now and again (but it will be totally like "I've found that it helps if I do this as I put her nappy on etc, not saying you should do it, just letting you know") , and yes sometimes i do step in like  big policewoman going "no no it's sleepy time stop being livley with her" and i feel bad but i have to, other than that I bite my lip a lot and let him find his own way, my daughter looks at her daddy and smiles even when he's not looking, she adores him ! ...let them have their own relationship ....my husband is the most hands on dad I know and I'm so grateful !!

User - posted on 06/21/2009

hun all u can do is to do your best and love that little one with all ur hart u will make mistakes but how are u going to learn( It will come naturally and just kick in dont warry u will be a good mum and u will do fine both off u

Natalie - posted on 06/21/2009

my advice, don't worry so much about the labour (easliy said i know) but it's over fairly quickly compared to afterwards, makes sure you learn as much about the first month as well, it's tiring and really is hard (lovely and magical.... but hard) sleep when baby sleeps (i didn't first of all, but you will suffer of you dont, make the most of the of any time they sleep) if poss when hubby is home after work make your lunch for the next day, before i knew it I was hungry and needed something then and there.

Remember tho as tired as you are, as sore as you may be, as bewildered you might be, these are precious days and try to enjoy all of it, it goes so quickly, enjoy as much as you can of that lovely yummy newborn as you can.

Katie - posted on 06/21/2009

Sleep when your baby sleeps.

Take loads of pictures.

Any help thats offered, accept it!

Good Luck Huni xxx

Barbara - posted on 06/21/2009

One thing that I think is really important is to realize that it's not going to hurt your baby to cry a little. When I had my first one, everytime he cried I stopped what I was doing and picked him up. If I was eating lunch and he woke up crying, I put my food away and tended to him. I felt like I couldn't take a nap or a shower or anything because he might wake up and cry! I was a walking zombie and about to go nuts! Then I realized that I wasn't helping anyone by being so exhausted, hungry and stressed all the time! As long as he was dry, fed and safe in his crib, it wouldn't hurt if he cried a little while I ate or took a shower in order to calm down. Also, if anyone offers to watch him for you so you can get some rest or go out and do something fun for yourself...take them up on it! As long as you trust them to take good care of your baby, you'll be a happier more relaxed mommy if you occasionally go out and do something just for yourself! Even if it's just going back home to take a good long nap!! You'll miss your baby, that's true, but you'll be better off because of the break. Congratulations and good luck!!

Nicole - posted on 06/21/2009

Get as much sleep as you can now cause you won't get a lot after the baby is born!!! Good luck!

Jeanne - posted on 06/21/2009

Congratulations on your first baby!!! And you may be suprised....I dropped both of my children at 7.5 months and had to be induced both times. My best piece of advice for you is "TRUST YOUR OWN INSTINCTS"....yes you can get advice from your mother, mother-in-law and other moms but ultimately you will know your child best. You are the one who carried her for nine months, you are the one who is taking care of her the majority of the time no one will know her like you do. And remember one thing, you can read all the baby books you want but remember what they give you are guidelines - nothing is set in stone. Don't panick if your child doesn't crawl at exactly six months and if they do something ahead of schedule - GREAT!! Every child develops at his or her own pace and you will see if you have more than one, that even with the exact same parents and loving environment two children will never be exactly the same. Good luck to you and I wish you a fast and easy delivery.

Gail - posted on 06/21/2009

Honey the only way to learn about raising a child is trial and error. Yes when it comes right down to it you just have to do it.



Here are my guidelines or words of wisdom



Remember that you are in charge and in control. Never let a child rule you dont listen to those fools with all their crap about giving your power to children thats why are kids are out of control now.

Bring up a child in church and they will have respect for you and mankind, this way they will have good values and morals and when they go out in the big bad world hopefully they wont stray too far away from your values

Love them with all your heart don't over indulge teach them that they need to earn it and not just be priviledged to get it.

Spare the rod spoil the child don't beat your kids but be firm and a little corporal punishment every now and then wont kill them

For little kids plugging a finger works well as punishment

Some kids are very sensative and a little firm talking too works while others need a good spanking -

Trust me all these fools when are children mess up are ready to try them as adults and show no mercy so get them straight early in life

Learn your child and you will know which works best

Don't let them disrepect you as the mother and father a child that has no respect for thier parents respects no one.

Don't put your kids down when they mess up tell them you are disappointment do what ever you have decided as punishment and encourage them to do better and to be a better person. Remember you did not come to tear down but to lift up



Hope this helps I have raised two marvelous children as a single parent. My son is 33 and is a customer service represenative and my daughter who is 25 is an officier in the air force so I must have done something right.



when they both left home this was my advice to them. I did the best I could with what I had if you feel like you have been short changed and that I wasnt the best mom remember that I love you and get over it and do better by yours.

Lisa - posted on 06/19/2009

Sleep when ever the baby sleeps..that way you will be able to stay up during the night when the baby is up. Take all the help you can get!!! And dont worry about all the household stuff. It will be there its not going anywhere. And will be tired the first few weeks. trying to get some kind of schedule together. Just have all of the babies things ready for when she gets home. I had all my kids clothes washed and put away and the swing up. so i didnt have to worry when i came home from the hospital....and enjoy your little blessing b/c she will grow fast.

Jennifer - posted on 06/19/2009

This is a great question. Get ready, because there is a lot of conflicting advice. Remember, what works for one will not work for all. Trust your instincts, do what feels right for your family. And remember we all sometimes get it wrong, when you do try something new.



What I didn't know before having children was that life as you know it will change, some of your views may change, you will have instant connections with people just because you share the world of parenting, and you won't believe there was ever a time that your child was not there. It’s a very exciting time, my best wishes.

Jessica - posted on 06/19/2009

Enjoy every minute and relax! Listen to all the advice (it really can be helpful), but go with your gut.

Cathralynn - posted on 06/19/2009

I didn't read all the posts so hope I don't duplicate! First congrats, its amazing! Okay second the long part cause moms always have too much advice! If your considering breastfeeding, buy a good electric pump now, sometimes there are suprises and that will help keep your supply up especially if she's early! My daughter never latched so I expressed into bottles and that worked for us. You can return unopened later, but I had to pick one up on the way home from the hostpital. I am not a fan of bedsharing, to each there own, but if you agree you can still reap the benefits. I absolutely loved skin on skin contact. When I was awake I put my lil naked baby on my naked chest and held her for hours, my husband did too. It regulates their temp and breathing and helps with bonding, but you don't have the dangers of bedsharing. Then she slept on her own in a bassinet by our bed for two months before moving to her own room. Lastly routines! Try really hard, if you give bottles never to let your baby fall asleep on one and later when they are not "newborn" let her go to sleep on her own. It will really help in the long run. Start a nightly routine that lets your baby know its nitetime. Good luck its a beautiful journey! I love to offer experiences and help if I can so send messages if you need anything!

Nicole - posted on 06/19/2009

Everything gets easier, I promise! I won't lie, those first few weeks are rough, especially if you're breastfeeding, but once you get the hang of everything things go much more smoothly. And don't feel bad or guilty if it's not "love at first sight" when you first see your baby. I didn't feel that way about my son, after 25 hours of medically induced labor and a C-section, I was too tired! I didn't feel all lovey dovey about it till after we got home from the hospital. Even now, 6 months later, I still can't believe that this beautiful little boy is mine! Also, as long as you and baby have no complications, try to get out of the hospital ASAP! We got out early because I drove them crazy: "I'm fine, can we go now?"! Good luck!

Fathead - posted on 06/19/2009

umm all these ppl sayin sleep while baby sleeps i dont think everyone needs to i did for the fisrt day home and slept when my partner got home from work but then i realised my baby is sleeping throught the night so i am gotting too much sleep and just slept like i used to before i had her. baby girls are the best mine is 8 months old now but fat and lazy lol. umm best advice for labor just use gas a nd pethedine. i cant handle pain but i handled it with that i didnt even want the epidural and ive heard of some bad things with the epidural. also buy lots of pink cuz they look cute in pink. and good luck hope she is everything u ever wanted in your life

Sharon - posted on 06/19/2009

Congratulations - this is such an exciting time. My boy Dan dropped at 8 months, but then came back up a few weeks later. He was born 2 days early.

My best advice is to accept help when its offered (especially when it allows you to get some sleep) BUT the mummy always knows best for your baby. Confidence is the key. Good luck!

Andrea - posted on 06/18/2009

Trust yourself and your instincts. I received so much advice (sometimes conflicting) from my mother-in-law, church members, and other family members. I had to learn to trust myself. Some days you do not know if you are coming or going, but you know you love your child.

Haley - posted on 06/18/2009

Don't sweat the small stuff. Take pictures because you WILL forget what he/she looks like even though you swear you won't. If you start getting mad or fed up, put the baby in a safe place like a bed and walk away to calm yourself. Keep a calm environment and your baby will learn faster and be easier to handle. I didn't know this with my first but I learned it with my second.

Tobin - posted on 06/18/2009

If she comes early you are just fine. I had my first girlie and she was almost a month early and she was too adorable. Just lay around and don't stress out that is the worst thing you can do. She is coming early great no more waiting right?!

Melanie - posted on 06/18/2009

Get all the sleep and rest you can once the baby is born. Don't be afraid to ask for help from family and friends as I'm sure they are willing to help you out.

Christie - posted on 06/18/2009

Get all the rest you can now and after baby is born sleep when baby sleeps. Also never start putting baby in bed with you this is a bad habit. Keep them in their beds from day one. Accept all the help you can from your family and friends.

Tammy - posted on 06/18/2009

Quoting Yvonne:

Cherish every moment. Time passes so quickly. The phone can wait, the dishes can wait. Smiles, tickles, hugs, kisses are what you will remember the rest of your life. Let your husband help. Don't criticize how he holds the baby, or gets the food all over her face. He's helping and that's what counts. You are a team, let him be a part.

Yvonne's advice is SO good!!  Also I would add to that, don't sweat everything. The range of "normal" is so huge that most everything is normal!  Ignore people that try to tell you that your child "should be" doing this and "why isn't she doing?" thus and so.   Above all, I recommend you "go with your gut".   It may not be able to tell you everything that is RIGHT, but it will always tell you when something you're doing is WRONG.  If doing something causes you to feel all twisted up and sick inside, it's probably wrong no matter how many people tell you it's okay or right.  If it's your doctor telling you something and your gut says, "No", get a second opinion.  It has worked for me through 4 kids and it's never steered me wrong.

Yvonne - posted on 06/18/2009

Cherish every moment. Time passes so quickly. The phone can wait, the dishes can wait. Smiles, tickles, hugs, kisses are what you will remember the rest of your life. Let your husband help. Don't criticize how he holds the baby, or gets the food all over her face. He's helping and that's what counts. You are a team, let him be a part.

Erin - posted on 06/18/2009

Firstly, don't stress about your baby coming too soon - my daughter was engaged from 32 weeks and I went 11 days past my due date. First babies will often 'drop' weeks and weeks before they're ready to be born.
And the best bit of advice I got was to give your baby a 'grace' period of 8 weeks, where you follow their lead and don't try to enforce a routine. A lot of people will tell you to get your baby into a routine ASAP but I don't believe in this at all. Babies' circadian rhythms don't mature until about 6 weeks so to try and get them on a consistent schedule before then is pointless. I simply allowed my daughter to do her own thing (sleep when tired, demand feed) and took notice of her natural patterns so that once she got a bit older (about 10 weeks) I applied some structure to that (ie, she was consistently going to bed at 6pm, so I would bath her at 5.15, then bottle at 5.30 so that all her needs were met by the time she was ready for sleep).
Also don't let anyone tell you you'll spoil your baby by holding them!! It's a ridiculous idea that you can spoil a baby with love and attention. By meeting their needs swiftly as newborns (even if that is just comfort) you allow them to develop confidence and security that will enable them to separate from you when you need them to later. This has definitely been the case with my daughter. When she was a newborn I held her ALL THE TIME because if I put her down she screamed. I became a baby-wearer out of pure necessity (if you haven't already got a sling/pouch they are truly a lifesaver). At times I did feel like I was going to be carrying around a child FOREVER, but it's simply a natural progression for a baby to need the closeness of Mum in the beginning, then gradually find some independence. My daughter's 4 months now and happily spends time playing on her mat or in her swing while I get thing done around the house.
Good luck!

Perquida - posted on 06/18/2009

You'll probably have several mother's telling you what they feel is the best advice. It doesn't hurt to listen and then form your own opinion according to your beliefs and circumstances. A little research on your own willhelp you form your own decision. Most first time mothers make mistakes by trial and error, no matter what anyone else tells you unless they have grown up in a househhold of babies and mothers. It's okay and normal. As long as what you do is out of love, caring and nuturing, the baby will survive and you will too!

D - posted on 06/18/2009

Don't be afraid to ask for help - or accept help when offered. I finally figured that one out by kid #4 & wished I'd done it sooner.

Ange - posted on 06/18/2009

Breastfeed,breastfeed,breastfeed,dont use that cows milk,cows milk is ment for baby cows,see how big and heavy they become in a short space of time,many of us especially babies cannot tolerate the lactose but cows can,I breastfed all my children even when I got mastitis,I stuck with it and I see the benefits now big time,I gave 2 of my children cows milk when I weened them,mistake,didnt give my 3rd child and saw the benefits,if you have to use only homogonised only milk or goats.I have read a book on this and a doctor told me this as weel,goodluck :-) babies are beautiful

Firebird - posted on 06/18/2009

Have lots of receiving blankets! lol I never seemed to have enough for when my girl spat up! Some are saying cosleep some are saying don't but it's a decision that only you can make. I personally couldn't do it because I was too afraid of rolling onto the baby, but many other moms have done it with all of their children with no problems. No one can really tell you where to go on that one. A lot of being a mom is using your own intuition, it's a learning experience from day one and it never stops. You have instincts and they've probably started kicking in already! Remember too that a happy mom is a happy baby so if you find yourself overwhelmed do not be afraid to ask for help! Good luck and congratulations!

Stacy - posted on 06/18/2009

As a mother of 6 (with twins in there) I can tell you 2 things I have taken to heart and have worked best for me. 1 sleep when you can. At first sleep when the baby does, the housework and all that can wait. the 2nd part I read in a magazine while I was on bed rest for my first child. Lay your baby down in bed while they are still awake (but half asleep) so they learn that bed is time to go to sleep. I did that with all of my children and naps and bed time were so much easier then with my nieces that I didn't do that with. Even my husband (who is not the father of my 1st child) has said what a wonderful thing that has been. That way even if you go out and your child is left with Grandma, so much easier for them to put them to bed, even at the age of 3, bed is sleep time! Good luck! Enjoy the baby!

Eileen - posted on 06/18/2009

Never be afraid to ask for help. Take all the help you can. Even though its easy to say sleep when the baby sleeps sometimes it can be hard. Just remember you don't always have to hold the baby. Put her in her crib and take a break if she's not crying.

Rebekah - posted on 06/18/2009

Relax!!! Let people help, people want to help, and enjoy that little one:) I

Tamara - posted on 06/18/2009

Sleep when the baby sleeps, babywear (it makes your life easier, I swear to all the Gods Above and Below.) Take help offered to you. Breastfeed if at all possible. Cosleep. I'd think of more but I'm running on 2 hrs of sleep. lol

Kirsten - posted on 06/18/2009

Rest at the moment, labour is exhausting. Accept all offers of help. Sleep when the baby sleeps. Remember the shops are still open after the baby is born (you don't need that much stuff). Don't worry about sleeping in the day or letting housework slip. Remember when they are up all night or feeding constantly or throwing tantrums it is just a stage, they will soon be past it and on to the next headache. Oh and I know its controversial but I would say get help learning to breastfeed, it can be hard for the first few weeks but it is the easiest, cheapest healthiest option.
Good luck, enjoy your baby.

Amanda - posted on 06/18/2009

Sleep when the baby sleeps, Accept offers to help you in the 1st few weeks, Don't Co-Sleep if you have to put a bassinet next to your bed. And most important, They don't come with a manual just do what comes naturally. You'll be fine.

Tamara - posted on 06/18/2009

Just try to enjoy every painful, exhausting moment. It goes by so fast. I think you will always be tired know matter how much you rest. Of course, try to rest. Take lots of pictures. I did not have much help with my three. If you can get a little relief that would be nice. Try not to worry, motherhood will kick in. It's so amazing!

Kelli - posted on 06/18/2009

I agree the sleep is the biggest, because it does catch up, and you will still be very emotional and strained after for at least the first 2months if not more because of the hormone rush and your body getting back to normal etc.and the lack of sleep will just make you worse. I had what i now believe was a light case of postpartum, i got thru it but i wish i could go back and do things over and have the ability to enjoy that time more than i did. I was always upset thinking i don't know what i'm doing, i'm a lousy mother etc etc.. So make sure you ask for help and get ALOT of sleep!

Doina - posted on 06/18/2009

Get all the rest you can now because it might take a while until you will sleep continuously for one night. Also, I will suggest to buy a good book that will guide you of what to expect in child development for each month .... Than, pray and take time to enjoy loving your baby.

Jessica - posted on 06/18/2009

Be consistant first and foremost. Also, I hear so many people having problems with their children sleeping in their own bed. I would suggest putting your child in his own bed from day one, this will help with not only self soothing but also teaches them how to go to sleep on their own. My husband and I agreed on this before we even brought our son home. Only time he doesn't is if he's sick and just can't get to sleep or sleep comfortably. We also never gave our son a pacifier, one battle we didn't want to deal with when he got older and we don't believe in giving him a pacifier to make him quit crying. Also be proactive in your child's health care.