Advice from Mamas to New Mamas
Have a pack n’ play/changing station on the first floor (if applicable) so you don’t have to keep going up and down the stairs
Have a set of steps to help get up and down from the bed post c-section
Have tummy time on a higher place, like a changing station or your bed. It’s easier on you than the floor.
Yoga ball as an alternative to a rocking chair or a glider
Breast milk can be stored with the flange attached in the fridge - lessens dishes for you
Premixed formula is easier on baby tummies than powder (if you’re supplementing or feeding formula only)
Some people prefer zip/velcro swaddles/sleep sacks than actual swaddling. I like both. Swaddling yourself is just a little more work and takes technique
Not all babies like swaddles
5 Ss to calm your baby
Don’t buy onesies that are more than $10 each. Carters and Gerber are fairly cheap and always run sales.
Breast milk can be stored 5, 5, 5 - 5 hours at room temperature, 5 days in the fridge, 5 months in the freezer. The CDC is more lenient on these, but 555 is easier to remember.
You can collect colostrum early (around 37 weeks pregnant)! But check with your lactation consultant or doctor
From my lactation consultant - in the early days, rest is more important than pumping (if you are). Don’t be too strict with yourself. Share the load with bottles with your partner. Try to get at least a 4 hour stretch of sleep and nap throughout the day when you can. Your milk will still come in. Relaxation and rest is key for milk to come in.
Free baby classes - Baby Academy
Choose day care (if you want that) in your first or second trimester. There will be a wait list.
Choose a pediatrician at least 2 months prior to birth
Your hospital experience is not real life
Get a routine down pat with your partner and take overnight shifts if you can to elongate how much sleep you each get! Even if you’re breastfeeding, they can bring the baby to you and do diaper changes for their shift.
Keep a small mini fridge upstairs for milk pumped in the middle of the night - gets you back to sleep faster
Set up a snack station on the diaper carts with healthy-ish snacks for middle of the night feedings. Breastfeeding burns a lot of calories!
If you plan to fully breastfeed, you may have to supplement with formula. This is normal for many many moms. Don’t stress over it. Fed is best.
The hospital will give you all the training you want. Just ask the nurses to show you how to do things!
The hospital will give you a ton of extra stuff. Just take it and ask. Bring a small suitcase to pack these things. We got diapers, wipes, underwear for mom, formula, small bowls/buckets to help us wash baby, and small vials for breastmilk/colostrum
Let yourself cry - postpartum anxiety is a very real thing. Don’t be afraid to ask for help.
Don’t be afraid of the baby! They’re sturdier than you think.
The hospital messes up you and the baby’s circadian rhythm. Don’t be afraid to tell the nurses to not bother you at night. It will correct for the baby once youre home and create a routine.
Your pump flange size will change (probably increase) once you start pumping. Most women around between 24 and 28mm. I am a 30mm, so try out different ones and get extras!
Every mom has their way of doing things - choose what’s right for you! Your baby will be happy and love you no matter what
