Congratulations!!! You did it mama!! Your sweet baby is here, & I am SO proud of you. I know you’re tired! Did you know that giving birth is like running TWO, yeah-uh TWO marathons! Drink some water and realize that that part of the journey is done, you can rest now! I know what you’re thinking. Why rest when you can stare at your baby all day and night? I get it, but whenever your mind calms down a bit, wash your face and relax. Snuggle up in the bed with baby!
After you have your baby, you will stay in the hospital for a couple days & be checked and monitored by hospital staff. You should also be visited by an IBCLC to help with breastfeeding, if thats what you chose to do! You will be given lots of educational packets, and out the door you go! Now, on the way home to navigate life with a new baby!
Does that make you excited, anxious, or nervous? How about all 3, because I GET it! I hope that this blog helps bring your mind at ease and makes you feel confident in your first days home with your baby!
Preparation is key
- Get all your essential baby products before baby’s here! Use my link to my baby registry to make sure you get exactly what you need! https://linktr.ee/michaelafinkdoula?fbclid=IwAR3mjKuy1cvlaDZoJqb2vd0Fx8qWEKi1N613ZCBc545uM5V3yIY66PRlmt0
- Learn all you can! Read books, take classes, look up AAP recommendations, & learn how to use your car seat!
- Set up cubbies/stations in every main room you will use in the house! Think about it: living room, dining room, laundry room (wait until you run out of living room burp clothes- you’ll be running to the laundry room burp clothes, wait for it!), your room, baby’s room! In these cubbies keep things like: extra diapers, wipes, burp clothes, outfits, socks, ointment, a water bottle, snacks, and whatever you think will be useful for you!!
- Go ahead and clean all bottles, baby gear, and get items in nursery ready for baby to use them! Really take some time and memorize (or label- hey work smarter not harder!) where things are! No need to scramble at 2 am for a new outfit, or gas medicine!
- Speaking of gas medicine, its better to have and not to use, than not to have it when you need it. One of my biggest questions I get is “What can I do for my baby, they are so gassy!” no worries, I will be uploading a whole blog on this but most definitely buy MYLICON https://www.amazon.com/dp/B011EVP6WA/?tag=michaelafinkn-20. For all of my clients, I always tell them to buy the actual name brand one. I’m all for a steal and deal when I can get it, but this time, I’m telling ya, get this brand.
- Get an idea of how the next couple days/weeks will go. Who will be there for when you need to rest/shower/eat? Family & friends are amazing- but I realize they are also guests coming into your house! You feel the pressure of having to clean the house, or “have it all together”, you really don’t need to though, but I do understand. Consider hiring a Postpartum Doula/Newborn Care Specialist, we don’t care about anything besides your baby & your family thriving during this postpartum period! We can help you navigate those first couple weeks easier! I usually meet my clients home from the hospital, & get baby fed & settled in, while mom & partner shower & get some rest.
- Meal prep/prepare to get take out!! Prepping those yummy soups, casseroles, etc can actually be SO fun! But also put on your registry that you will happily accept gift cards from your fav restaurants! (Thank me later!)
- Local Resources: Make sure that you have considered all the resources you may need after birth! You should have a primary doctor that you will be following up with. You also should reach out & connect with local IBCLC’s (lactation consultants) so you can have their number ready if you need to call! Chiropractors- if that ya thing! (I will also be posting a “benefits of chiro blog”- if theres enough interest) You also need to prepare to have someone you’re comfortable talking to! Counselors help tremendously with navigating those new emotions after baby. Know your local doulas, NCS, and CPSTs!
- Practice makes perfect! Get familiar with practicing diapering, baby wearing, swaddling, & using the car seat! By the time baby gets here, you’ll be a pro!
- Write affirmations down & look at them often!
AFTER YOU GET HOME
Theres so many exciting things happening! You’re finally home with baby! Consider your other babies! Figure out how you will introduce your older siblings to their new baby! Allow them time to adjust to this transition! Don’t forget your fur babies! The biggest part of introducing your animals to your new baby is to know their personalities & tendencies. Let them be around all the baby stuff, & you can even have someone bring home a shirt/towel from the hospital to let them smell baby. Meeting outside can also help!
Put all of baby’s paperwork from the hospital somewhere safe! You will need to remember things like, when was their last feed/diaper change & have it to record the next ones.
Put all of your paperwork somewhere you can easiliy get to! This will include info about when the last time you took your medicines, appointments, and postpartum healing.
Take a shower if you want to, get some water, and snuggle in the bed with your baby. This is the new normal. This is what you’ve waited and dreamed of. It’s happening, you’re here. Embrace the change, do the best you can, and you will do amazing! Don’t forget to take care of yourself too, I’m serious! Congratulations again!!
I am with you mama!! You will be the best mom for your baby, I promise! If you need support and education, I’m here for you always! Go ahead and join our Postpartum and Newborn Care Support Group! https://www.facebook.com/groups/687424048495594/?ref=share you can also email me, michaelabfink@yahoo.com!
All links:
Baby Registry: https://www.pinterest.com/michaelabfink/?fbclid=IwAR16-sX2k-bVKCzB-Pk9K_ZO-B4_Wzwixr8yryaovQev4Ie2mg3E-DNytTU
All pictures: LEM & JUNE https://lem-and-june-affiliates.peachs.co/a/michaela-fink
Michaela Fink's Newborn Care, LLC 