Tips for New Mommies

Updated: I thought that I would repost this, because it has helped me to remember so much with my second little one!

Original: Last November I had my first child, Jackson, and I soon realized a lot of things! Things that no one told me. I decided that I would create an on-going list of tips, hopefully helping another new mother out. Having your first child is difficult enough, and you should have every tool you can to make motherhood a little bit easier.

Here are my list of tips, and feel free to add your suggestions. Remember, these are just my opinions....so, you may disagree and that's alright. But, I really feel this is a good baseline for new moms. I can't wait to hear what you think!!! (Make sure to let me know if you agree with one of the tips).

1. Baby goes through 8-10 diapers a day, so plan on stocking up prior to giving birth because you will not feel like going to the store.
2. When you are buying clothes, stick to 3-6 month sizes or larger because when people get you gifts it is primarily newborn or 0-3 month.
3. Do not buy Equate baby wipes, they gave my son diaper rash. Felt like sand paper on my little one's sensitive skin.
4. Target brand wipes are the best and least expensive.
5. Wal-Mart brand diapers are terrible, your child will leak through the diapers easily.
6. My personal favorite diapers are Target's Up Brand, my second choice is Pampers.
   
7. The hospital should give you a nasal aspirator, underarm thermometer, diaper bag, and infant hat.
8. Using an emery board in the beginning is the easiest way to trim baby's nails.
9. Vaseline can be used for diaper rash or dry skin (per doctor recommendation) and is also used in the case of a male circumcision.
10. When/if your water breaks it is not a big gush like in the movies, but more of a constant shower until you deliver.
11. Rubbing alcohol is used to help dry up the umbilical cord and for cleaning of the belly button.
12. Aquaphor is great for clearing up dry skin patches, or "baby pimples" that may occur.
13. Jackson general goes through a baby wipe refill each week, so keep that in mind when you go shopping prior/after baby.
14. Sex, nipple stimulation, spicy foods, masturbation, caster oil are all known to induce labor if you get desperate. Do not do any of these options until you are at least 37 weeks along. At that time you are considered to be full-term, prior to this date you may run the risk of your child's lungs not being fully developed.
15. Keep at least one large storage container to store out-grown childrens clothing.
16. I wouldn't waste your money on toys, you will get a lot of toys at Christmas and other holidays.
17. Keep a blog/calender updated with new and exciting things that are happening in your baby's life. It is a lot easier to jot something down than dig out the baby book and write in it.
18. If you are planning on nursing make sure to be well hydrated because if you don't you will not build up a sufficient milk supply, and you will have painful bowel movements (especially immediately after delivery).
19. It is normal to not have a bowel movement for 1-3 days after a vaginal delivery. Your body doesn't want to go through that pain again, and bowel movements and labor are similar (although not exactly, but the best way to describe it to someone who has not gone through it). You can take a stool softener or a mild laxative.
20. Your child can not sleep with any stuffed animals or blankets near his/her face because of possible suffocation.
21. If your child wants to be held all the time, even when sleeping, a bobby pillow is a great way to give the child the illusion of being held.
22. However you sleep in the hospital is what the baby will get used to.
23. In order for you child to become accustomed to your "scent" you and the new Daddy should only use soap/shampoo/etc. with very little scent. This allows you both to bond, and he/she will be able to tell the difference between Mom/Dad and strangers. This is especially important if you choose to breast feed.
24. Buy cloth diapers for your burb cloths. They are much more absorbant.
25. When you are creating your registry, try to stick with the things that you will need. That way people are more likely to get you the items you really need, and you can go out and buy the "fun" stuff ;o).
26. You will get some sanitary pads from the hospital, but it will not be enough to last. You will bleed for several weeks following a vaginal delivery. Anywhere from 2-6 weeks is the average.