The never-ending quest for sanity

[jrp]

I've been wracking my brain lately about things that I wish that I had purchased/done/whatever before DS was a newborn to make me feel a little more human during those early stages. 

The things that I've come up with so far are, 1) if you regularly splurge on something in your "regular" life, splurge on the new mom/nursing/etc version. For me, it's bras and sleepwear: I don't buy regular bras at Target, but somehow I thought I should be able to get by for my entire time nursing on $20 bras that I hated. This time, I've already purchased some good quality nursing bras for sleeping (think comfortable nice fabrics that will wash well and have a touch of pretty), a few open-style cardigans that will work for loungewear and nursing, and asked for a bathrobe for Christmas (which I did end up getting - thanks, DH!). 2) Even if you survive during the day on clif bars and diet pepsi (guilty.), make a point to have a decent dinner with the SO after the baby goes down. Criteria for decent: on real plates, warm, and not in front of the TV. Sometimes, we even lit candles. Bonus points if DH cooks dinner while you're getting one last feeding in pre-bedtime.

Any STM+ have tips for first-timers??

[thenetwork]

My only regret is a big one: not asking for more help. I am certain now that I had ppd, but for me it manifested differently than any pregnancy/baby book described. I didn't feel sad or anxious, but I had serious, uncontrollable anger.

This time I am prepared to ask for more help both from my family and my doctor.

[busterrose]

I agree with thenetwork. Accept the help when offered or reach out and ask for it. I wanted to prove that I could do it myself but it's not a sign of weakness if you need help.

[flmama622]

I know people HATE hearing this but I totally slept whenever DD slept for the first week or two. The house was a mess, DH did everything he could but likely he was sleeping too. I seriously think it kept me sane. I have tons of friends that loathe this advice but it worked for me. Second time around this won't even be an option.

I have been going back and forth on making freezer meals but haven't decided if it's worth it. Anyone do this last time and thought it was worth the investment of time?

[mango]

1st timer - following...

So far I'm just going to try to stock up on snacks. Won't be doing more than a few frozen meals - mom, then MIL are coming for a week each.

[gamora24527]

I wish I had read/learned more about how to care for a newborn and focused a little less on actually giving birth before having DS. Don't get me wrong, it's important to have an idea about what to expect in the birthing process. But, that takes maybe a few days if you are unlucky. The newborn thing goes on for weeks. And then I had a newborn and was so exhausted that figuring out what to do with him was overwhelming. I recommend reading/watching Dr. Harvey Karp's Happiest Baby on the Block and reading Dr. Mark Weissbluth's Healthy Sleep Habits Happy Child. If you think you want to give breastfeeding a go, take a class or read Ina May's guide to breastfeeding. I also found reading the breastfeeding and 0-3 month boards incredibly helpful, not only for problem solving but to learn what was actually a problem and what was normal.

[jrp]

Jan 22, 2015 13:29:06 GMT -5 gamora24527 said:

I wish I had read/learned more about how to care for a newborn and focused a little less on actually giving birth before having DS. Don't get me wrong, it's important to have an idea about what to expect in the birthing process. But, that takes maybe a few days if you are unlucky. The newborn thing goes on for weeks. And then I had a newborn and was so exhausted that figuring out what to do with him was overwhelming. I recommend reading/watching Dr. Harvey Karp's Happiest Baby on the Block and reading Dr. Mark Weissbluth's Healthy Sleep Habits Happy Child. If you think you want to give breastfeeding a go, take a class or read Ina May's guide to breastfeeding. I also found reading the breastfeeding and 0-3 month boards incredibly helpful, not only for problem solving but to learn what was actually a problem and what was normal.

How did I forget about Happiest Baby on the Block?!? DS2.5 still uses a sound machine,, and I just bought a million a&a swaddling blankets. Love that book!

[earthian]

I wish I would have gotten out of the house a bit more. Dh offered several times to watch dd so I could get out a bit the first month or two but I never took him up on it. I should have.