When you’re expecting a baby, everyone seems eager to share their opinions: what foods to eat, what to avoid, how to rest, how to exercise, and so much more. This flood of advice doesn’t cease once the baby arrives; it often continues unabated. However, in my experience, the guidance I received wasn’t particularly useful. Here are some insights I wish I had known:
- Formula is perfectly acceptable. While I had hoped to breastfeed, it didn’t work out for me. I imagined myself as a nurturing mother, but the reality was different. In those early weeks with Ava, I felt heartbroken and overwhelmed. People offered suggestions on latching, pumping, and boosting milk supply, but no one mentioned that formula feeding was a valid option. The truth is, Ava thrived on formula, and our bond remained strong.
- Savor your hospital stay. Don’t rush home after giving birth. You have nurses ready to assist you, room service at your beck and call, and fresh linens arriving without any effort on your part. Enjoy the luxury while it lasts, as things will be quite different at home.
- Keep it simple. Remember, it’s a baby, not an extraterrestrial being. I spent ages searching for the perfect changing table, but the reality is that the kitchen counter was the most practical place for diaper changes. It’s the right height, there’s no need to navigate stairs, and I could easily store diapers below. The elaborate gear may look appealing, but it’s often unnecessary.
- Accept all offers of help. People adore newborns and will be more than happy to hold your little one while you take a shower, prepare a meal, or catch a quick nap. Trust me, holding a newborn is a joy; a toddler? Not so much. Take advantage of these generous offers while they last.
- Properly position baby boys. When changing diapers, make sure to point the penis downward to avoid messy leaks. Why is this not common knowledge?
- Avoid buying too many clothes. While it’s tempting to splurge on adorable outfits, resist the urge. Friends and family will shower you with baby clothes, and you’ll likely end up using the same few pieces repeatedly. Also, don’t remove tags until you absolutely need to. I washed and folded everything Ava had before she came home, but she never wore most of it, leaving me unable to return or regift anything.
- Skip the complicated outfits. As cute as they may look, garments with numerous snaps and buttons can become a nightmare at 3 AM. Opt for elasticized outfits during those first few weeks for ease of dressing.
- Keep an emergency diaper kit in your car. I remember arriving at our first pediatrician visit without any diapers, wipes, or a change of clothes. It takes time to get accustomed to carrying all that baby gear, and diaper blowouts are bound to happen. Being prepared makes a world of difference.
- Don’t hesitate to ask for assistance. Once you become a mom, you join a vast community of other mothers who understand. I’ve never hesitated to ask a fellow parent for a few extra wipes or to share snacks with a fussy child in the park. We’re all in this together.
- Cherish every moment. Not only do those early months pass swiftly (and they do!), but they are also relatively simple compared to what lies ahead. If you have another child, you’ll find yourself wondering why you thought managing a single newborn was challenging. You won’t realize this until you experience it firsthand.
For more tips on navigating motherhood and understanding your body, check out this post on colostrum to learn about breast leakage.
Summarizing all of this, being a new mom can be overwhelming, but remembering to take things easy, accept help, and not stress over the little things can make a world of difference. For those considering home insemination, this resource on IUI could be beneficial, as well as this guide for couples on their fertility journey.