It is hard.
To all of my friends who are also about to be first-time moms, I thought I'd share a few things that I've learned over the past 3 weeks... I hope you enjoy!
1.) You HAVE to take care of yourself. There will be at least one day when you finally sit down with your husband at the end of the day and realize that you somehow missed breakfast and lunch, and oh, you haven't gone to the bathroom all day. So, through all of the crying and feeding and diaper changing, be sure to eat, stay hydrated, take your vitamins, rest and go to the bathroom :) the baby will be ok if it cries for an extra 2 minutes or 10 minutes while you go to the bathroom or eat your lunch! Also, take a shower. Do your hair. Put on makeup. It will make you feel better!
2.) Don't forget about your marriage! You and your spouse, or significant other will be so consumed in this new life it is easy to forget about each other. If at first it is hard to separate your marriage from the baby, do things together.. Give the baby a bath together, let your husband feed the baby or burp the baby... After all, you've been taking care of him/her all day!
3.) Some people will tell you to sleep when the baby sleeps, others will tell you to get things done when the baby sleeps. My advice.... Do WHATEVER you want to do when the baby sleeps because, they sleep A LOT. But naturally, the one time you're ready to lay down and rest after a feeding thinking the baby will go to sleep like it's been all day, is the time he/she will lay there staring at you wide awake. Strap them in the swing or baby rocker and lay down... They won't run away :)
4.) People, for whatever reason will have an opinion (like it's their business) on whether you've decided to breast feed or formula feed, cloth diaper or use disposable diapers. Be honest. Tell them what you do, since they really care enough to ask or have an opinion. But that doesn't mean you have to defend or explain yourself.
5.) Don't confine yourself to the house. You will need to see another human besides from that sweet baby ( sometimes I refer to her as the tiny monster).
6.) Lots of people will want to see the baby. Most will be respectful of your time and how you feel. Others won't. Don't be afraid to tell people if they need to leave or if you don't feel like having company, it's ok.
7.) You will cry. You will be completely exhausted both mentally and physically. You will be overwhelmed by EVERYTHING. You will hurt (a baby just came out of you!) all of this is okay :) You will make it through that first night home from the hospital. Take each day one at a time.
8.) If you want to spend the entire 3 hours between feedings holding and staring at this beautiful creature that you made.. Do it!
9.) Ask for help if you need it, whether it's from your husband or your parents or friends. People will help you. There are so many people who love you, just wait!
10.) Enjoy every single minute with your beautiful baby because before you know it they're 3 weeks
old and half of your maternity leave is already over.
Praying for you all to have happy & healthy labor and deliveries! Don't be afraid to ask for that epidural :)
Love,
Katheryn and Emma
