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Monday, November 8, 2010

Hey, It's Okay....Newborn Edition

What mom hasn't laughed at the lists of things you wished you had known before you had kids? Because they are so true. Appreciate the body you have because it will never look the same after childbirth. Enjoy sleep now while you can. Go to the bathroom alone and revel in that.


We laugh because, even if someone had warned us, we couldn't have imagined what it's really like. And we probably wouldn't have believed them anyway. Because, before we had kids, we had all-nighters. We thought we would be different and get our pre-baby bodies back. And the bathroom thing...what IS that? So weird.


But, what about the brand-new mamas? Those who still have a newborn in their houses. I think I read a list like that when I was a new mom. One who hadn't slept for longer than 1.5 hours in a row since her baby was born. Who could only dream of taking a shower. And I'm pretty sure that list made me cry.


Because, even though I loved that little newborn more than anything, I just wanted someone to tell me that it was all going to be okay. And so, in that spirit, here's my list for brand-new moms. And yes, I'm going to say "he" every time I talk about the baby, because that is all I have. These can apply to girls, too.


In the style of Glamor Magazine's Hey, It's Okay.... made into a fun blog topic by Whispering Writer at Airing My Dirty Laundry.


Hey it's okay....


*NOT to pick your baby up the second he makes the tiniest little noise. Babies are noisy when they sleep and they startle. So, hold your breath and wait for a minute or two to see if they are really waking up or not.


*If breastfeeding hurts like hell the first two weeks. Well, it's not really okay because it sort of feels like broken glass is being sucked out of you at first, but don't listen to the crazies who tell you if you are doing it right, it doesn't hurt. IT DOES. For about 2 weeks. And then you're fine. Hang in there.


*If you don't breastfeed. Or give up on breastfeeding. I bf mine(even extended bf), but I'm a firm believer in "your boobs, your business." And, wow, was I ever jealous of moms who got a break from the feedings because their husbands could take a turn. As good as breastmilk is for your child, a happy, not-stressed-out mommy is even better.


*Not to pump and dump. If you have a glass of wine right after a feeding, by the time your baby needs another feeding, it will probably all be out of your system. Pumping and dumping does NOTHING. Time is what removes alcohol from your system. So, a glass of wine is okay. Not a bottle, sorry.


*To let your baby cry for a little bit. Yes, I know that newborns can't soothe themselves. But, when you are really frustrated, it's okay to leave the baby for a few minutes to go brush your teeth, or go to the bathroom, or put on a clean shirt, or flop yourself down on your bed and take a few deep breaths, or get that glass of wine, anything that makes you feel human again. THEN go back and pick the baby up and soothe him. A few minutes of fussing is not going to hurt your baby. But, a few minutes to yourself could save your sanity.


*To be completely freaked out by the weird umbilical cord stump thingy. They all look weird.


*To be completely freaked out by taking a rectal temperature. But, your baby has no clue that this isn't perfectly normal. Enough lube and they really don't care. Go ahead and laugh at me for not realizing that I could just do this as my baby laid on his back on the changing table and thinking that I needed to have him on his belly, in my lap. Um, no, that doesn't work so well.


*To be completely freaked out by a lot of things. This motherhood thing isn't easy. We've all been there. Ask your mom, ask a friend, ask a moms' board, ask facebook and twitter when you are worried about something. Moms love to share stories and advice.


*To think that some of the advice you get is completely wrong. You know, except mine.


*To cry a little the first time you leave your baby for the first time. And to feel a little panicked while you are gone, like you are missing an appendage. Your baby is fine. You are fine. You need this. Even if you are like me and the first time you left your baby, it was to go to the library to pick up some books to read during the endless hours of breastfeeding and you were only gone for 20 minutes.


*To be a wreck at the baby's check-ups. Pediatricians are there to answer your questions. They are used to new moms. And all our hormones.


*To blame things on hormones for at least a year after the baby is born. I was pregnant, breastfeeding or both continuously for nearly six years, so I know of what I speak. I know, my poor husband.


*To still be in maternity clothes for months. Really, it's okay. And then you can graduate to sweatpants and yoga pants.


*To sleep every chance you get. Forget about everything else. You can clean another time. And having a new baby in the house is the perfect excuse should anyone happen to just stop over. So, don't worry. Just sleep.


*To want to punch people in the nose for asking if your newborn is sleeping through the night yet.  This is not normal. At all. I think most moms have momnesia and forget just how tough those first few weeks or months are. And if you're reading this and your baby slept through the night really super early, shut up, I don't want to hear it.


*To gag a little when you change your baby's diaper. We moms eventually get used to all the stinks and messes our kids will make, but it's hard when you are first being initiated.


*To let someone else hold your baby. Put him in their arms and then go take a shower. Or nap. Or, oh dear God, both.


*To let a drink be your solution to everything. No, I'm not talking about wine here. Already covered that above. I think it might be because our bladders are now completely shot and we don't want our sleep interrupted any more than it already is, but new moms forget to drink water as much as they should. And dehydration can make you crazy.


Do you have any to add? What do you wish you'd known was okay as a new mom?


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82 Comments:

Blogger Oka said...

It's okay to let Dad learn to "mother" him, and often. Dad may not do it your way, but he can do it. Let him diaper, feed, wake in the middle of the night, and let him sooth a fussy baby. Let him understand what you are going through (as best as he can).

November 8, 2010 at 7:19 AM  
Blogger Di said...

I'm bookmarking this and printing it out.. Possibly framing it and will consult at 3am when I'm in tears and exhausted...

November 8, 2010 at 7:20 AM  
Blogger KristinFilut said...

It's funny how much we forget! I can't imagine having a newborn in the house again, but all of these things seem pretty right on to me!

November 8, 2010 at 7:20 AM  
Blogger Steph said...

:)

Love it!

"Momnesia" is SOOOOO true.

I HATED the first 3 weeks of breastfeeding the 1st time around. The 2nd time I was more relaxed, but still painful.

I'd add: just because dad doesn't always do it the way I'd do it, it's ok for him to learn and do on his own creating his own experience.
Besides, I've found if I say, "Well, what works for ME is..." when what he's doing isn't working, it gets him to do it my way anyway haha!

The dad element is important, I think. ♥

November 8, 2010 at 7:26 AM  
Blogger Unknown said...

LOVE this! I can say I agree with that whole list!

November 8, 2010 at 7:36 AM  
Blogger Heather (One Take On Life) said...

All so true. I would add that it is ok to think "What have I done to my life?" Yes you love your newborn baby, your hormones are out of whack and a child is LIFE Changing.
That feeling will pass.

November 8, 2010 at 7:41 AM  
Blogger Brandi said...

Great list! I still get freaked out by the cord stump. ;)

November 8, 2010 at 7:58 AM  
Blogger The Mommyologist said...

How about, "It's ok to want your old life back."

I think a lot of moms feel guilty over missing their old life, but I think that most of them do, even if it's only for a few minutes. Everyone wants to shit, shower, and sleep, without interruption after bringing home a newborn.

November 8, 2010 at 8:02 AM  
Blogger Life Without Pink said...

This is spot on! Its ok to ask for help. With my first I felt like I should be able to "handle" it all but the second time around I wasnt ashamed to say "I need help!". Oh and its ok to want time to yourself, everyone needs it for their own sanity!

November 8, 2010 at 8:12 AM  
Blogger Heather said...

Great list.
I always thought the sooner the baby realizes I am a slacket mom the sooner they will hush.

November 8, 2010 at 8:19 AM  
Blogger m&msmommy said...

Awesome list!

I have to agree (and laugh) about the sleeping through the night thing...I just so happened to have my daugther around the same time as several of my Facebook friends had their babies, and every status (at, what felt like, 2 weeks old ;) was about their child sleeping through the night, UGH!! My daughter is 9 1/2 months old and JUST started sleeping through the night, and it's not even consistently! :)

November 8, 2010 at 8:30 AM  
Blogger Diane said...

These are all great advice for new moms. I never did bring myself to take a rectal temperature and I never stopped gagging when I changed their diapers!

November 8, 2010 at 8:42 AM  
Blogger Katie said...

I wish this post had been around when my little guy was brand new! I remember feeling the exact way you said - scared that it was never going to get better. (And maybe wondering, just a little bit, "dear God what have I done??")

November 8, 2010 at 8:53 AM  
Blogger Kmama said...

Umm, and that for some, breast feeding may hurt well beyond two weeks.

And the one about the baby STTN? Yeah, Buster is finally there, at almost 3 years old.

Oh, and the best advice...is whatever works best for YOU and your child.

November 8, 2010 at 9:01 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I still blame my hormones - isn't that the perk of being female? LOL

It is okay to cry for no reason - you are sleep deprived and new to this. Don't feel guilty for crying a lot.

November 8, 2010 at 9:19 AM  
Blogger Erin said...

Too freaking funny!!!! Awesome list girl and way too true!

November 8, 2010 at 9:24 AM  
Blogger Julie said...

I would agree with the let the baby cry a bit. My sister in law's baby is now 2 months and she proclaimed to her mother the other night that she doesn't let the baby cry at all, she goes and gets her the moment she hears something. Eventually that will need to change cause she'll need to learn that crying is ok.

I would add that its okay to leave the baby with Daddy at times. You need your time away, he needs his time away so when its your turn, trust him!

November 8, 2010 at 9:26 AM  
Blogger natalee said...

Im printing this out for my sister..(brand new mom) i missed you my friend while i was on vacy

November 8, 2010 at 9:27 AM  
Blogger Evonne said...

My son slept like a champ at night very early, but before you tell me to shut up, let me explain. He didn't nap at all for the first 3 months.

So while it's ok to let them cry for a bit because you need a few minutes, it's also ok to cry right along with them.

November 8, 2010 at 9:34 AM  
Blogger Kat said...

Shell, this is a great post! I wish I would have had this kind of advice when I had kids. But I was one of the first ones in my family to make grandchildren for my mom, and one of the first of my friends to have children as well. This is awesome!

November 8, 2010 at 9:35 AM  
Blogger Andrea said...

Love it. G-d, how I wish I had a post like this to read when my daughter was a baby. I wrote my own letter to new moms a while back, it's so true, we want them to listen, but we know they won't - not right away, anyway. :> Hee hee. But later on, they'll know. They'll pass on the same words of wisdom to others, as well. :)

November 8, 2010 at 9:45 AM  
Blogger MommyLovesStilettos said...

I think you covered it all!! :) I love your list :)

November 8, 2010 at 9:47 AM  
Blogger Megan said...

sleep. Forgive yourself. When somone offers to bring a meal OR hold a baby so you can shower ~ let them. :)

November 8, 2010 at 9:54 AM  
Anonymous heidi @ wonder woman wannabe said...

This is FABULOUS, Shell!

I'll be saving this to share with two of my newly pregnant friends (they're just getting started on this season even though we've been freinds for years and years)

I would have to add that "Hey, it's okay"...

if life just seems out of whack for the first 6-12 months....

Give yourself some grace and don't pay no mind to if the thank-you's get out within a week of receiving a meal or the house is a wreck or you just can't keep up with housework -

it's a SEASON - let it roll and be nice to yourself. ;) let ANYONE help.

November 8, 2010 at 9:54 AM  
Blogger Kir said...

*heart the list* I remember thinking "Everyone told me it would be hard...but 'this hard'???" and then crying.....and falling asleep without warning. LOL

I also agree with letting your husband "help" as much as he can (or your partner, or mom or whoever" it REALLY is ok.,..to take advantage of all those people who said they'd love to help...give them a call NOW. :)

xo

November 8, 2010 at 9:55 AM  
Blogger Alexandra said...

It's OK to have moments where you wonder, "what have I done with my life?"

November 8, 2010 at 10:15 AM  
Blogger Sara said...

I might print this list out and keep it for future reference. Also, promise you'll always be available via Twitter....

November 8, 2010 at 10:21 AM  
Blogger Liz said...

I swear I was always a bumbling idiot, speaking in incoherent phrases, for the early new baby visits with BOTH girls!

November 8, 2010 at 10:25 AM  
Blogger Ashley said...

I love this! Just when we're thinking about another one...ha! j/k! My biggest thing that I wish someone had told me was: "It is okay to just SAY NO." To people who want to stop by. To people who invite you to do stuff. To anyone and everyone who wants/needs something from you. The only person who has needs that you need to fulfill is that baby. Everyone else can take a number! And in 4-6 months when you feel ready, then you can go down the list. Or not. =)

November 8, 2010 at 10:53 AM  
Blogger Unknown said...

In the hospital, though you can't bear not seeing your baby, let the nurses take them for a few hours a day. You will NEED that time when you get home and wish you had taken advantage of it.
Yes it is possible for them to vomit across the room.

November 8, 2010 at 11:14 AM  
Blogger The Double Dipped Life said...

Awesome list and comments! The best advice I ever got: Do NOT tiptoe around baby when he's sleeping. Make regular, everyday living noises. That will make them a deep sleeper, not a light one!

November 8, 2010 at 11:15 AM  
Blogger Living the Scream said...

Love this! I like the things that you said were okay to do as mom's we feel so guilt about everything! We need to quit it :)

November 8, 2010 at 11:23 AM  
Blogger Shannon K. said...

100% true to all of the above. Especially the bf hurting for two weeks part. I tell all my friends who are new to motherhood to NOT listen to those who say it shouldn't hurt if you're doing it right. It does. A LOT! For at least 9 days. And your description of broken glass being sucked through, couldn't be more spot on.

November 8, 2010 at 11:39 AM  
Blogger Shannon K. said...

100% true to all of the above. Especially the bf hurting for two weeks part. I tell all my friends who are new to motherhood to NOT listen to those who say it shouldn't hurt if you're doing it right. It does. A LOT! For at least 9 days. And your description of broken glass being sucked through, couldn't be more spot on.

November 8, 2010 at 11:39 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Hahaha!! I did my very own post awhile back on this very topic! So many things no one ever told me! Thank you for stating that wine is okay. Wine is ALWAYS okay!!!

November 8, 2010 at 11:47 AM  
Blogger Lily Dawn said...

Love it~ Is it weird that this is actually making me miss the newborn baby days??

My advice- let people help... If your family or friends offer to help with cleaning or babysitting or just to hang out and let you take a shower. LET THEM! and take your time... it can do wonders =)

Also, I agree with the others who said let Daddy do some of the work- It is crazy to me when I see these stressed- wild eyed first-time mamas, and daddy has never even changed a diaper- they are perfectly capable, let them help out! =)

November 8, 2010 at 11:54 AM  
Blogger Lourie said...

I just wish I would have listened to those words of wisdom better. Like nap when the baby naps. Etc. This list is awesome. And to add...

"It's okay if you forget...anything...everything...you are operating on an hour of sleep."

November 8, 2010 at 12:12 PM  
Blogger MommaKiss said...

A hundred times over, I think the best advice I've ever received is that I many not always "like" my child. Love - 100% 24/7. But like? Not always. And that's OK!

November 8, 2010 at 12:12 PM  
Blogger Corinne said...

Great list Shell

I would have to say let your Husband be a dad...without hovering over his shoulder. He may do things you don't like, but he is still doing them right.

November 8, 2010 at 12:13 PM  
Blogger Rebecca said...

You are so right about being panicked the first time you go out without them. I have twins and someone was always attached to me...I kept thinking I had lost one of them!

November 8, 2010 at 12:15 PM  
Blogger Hutch said...

Did you change your site recently or have I really been gone for that long?

Passing this list along to some new-mom friends :)

November 8, 2010 at 1:08 PM  
Blogger Tina L. Hook said...

Thank you for the education. I am slowly doing my research through my mommy blog friends.

The breastfeeding part? Broken glass? Yikes. Did not know that. My boobs hurt just thinking about it.

November 8, 2010 at 1:08 PM  
Blogger Pamela Gold said...

It's okay to seek out help if you're experiencing Postpartum Depression! Just because your OB didn't educate you while you were pregnant, doesn't mean you have to be stuck in that black hole all alone!

November 8, 2010 at 1:20 PM  
Blogger Jenn said...

What a great list! The only thing I'd add is ... It's okay to feel: whatever you're feeling right now! Whether it's content, exhausted, overwhelmed, happy, etc. Whatever it is, you don't need to explain.

All too often I find my felf justifying, "Oh, I'm worn out, but motherhood is great!" or "Everything is amazing, but exhausting too."

No need to justify!

November 8, 2010 at 1:28 PM  
Blogger Yankee Girl said...

I'm going to bookmark this and reread it when it applies because I am sure I will be needing it at some point!

November 8, 2010 at 1:48 PM  
Blogger Lizzieholly said...

Ha ha, I love it! Just stumbled across your blog! I am expecting my first wee girl on the 1st March... Ahh the things I have to look forward to! Broken glass?? Really, OUCH!

November 8, 2010 at 1:48 PM  
Blogger Go Mommy said...

Spot on list!!!

November 8, 2010 at 2:02 PM  
Blogger Unknown said...

Oh that is wonderful! My only addition would be that it is ok for your hormones to NEVER go back to the way they were. Expect to cry at every "mommy" commercial, and to be unable to watch any TV show or movie where a child is kidnapped or murdered without turning into a paranoid mess and checking on your kiddo three times that night.

November 8, 2010 at 2:28 PM  
Blogger One Photo said...

It's OK to feel completely overwhelmed. You are. So is every other new Mom out there and when you meet one and she seems all put together, just know it is an act and underneath all that she is just as scared as you :-)

In a different vein I would say: it is not OK to feel alone - get out there and join a class, library story time or something that brings you into contact with other new Moms as soon as possible. It will save your sanity.

And finally - start a blog. Connect with other Moms so you know you are not alone in anything you think or do plus you will have an amazing record of this time which momnesia otherwise will take away from you.

November 8, 2010 at 2:35 PM  
Blogger Secret Mom Thoughts said...

Love this list. I agree with it all.

November 8, 2010 at 2:43 PM  
Blogger Kristy @Loveandblasphemy said...

Yup, I can relate to every single thing, and I totally agree with you on this one:
*If you don't breastfeed. Or give up on breastfeeding. I bf mine(even extended bf), but I'm a firm believer in "your boobs, your business." And, wow, was I ever jealous of moms who got a break from the feedings because their husbands could take a turn. As good as breastmilk is for your child, a happy, not-stressed-out mommy is even better.

November 8, 2010 at 2:52 PM  
Blogger Helena said...

This is an awesome list. I think I'm going to bookmark it, for future reference.

November 8, 2010 at 3:09 PM  
Blogger Together We Save said...

This is a great list and so encouraging to new mom's!! I was a stressed out new mommy once and I truely never thought I would get any rest again.

November 8, 2010 at 3:18 PM  
Blogger mdforkids said...

Fabulous list of advice here for those with newborns! I especially like the BF advice. Yes it hurts but will get better AND "your boobs, your business"...awesome.

Also, putting a crying baby down while you regain your sanity and composure. A must. I remember a moment in my newborn haze when it seemed like nothing I did was comforting my baby. I was sleep deprived, dirty, hungry, and at the end of my rope. I had to put my baby down and go to another room for a few minutes. It helps, it really does.

November 8, 2010 at 3:25 PM  
Blogger Jen said...

Great post. Every new mom should read it. :)

November 8, 2010 at 3:36 PM  
Blogger Joy@TPMG said...

When your a new mom and it is "one of those days" reading a list like this would be a like a friend telling you that it is going to be okay. One of the best things I did was to get out of the house after my first was born. Just a change of scenery was enough to make me feel refreshed. To think I am going to be doing this all over again. Yikes!

November 8, 2010 at 3:52 PM  
Blogger Emmy said...

Great list! And yeah I even was bad about the water thing the third time around, it is so important

November 8, 2010 at 3:59 PM  
Anonymous Melissa {adventuroo} said...

Fantabulous list! I hear ya on the momnesia-- my mom swears I was running by 9 months! I laugh at that but my kids DID both crawl before 6 months so maybe she was right.

Here's mine:
It's okay... if you're doing something differently than a fellow mom. There are a million good ways to parent (and a million bad ways too I guess!).

By the way, I think you'd love this video about what you'd tell your pre-mother self:
http://vimeo.com/14620768

(hint: GRAB TISSUE BEFORE WATCHING!)

November 8, 2010 at 5:21 PM  
Blogger shortmama said...

Adding...Its ok to cry over the saggy boobs and stretchy stomach...we all did!!!

November 8, 2010 at 5:54 PM  
Blogger Adrienne said...

I love the one where it's okay to not listen to the advice. Sometimes as new moms you feel we have to listen to everyone. But, I learned real fast-nobody really knows!

November 8, 2010 at 5:55 PM  
Blogger Daisygirl said...

oh this was so good...ya know I never could do the rectal temperature thing! Oh and I sucked at those snot ball things!!!

November 8, 2010 at 7:26 PM  
Blogger Liz Mays said...

You're not kidding about the holding your breath in the hopes they stay sleeping! I so remember that!

November 8, 2010 at 8:29 PM  
Blogger Unknown said...

great advice! I think the most important thing for moms to understand is that it's ok to walk away for a breather and let them cry.

November 8, 2010 at 8:47 PM  
Blogger Macey said...

As a non breast feeder, I have to thank you for putting that on the list! I had a friend at the time when I had my first born and she wouldn't SHUT UP about me not breast feeding. I had reasons...excuses even, but she was a tool about it.

November 8, 2010 at 9:15 PM  
Anonymous Minnesota Mamaleh said...

oh i love this! it brings me right back to the beginning (and that's sayin' something since my oldest is 6 1/2 now!)!

how about this one-- it's okay to have a full conversation with your newborn. all out loud and one sided and everything. even in *gasp* public!

lol thanks for the nostalgia-style-smiles! :)

November 8, 2010 at 10:11 PM  
Blogger Joann Mannix said...

My first daughter had a raging case of colic for the first 4 months of her life. I can remember standing in the shower at night and just sobbing as I let the hot water try to work out the kinks in my neck and shoulders from trying to comfort her all day long. I remember feeling like there was no light. I couldn't see an end to this, like it would go on forever.

I used to be a certified lactation volunteer. I would go to new mommy's homes when they were at the end of their ropes and crying in frustration and teach them how to breast feed. And yes, that sometimes meant picking up a boob and putting it in the baby's mouth to instruct them. I decided to became a lactation expert when I was having trouble nursing and the woman who came to my aid was a die hard breast feeder who told me there was NO other option. Breast feeding ended up being a great thing for me, but it's not for every woman. I made sure the mothers I helped who chose the bottle, that they were doing what felt right for them and their baby and so they were definitely doing the right thing. Being a new mom is hard enough, we don't need other mothers telling us our best efforts aren't good enough.

Great post, Shell. Once again, you hit the nail on the head.

November 8, 2010 at 10:27 PM  
Blogger AiringMyLaundry said...

This is an awesome list.

To be honest, I didn't know what was going on the first two months of my children's lives. I was half asleep, my boobs hurt, and I smelled like sour milk.

November 8, 2010 at 11:37 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

The whole sleeping through the night question - its awful. My baby is 4 and Im still surprised if he sleeps through the night in his own bed. I think this question is asked by moms hoping you say yes so you can tell them your tricks and by moms who have lucked out with a nice sleeper and just want to be smug about it.

November 9, 2010 at 1:06 AM  
Blogger Unknown said...

Great post! Sleep was my big thing. My husband point out I haven't had dinner and I would let him know I would rather have sleep.

November 9, 2010 at 6:22 AM  
Blogger Sorta Southern Single Mom said...

Fabulous post, Shell! Mine would be that you can let others hold your baby, but you don't have to. I used to cringe every time my former SIL wanted to hold my babies.. she had four of her own, and knew it all, KWIM? Finally I started nursing the baby every time she asked. "Oops nope, sorry, gotta go feed the baby!"

November 9, 2010 at 6:27 AM  
Blogger Ian said...

Only thing I can add, being a man and all is that our doctor said to never pump and dump because the alcohol evaporates from the milk in an hour or two - just like from being evaporated in your system.

That's all I got.

November 9, 2010 at 8:07 AM  
Blogger The Random Blogette said...

The main thing that I have to add is that if you are physically unable to breastfeed don't beat yourself up about it. I was unable to do it because Peanut never latched and then I couldn't breastfeed her because she has PKU. I felt like the worst mother ever.

I wish I had this list when Peanut was first born! It is fantastic!

November 9, 2010 at 8:26 AM  
Blogger Trish said...

Following you from the Follow Back Tuesday!
http://mommysaysallthebadwords.blogspot.com/

And I LOVE LOVE LOVE your list!

November 9, 2010 at 10:38 AM  
Blogger For the Love of Naps - Sarah said...

oh boy! Such a good list! And so needed. Even though I am having my third...you forget all that little stuff. I do think with number three I will be more relaxed...because I was with number two. But I am so worried about the lack of sleep and the impact that is going to have on the crazy going on in my head. AHHH!

LOVED this post!

November 9, 2010 at 11:01 AM  
Blogger Kim said...

Here is one for you. It's okay to NOT LIKE your child at times. You love him, yes, with all of your heart. But there are times you are not going to like him. Especially after he throws up on you minutes after taking your first shower in a week.
Just being real. ;-)

November 9, 2010 at 2:28 PM  
Blogger Sonora said...

What a great list! Being a first time mom was one of the hardest things I have ever done. Every baby after that, I at least have the knowledge and experience that the really hard, crappy parts will pass. I think it is a great idea to let first time moms know these things. My biggest is that, it will pass and it will get easier.

November 9, 2010 at 4:09 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Great blog and I'm your newest follower! Have a wonderful night :)

Liz

www.ablogwithnopurpose.blogspot.com

November 9, 2010 at 9:00 PM  
Blogger Venassa said...

I really enjoyed this. I'll try to remember it when I have kids of my own. Rectal temperature? Does not sound like fun.

November 10, 2010 at 5:05 PM  
Blogger Lori@Two Daughters, A Husband, and A Minivan! said...

This is a great post! I can't wait to read more posts.

I'm following you from FMBT (trying to get through the whole list so I'm just now getting to your link)!

November 10, 2010 at 9:47 PM  
Blogger MommaResa said...

I think it's important for new moms to know it's okay to NOT be worried when you leave your baby for the first time.

It's alright to be okay with everything that's going on. For not freaking or worrying.

You see so many lists that tell you it's okay to freak out that you think it's the norm.

It's neither right nor wrong on most of these things.

November 11, 2010 at 12:25 AM  
Blogger Unknown said...

It's okay that you had a c-section, or it's okay that you didn't have a "natural" birth. I promise!

November 12, 2010 at 3:34 AM  
Blogger The No Wonder Mom said...

Sooo good!! Love, love, love it!

November 18, 2010 at 4:08 PM  

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