I have my first child due very soon. It’s already been an internal oddysey for me during pregnancy and I’m aware that that’s just the beginning of it. But you lot are on the other side of the birth, so:

What should I understand right now to help me keep the courage and love to embrace this?

Also, a very humble request that you could spare a wish that our baby is born well. I really want it and anything might help!

Thanks!

  • @OfficeMonkeyEnglish
    3•4 months ago

    Good luck! I hope your baby is healthy.

    Things that really worked for me/us:

    1. Every baby is different and people who’ve written books aren’t always right.
    2. Happiest Baby on the Block was the one that worked the best for us, but you can get by with the video ratcher than reading the book (Swaddle, Shake (but do it gently), Shhh… And it’s been a decade, damnit, I can’t remember).
    3. Give yourself (and your partner) grace. You’re human and will be tired. Just know you’re both doing your best.
    4. C-section? If you can afford it, stay in a hotel for the first few nights. Room service, maid service, and your partner only has to stumble a few feet to get to the loo. (our bathroom at the time was on a different floor than the bedroom!)
    5. Check things early: crib, car seat, pacifier (we did one that had a stuffed animal attached, they were great), white noise machine, bassinet, wow thinking about this reminds me how expensive it is…
    6. WHATEVER THE PREGNANT PERSON WANTS. I got NO ice cream or milk shakes but got a TON of salads from Subway consisting mostly of banana peppers. Not worth the fight.
    7. As someone else said, just do stuff. Don’t wait to be asked. Change the diaper, feed or help with feeding, dress the kiddo, snuggle the baby.
    8. Baby breath smells good.
    9. Kids become interactive really fast, and they won’t remember a bit of it, but they’re generally adorable.
    10. Burp cloths.
    11. If you haven’t changed a diaper yet, it’s a thing to learn. I changed my first diaper about a month before my kid was born, and still almost got it wrong.
    12. If your child is going to be penis-possessing at birth: yes, you should cover their penis every time you change their diaper. Their range if uncovered is measured IN YARDS.
    13. Hat. Baby heads get cold.
    14. Do nice things for partner and not just baby.
    15. Every baby is different and what worked for me won’t necessarily work for you.

    Good luck!