Almost two weeks ago, my friend Tammy gave birth to a baby boy. One of my favorite things about Tammy is that she reads my blog, unlike a number of my other real life friends. *stifles a sob and sniffs pitifully.* Anyway, I've been trying to think of what I could do for her other than send more baby clothes and good thoughts, since I'm 1200 miles away and can't bring potato chips. So here is a post for Tammy, as well as any other new mothers out there.
Some Thoughts
1. You are a FABULOUS mother.
2. Sometimes even fabulous mothers get frustrated and/or ticked off.
3. It's okay to let the baby cry for a few minutes. Especially if this is one of those frustrated moments.
4. Trust your instincts.
5. If you don't have any instincts, that's okay too. Call someone or go to Kellymom.com or Mayasmom.com.
6. Smile and nod at all advice you are given, then trust your instincts.
7. Take all advice with a grain of salt.
8.. Everyone judges mothers. Other mothers most of all. Don't fall into the trap of comparing yourself and/or your baby to other people.
9. A dirty house will not hurt the baby.
10. You are a FABULOUS mother.
Some Advice (pass the salt)
1. When the baby wakes up, wait a few minutes before picking him up. It's good training for sleeping on his own later on.
2. They say it's bad, but I think falling asleep on the couch with my babies - no matter what time of day it was - saved my sanity. And the babies loved it.
3. You do not need to supplement your milk with formula, breastfed babies are just skinnier. And they eat all the time because they like to nurse, not because you're not making enough milk. That said, if you want to introduce formula, that's your business - just don't let anyone bully you into it.
4. You can have a glass of wine now. And you should.
5. Find people with babies the same age as yours.
6. Go ahead and breastfeed in public. Be proud.
7. Tinted moisturizer is your friend.
8. The only way to make your libido come back is to spend some . . .um. . quality time on your own. But don't worry about that for another few months.
9. Babies don't actually need to eat baby food. After six months old, mushy table food has more nutritional impact and is cheaper (I was told that one by a pediatric dietitian)
10. No one has it all together, not even that celebrity mommy with four nannies and a personal trainer. Well, okay, besides her.
Congratulations on starting the most amazing and challenging ride of your life.
4 comments:
Kathy, you're right - I totally forgot about that. I can even remember saying that my kids would never watch TV and a mom I knew laughing at me.
Amen, sister! Great advice.
Leslie - thank you. Don't forget it when you have number two!
Kathy, you're right - I totally forgot about that. I can even remember saying that my kids would never watch TV and a mom I knew laughing at me.
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