Pregnancy can be overwhelming. The advice I’ve received from various outlets is even more overwhelming. I’ve gotten advice from my own family, to co-workers, to strangers off of the street that didn’t even know me. Some of it has been terrible, but there were a few nuggets of gold that came my way every now and then. After really thinking all of the advice I’ve received through, I found that there was six pieces of actually helpful advice I received that most expectant moms get. These gems are ones I’ll be remembering when it’s time to apply them.
6 Pieces of Actually Helpful Advice for Expectant Moms
Don’t Be Afraid To Speak Up During Labor
It’s easy to lose your voice during labor when your body and mind are totally into the birthing process. I’ve heard many women state their regret after labor was that they wished they would have spoken up. If you’re not comfortable with a recommendation from a doctor during labor, use the acronym BRAIN to help guide your discussions with your doctor and your partner about your options. BRAIN stands for:
- Benefits: What are the benefits of doing this?
- Risks: What are the risks of doing this?
- Alternatives: What are my other options?
- Instincts: What are my mom senses telling me?
- Nothing: What will happen if we do nothing and wait an hour?
Keep in mind that if it is truly an emergency, your doctor will entertain any other options. In addition, make sure you talk to your partner about your birthing plan so that they are privet to how you want it to go while you have a clear mind and heart. In your weakest moment, your partner can be your voice.
Take a Family Photo Soon After Your Baby is Born
It’s no secret that babies change so much in the first few months. If you’re sentimental like me, you’re going to want to keep the memory alive in some kind of way. What better way to do that than with a photograph? I’ve been told they grow up quick, so soon after baby is born is the best time to remember what he/she looked like as a babe.
Create a Nighttime Feeding Schedule With Your Partner
Taking care of a baby shouldn’t be left up to only mom. It took two to tango so it only makes sense that your partner be involved in all other aspects as well. By creating a nighttime feeding schedule with your partner in mind, the dreaded sleepless nights will be a little less daunting. My boss gave me some great advice: with their second child, they wised up and created a feeding schedule that allowed mom to rest in the beginning of the night while dad took on bottle feeding the first few times. Once it was dad’s bedtime, mom was well rested enough to continue on the night feedings. My husband and I have decided to adopt a similar schedule so that I get as much rest as I can while he also gets extra bonding time with baby.
Take Your Partner Into Consideration in General
The baby was created by you both. Nowadays, dads play a significant role in their child’s lives. With more hands-on dads comes taking them into consideration on various aspects. With any successful relationship, compromise will have to occur. The key is to communicate what you want, hear your partner’s wishes, and come to a compromise that’ll satisfy them both. Sometimes, you may have to give a little or take a little, but it’s all in the best interest of your child for your healthiest relationship.
Take Care of Yourself After Baby is Born
You just had a baby and surely the last thing on your mind is to take care of yourself, but it has to be done. It’ll help with the baby blues you’ll probably be feeling thanks to your hormones going wonky once again in an attempt to normalize. Childbirth is an experience and to feel like yourself again is the best way to end out on top of it all.
Accept the Help That is Offered
I’m the first person to admit that I have a very hard time accepting help that is being offered to me even from my own husband. It’s not out of stubbornness, but more out of not wanting to be a burden to anyone. After the birth of my baby, I’ll have to get over that quickly because I won’t have time to do things all on my own. Family and friends will offer to clean or cook or come stay to help with the baby. It’s important to consider that help as much as you can. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, it’s okay to take it. We all want to be superhero mom, but it takes adjusting to. Accepting help when you need it is the best thing you can do for you and your child.
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