Ever since you saw that second line appear on the pregnancy test, you’ve probably been getting anxious about your new role as a mother. While people may have been giving you plenty of advice, have they told you the real things every mother-to-be should know?
That’s why we’re here! Check out these tidbits of useful mommy knowledge…
1. Don’t Waste Time with a Birth Plan
You’ve probably read that you should map out how you’d like your birth to go. Where you want to give birth, what kind of pain relief you want, who you want with you…these are all things that are included in the birth plan. You can plan as much as you want, but many times labor and delivery come so fast and furious that those plans go out the window. You may have planned not to get an epidural, but when the big moment comes you may be screaming for it! You just don’t know! It’s best not to stress about your birth plan and let things happen.
2. You May Poop During Labor
During all of your prenatal doctor’s visits did your OB mention that you may poop during labor? Not to gross you out, but it’s very common in vaginal deliveries because the muscles used during labor are the same ones used when you go number two. Don’t be embarrassed! Your doctor won’t think twice about it and neither should you!
3. Expect to Wear “Hospital Underwear” After You Give Birth
If you think you’re going to slip into your Victoria’s Secret lace undies after you’ve just pushed out a baby, think again. The hospital will give you mesh underwear that will actually become your BFF in the days after birth. They’re not stylish in the least but they’re comfy and keep everything in place. Model Chrissy Teigen recently posted some real life momma pictures of her hospital panties shortly after giving birth to show moms everywhere that it’s a reality!
4. Be Practical About Your Baby Gear
While the idea of a baby
5. You’re Not a Bad Mom If You Don’t Breastfeed
“Breast is best”. Those are the three words that make every non-breastfeeding momma want to curl up in a fetal position. Yes, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends exclusive breastfeeding for your baby’s first six months. But, if you can’t breastfeed or don’t want to, you’re NOT a bad mom. That’s why there’s
6. You Need to Take Care of Yourself When the Baby Comes and That Includes Getting Out of the House
Being a new mom doesn’t mean you have to “Bird Box” yourself and your baby.
Isolating yourself isn’t productive. Get out of the house. Visit people, go to mommy and me classes, do something to get a change of scenery. You need it for your sanity! You also need to take time for yourself. While you’re a mom 24/7, you can take a couple hours to do something just for you.
7. You Can Say No to Visitors
Saying no to visitors doesn’t make you a queen “B”. It makes you a new mom who needs to make herself and her baby the top priorities. If someone wants to visit at a time that doesn’t work for you, politely tell them no and let them know a time that is better for you. They’ll still get to see your baby before he goes off to college!
8. If You Want to Shower While Your Baby is Awake…
Put him in a bouncer in the bathroom so you can keep tabs. Taking a shower is part of making you feel human so you shouldn’t deprive yourself just because your baby is anti-nap. Set up the bouncer (a piece of gear you should invest in) right near the shower. Problem solved.
9. Cut Your Baby’s Nails When he’s sleeping.
It’s amazing how sharp a tiny baby’s nails can get in a short amount of time. Part of being a mom is learning how to be a ninja and sneak in to cut your baby’s nails when he’s sleeping. It may sound scary, but you’ll be a pro in no time!
10. Trust Your Instincts
A mother’s intuition is no joke. If you think something is wrong with your baby, call the pediatrician. Don’t Google the symptoms because you’ll freak yourself out.
Now that you have these pieces of wisdom, it’s time to keep calm and be a mom. You got this!