Ultimate baby and postpartum guide
Hello everyone. I'm a stay at home mommy to an almost 3 year old boy and due with a baby girl May 29th. I wanted to make one big post with tips from moms on what they have learned, that can help FTMs and even second time moms like myself who are having a different sex baby. Because you never know what to expect as a new mom or maybe you forgot. Feel free to post your tips, things to buy and why, and post partum advice.
I'll start.
1. Wipes. Everyone tells you about diapers and how they add up but forget to mention wipes. Wipes will add up. I learned to keep a pack in the car (along with about five diapers), and a pack in my living room (if you live in a bigger home) and of course the rooms, and baby bag.
2. The diaper genie. A lot of lists and people will say this is worthless. But if you live in an apartment, you're not gonna want to keep going to the dumpster everytime your baby poops. This came in really handy with my son because we lived in an apartment at the time. Now we are in a two story home and I will still use a diaper genie. Also note the bags that go in the genie ranged from $7-12 dollars. So it adds up. Keep that In mind.
3. If you plan to breastfed please eat more than you usually would. You should still be taking in extra calories. I kid you not, I lost 10lbs the first week after baby was born. That's a lot. And I was so weak and lightheaded and dizzy. I would keep snack bars close by and always a big cup of water when I was nursing cause I felt like I was literally the most thirsty when nursing.
4. You might suffer from insomnia once baby is here. I did a few days and after waking 6x times a night I didn't get any sleep. Don't be afraid to ask for help. It could be your husband, mom, sister, friend. But get some sleep. If you do suffer from
Insomnia for multiple nights, it's best to tell your doctor.
5. After labor pains. Or after birth pain. I don't know the proper name but about 5 days after my son was born I literally was in the worst pain ever. I felt like I was dying and in labor again. I was in the bathtub praying not to die. It hurt really bad. But as soon as it started, it ended and it never happen again. I compared it to labor pains.
6. I had my son during flu season! Luckily our babies will be here in May and hopefully people aren't as sick but someone always is! Do not be afraid to tell or ask someone if they're sick. And always make them wash their hands. People are so gross sometimes and won't tell you that they're sick or that they're child is sick.
7. Posting a note on front door when you're in post partum is very helpful. Tell people to not knock or ring door bell. If they came as a planned visit they can text you to come answer the door. Also if you hate unwelcome or unplanned visitors, put that on your note that you want no unplanned visitors because family bonding is happening.
8. I learned newborns don't need much. They literally ask for nothing but a clean diaper and food. As they age and begin to talk (like my son now) they become more expensive because they eat more and are asking for toys. So when buying newborns stuff always ask yourself if it's needed or if you want it (unless you like the extra stuff then go crazy!)
9. When you're post partum you will be very sore. I can only speak for vaginally birth cause that's what I had. no one warned me how damn sore my vagina and ass would be. Granted I was pushing for over an hour. So if you don't want to cook, then don't. Make your husband or mom or do take out. You'll be bonding with baby anyway. Or even plan frozen meals while pregnant. And the house chores can wait or if someone wants to help you tell them they can tidy up a bit.
10. Some essential stuff you want to have when you're home the first weeks are, diaper rash cream, thermometer, baby nail filer, lots of burp cloths, (if nursing) nipple cream & breastpads, ibuprofen for mom, binky (just in case that soothes your baby, you don't have to use it). I'll think of more stuff.
But feel free to add your tips and advice! I'm having a girl this time, so I would love to hear about some differences if there's any when they're newborns.
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