5 Things All First Time Parents Should Know Before Delivery
They’re almost here!
However, no matter how many books you read, videos you watch, or friends you speak to, you will be sure to feel under-prepared when your little bundle of joy arrives.
But don’t worry, feeling this way is totally normal for first time parents!
Those words “first time” should never be overlooked. It’s a learning process.
We have put together a first time parents checklist to help you feel more at ease when your new addition is here.
1. Breastfeeding
The list of benefits of a mother’s milk gets longer and longer as it continues to be studied. It supplies all the nutrients that a newborn will need as well as being good for mommy too.
Whilst most mothers aim to do so from the off, what often isn’t discussed is how taxing it can be physically, emotionally, and mentally. Your baby will need to eat every 3 hours in the beginning, and each feed can range from 20 to 45 minutes or longer depending on your baby’s mood.
Both of you preparing for this will be a big help. Learning the basics about latching, having a nice environment to do it in, and supporting each other will be essential.
Lastly, if you need to switch to mixed feeding or strictly bottle, in no way are you a failure! You are still giving your baby all that it needs: its food and your love.
2. Your Newborn’s Appearance
As newborns are so fragile, there are so many things you will notice that may have you wondering, “Is this normal?”
Dry skin on the top of the head, known as cradle cap, is quite normal. So are red blotches on the skin.
If you are of Asian or African descent, dark patches are quite common on newborn skins, and these will usually disappear over time.
3. Typical Behavior
Babies will also do many things in the first few months that get first time parents on the internet asap. So what is standard behavior?
The most disconcerting is irregular breathing. If this happens while awake or sleeping, this is is to be expected. So is when they stop breathing for 5-10 seconds, typically happening while they sleep.
Other typical include jerky body movements, hiccups (generally after a feed), and headbanging.
But don’t hesitate to contact your pediatrician at any point you feel that something is not right.
4. Time for Bed
“Make sure you get enough sleep before the baby comes….” is the most common advice for first time parents that you will hear. But while interrupted nights are to be expected, don’t worry too much about them. Your instincts tend to kick in for it to not be a problem.
That said, getting your little one off to sleep is a skill that is worth preparing for. A white noise machine is a good investment. But as regards practical skills, Dr. Harvey Karp’s 5 S technique is one that should be in every parent’s arsenal.
5. First Time Parents Should Never Forget to Enjoy It!
With so many things to prepare for—getting the room ready, preparing the stroller, choosing between nonbinary names and traditional girly or boyish names, and dealing with the pressure of keeping a little human alive—it is easy to lose track of the fact that the first few months with your baby will never happen again.
Take countless pictures, get outside for walks, and put as much effort into enjoying watching them grow as you will for all the details that will seem minor looking back.
Time flies!
You’re Gonna Be Just Fine
Having a child is the most precious experience one can have in life. Remember though that while everyone has children, only you have your child. Each one is as special as they are different, so resist comparing and enjoy getting to know your child as first time parents.
Be sure to check out our other lifestyle content that will no doubt prove as useful to you as this article.
June Potter wrote this article on behalf of FreeUp. FreeUp is the fastest-growing freelance marketplace in the US. FreeUp only accepts the top 1% of freelance applicants. Click here to get access to the top freelancers in the world.
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