Bringing our tiny bundle of joy home from the cozy confines of the hospital was a whirlwind of emotions. I wasn’t anxious about the usual things—like whether she could breathe on her own or if I’d mess up somehow. Instead, I had this nagging fear that I might just stop loving her. Yep, I’m a real human!
So when I share advice, it’s not from some pedestal of perfection. I was just as frazzled and overwhelmed as those sticky diapers that seemed to multiply overnight. Most of my friends have moved on from the baby phase (thank goodness for that!), but I do have a few pals still in the thick of it. For those expecting their little miracles, here are some insights that might help—and your mother-in-law might totally disagree!
1. Get Out and About!
Yes, you can absolutely take your baby outside! If your little one is healthy and full-term, the great outdoors is a fabulous place to be. Sure, the thought of exposing your precious angel to the big, wide world can be intimidating, but trust me, it’s far worse to be stuck inside binge-watching shows about porcupine hunters while staring at a sleeping (or wailing) baby.
2. Shower Time is Still a Thing!
Believe it or not, you can still sneak in a shower! That’s why bouncy seats and see-through shower curtains were invented! It may only be a quick rinse, but it’s perfectly okay if your baby cries a little while you wash away the remnants of last night’s pizza.
3. Dining Out is Doable!
Yes, you can still enjoy a meal out! You might be running on fumes, and you may need to work around your baby’s fussy moments, but these are the golden days when they can’t crawl away. So go ahead, treat yourself—just don’t forget to pack the extra pacifiers!
4. Bottles Don’t Equal Less Love!
Using a bottle doesn’t mean you love your baby any less. Sometimes it just means your nipples are sore, you’re not up for a nursing session in front of the cable guy, or you’d like your partner to take a shift at 3 a.m. for a change.
5. Trust Yourself!
Here’s the biggie: YOU DO KNOW WHAT YOU’RE DOING. There’s a flood of information telling you how to do it better, how not to do it, and how to do it like some celebrity (who probably has a kale smoothie on hand). But remember, no one else is raising your baby but you.
And hey, if you choose to let your little one nap in their Boppy, that’s your call!
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In summary, don’t fret too much, trust your instincts, and get ready for the wild ride that is parenting!