What are your feeding plans for your newborn? Is anyone going to stay with you for the first few weeks to help? How long after the birth before you go back to work? What was (or is) one of the most appreciated presents you got/or want to get from your registry?
I'm planning on pumping and BFing, depending on what we have going on.
My mom will be helping for the first 2 weeks, and since my sister lives with me, she will always be there to help.
I work at home, so you'd think I could work during my fee time. NOT. trying to balance time to care for the baby, get some rest, care for my other daughter Delilah, care for me AND work, isn't going to happen. With my job, would be better to take the maternity leave than to slack on the work and try to cram. I could get fired for that.
My baby shower is this coming Saturday, so I won't tell you yet.
My 4 year old daughter goes preschool on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. She will get the whole month of December off, so when she's home, I'm planning to have my sister take care of her the most.
I wore my baby everywhere and it helped get alot of things done as well as just being able to bond the whole time. I breastfed my baby 100% and that worked best for us. My advice is to not be afraid to ask for what you need--you may not get it, but you won't know until you ask. GL
M
With my oldest, I went back to work when he was 3 months old, and it was way too soon. I had a bad recovery and a rough time with breastfeeding, and looking back I probably should have just quit my job! I ended up having to quit anyway before he was a year old.
With my 2nd baby, I had been job searching until I was showing too much and gave up looking. Then I started looking into direct selling, and finally settled on Mary Kay. It's been a perfect fit.
If your sister is home during the day, you could have a set time for her to watch the baby in another room so you can work, even if it's only 45 minutes at a time. Or your baby might be happy in a sling or carrier while you work, so you could have your hands free. I usually take the time when my daughter is nursing to make phone calls, because I know she'll be quiet!!!
How old is your other child? My kids are exactly 3 years apart, and I ended up putting my son in preschool 2 days a week so I have more time to get things done, around the house & for work. If that's not an option you can always fine small ways for her to "help' with tasks and keep her busy while you get stuff done. I would have my son run to get me a clean diaper or a burp cloth, he was so proud of himself!
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I second the sling/carrier idea. It's a wonderful way to get things done w/ out having to worry about where baby is. I was able to get a Kozy Karrier (http://kozycarrier.homestead.com/) that I LOVE. It's all made in the USA (V.A.) and there are some AWESOME prints :-). I have had my son in it since he was 2 weeks old.
I would also suggest PLEASE do not pump for the first 1-2 months if you can help it (first 4 weeks at least). Here http://kellymom.com is a LOT of information about BF'ing. I BF my daughter till she was 33months and my son is currently 17months and still BF'ing regularly.
With having your mother and sister at your house please let them know that the biggest help they can be to you is to care for the HOUSE and daily living needs and let YOU take care of the baby. (Some people need to be guided to let you care for the baby as they are just so darn cute and cuddly at this point.)
Make sure that you get a water bottle (or large cup/mug) that you REALLY LIKE and have them keep it full of your favorite drink (water=best, juice=ok, soda=not really that good) and have them cook HEALTHY meals for you.
If/when you decide to pump you may want to check your hospital to see if they rent out breast pumps, it may seem a bit expensive (idk what they rent for) but the $$ is well spent. Higher quality will = more comfort for you and this isn't an area where you want to skinch.
If you have any other BF'ing or baby wearing questions feel free to PM me.
Good luck, God bless and a HUGE congratulations on the new little one!
