As I get further along in this pregnancy, I start having the "oh crap" moments where I realize we're having a baby this year. There's so much to think about: How am I going to manage the pain? Should I hire a doula? Will they whisk the baby away right after birth or will we have skin to skin contact time? Will I be able to breastfeed? What are the labor suites like? What should we name the baby? What if the baby doesn't look like any of the names we've picked out? Do we need one carseat or one for each car? How many newborn diapers will we need? Do we get 2 girl and 2 boy going-home outfits since we won't know the baby's size or sex? I mean, do I want the baby to look like a he or a she on the drive home? You get the picture...
After months of having NO questions for the doctor, I'm fairly certain I have about 3 dozen questions for him at the next appointment. I keep telling myself this is normal and he won't be annoyed. Oh well, I'm sure he deals with tons of first-time parents and their hundreds of questions.
Take a deep breath, do your homework, then have faith in yourself, your body and your instincts.
ReplyDeleteIf you are getting an infant car seat, get one seat and an extra base. If you are skipping to the convertable, get two...you won't want to move it back and forth from car to car all of the time!
ReplyDeleteMake sure you make your wishes known to your nurse and doctor when you go into labor and make Adam push if needed to make sure that your wishes are followed!
Buy newborn size outfits for both boy and girl. Even my nearly 9 lb baby wore a newborn size outfit home from the hospital...chances are the baby will be swimming in whatever you get, they are so tiny at first! :)
Thanks for the encouragement, Jenice and Tricia. It's just overwhelming, but I know family, friends, and hospital staff won't let us fail.
ReplyDeleteTricia - Tiff is selling us a TON of her stuff from the boys, so we'll have 2 infant carseats and bases. :)
Tricia made 3 very good points, all things that were going through my head.Her second paragraph is particularly important. Make sure you speak up and are adamant about your wishes being followed. Really really make sure Adam knows what you want and how you feel about it. He will be your best ally.
ReplyDeleteIt is overwhelming and can be somewhat scarey, but you won't fail. You are up to the task, capable and smart. Take charge and you will do well. Surround yourself with a good support team and then run screaming head-on to the challenge; victory is yours. And, oh, what a sweet prize is waiting for you. :)