Things I Wish I'd Known Before The Baby Arrived.

For a bad diaper rash, you can rinse out your wipes with water before using them, then dry your baby’s bottom with a hairdryer before putting a dry diaper on, and try to let him/her go without a diaper for a portion of each day.

For nursing, I recommend Soothies.  They worked much better for me than lanolin.

While you are in the hospital, try to keep track of your feedings.  The nurses will ask you how long your baby ate on each side and how often. We highly recommend the Itzbeen. This product is an all in one timer that even has a switch so you will know which breast the baby last nursed from.  

Shopping with your children can be really hard, but shopping for them is so much fun!

There’s very little sound sleeping—ever—after you have kids.

My husband and I have to struggle to find time together.

I can’t do it all, and doing it all doesn’t make me a better mom.

It’s okay to get really tired and upset sometimes.

Parenting is a lot of trial and error.

I could never understand how much my parents loved me until I had my first child.  Now, I understand the worry and care and questions they had while I was growing up.

Breastfeeding hurts badly.  It does get better, but it can be really bad for a few months. And it doesn’t always come naturally.

Read about your car seat/carrier.  Ask friends about what to do with it when you’re shopping or at a restaurant.  That’s better than having to experiment with your baby in tow.

No one ever told me about the emotional rollercoaster that came come after you have a baby.  There are lots of bouts with crying and loneliness, along with more love for your baby than you could have ever imagined.

It’s very difficult to manage your time (child/husband/job/etc.).

Bottle nipples are sometimes numbered.  Make sure you read the packaging to give your baby the appropriate size for his/her age.

It’s very upsetting when the choice of breastfeeding or bottle-feeding is taken away from you.

Don’t get in a hurry to move your child to a big bed.  My previously good sleeper turned into a little nightmare when he had the freedom of a big bed. 

Make sure the nurses teach how to swaddle your baby really tightly.  That can make such a difference in those first two weeks. 

Always give your baby acetaminophen before shots.  If you don’t remember, ask your nurse for some.  Babies can take this even at their two-month immunizations.

Your hair may start thinning a few months after delivery.  During pregnancy, hair doesn’t fall out like normal, so your body makes up for it afterward.  It’s completely normal.

Your breasts will never look the same.  Whether you breastfeed or not, your breasts will be saggy and forever changed.  And your baby is completely worth it.

Don’t be afraid to take a lot of pictures.  Sometimes you have to take 100 photos to get two good ones.

Keep the Baby Orajel teething swabs on hand for when your baby starts teething.  They are wonderful to use before naps.  Also, try some of the teethers that can go in the refrigerator, but never put them in the freezer. 

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