Being a mother changes you as a person Completely, your life that you once knew turns around. NOTHING is the same and the adjustment is hard. I Left my job to stay home with my daughter. I thought I had everything in the bag, had SO MANY expectations of myself and how life was going to be with our new little girl. I knew nothing about being a mom and never had a good mother figure to begin with, so all I knew was I had to be better. When my daughter was born I felt a love that is unexplainable, I fell in love ALL over again. My relationship with my husband changed (for good) we became a team, I loved him more than I ever did. There was A LOT of love all around. After my husband went back to work and it was official I was a stay at home mom, I went through a rough patch. I felt like a failure because I wasn’t getting anything done. I stayed in bed most of the day, didn’t have dinner on the table, house was a mess, I broke down. I thought I wasn’t made to stay at home, questioned if I was a good mother. Thankfully I have an amazing friend, practically a sister to me that helped me realize, it all takes time. Everything is new, for the first time in my life I had a little person that relied on me to live! Nothing was going to be the same and I needed to learn how to adjust my life. Now, I’m slowly accomplishing what I thought I couldn’t. House is staying clean..ish, dinner is being made and now I’m getting about 1-2hours to myself! What I would tell any new mom is don’t be so hard on yourself. You know your baby better than you think, all babies are different and you know whats best for yourself and your baby. Don’t be afraid to ask for help or to say no to advise you don’t agree with. Also don’t hesitate to Talk to someone when your feeling a bit of the baby blues.
Hospital packing for mom and baby
Don’t over think the hospital bag! I made that mistake and after leaving the hospital it felt like I was moving out. I didn’t even use half of what I brought.
What I recommend bringing from experience:
- Boppy Pillow (Thank goodness for the Boppy!)
- Shampoo/conditioner
- non scented body wash recommended, I used Aveeno.
- Wash cloths that you won’t feel bad throwing away
- Going home outfit for yourself, pick something comfy and stretchy
- Fuzzy socks
- Chapstick
- Make up & hair straightener ( I didn’t use my make up, It did make me feel better knowing I had it just in case. I used my hair straightener, it gave me more of a boost for pictures.)
- Snacks or quarters for vending machines (mostly for your birth partner, my husband snacked a lot due to nerves.)
- breastfeeding shirt & bra
- robe
- Nipple butter
- Your own water bottle
* Take advantage of what the hospital provides pads,ice packs,underwear, you can ask for extra. Trust me. You will miss it when its gone.
For baby: My hospital provided with clothes,diapers ect. during our stay. Find out what hospital will provide before deciding what you may need to bring
- Take pictures! bring camera or camera phone ( hand camera to nurse! my husband did and I’m so glad he did we got ALOT of pictures because of it.)
- going home outfit ( bring one newborn size and 0-3 month size just in case)
- baby mittens ( there nails are super sharp)
- socks
- hat
- car seat
- baby swaddler sleep sack ( if not provided by hospital, I recommend using a swaddled sleep sack my daughter loved it compared to the others and they’re easier to use.)
- baby swadlers to roll up and put around babies head in car seat
- folder with contact information and insurance info
*Dont be afraid to have the hospital nursery take baby for the night you will need your rest and they are there to help. Decision is still all yours if you don’t feel comfortable doing that then don’t.
Pregnancy ,Birth and some postpartum
I wouldn’t say I had a very complicated pregnancy although there were some “complications”. I was diagnosed with gestational diabetes and me being the sugary coffee drinker, non-breakfast eater that I am ( I knowww breakfast is the most important meal of the day…. I’m working on it) had a hard time adjusting to the new diet. Besides that, I had a pretty smooth pregnancy. Due to insurance issues not medical issues, I was induced on Aug 29th, my water broke Aug 30th and she was born at 4:30pm. The moment she was put on my bare chest was and will forever be the most memorable moment of my life. No one, nothing can ever prepare you enough for that experience. Postpartum to me was very difficult, I will spare you the ugly details by just simply saying that the pain felt unbearable. I’m not breastfeeding, I did try, unfortunately, it wasn’t for us. After I came home from hospital I was really sore and just wanted to sit on the couch hold baby on my chest and nap. My mom called me 2 days postpartum to tell me she bought a plane ticket and was on her way the next day. Most would be thrilled but unfortunately my mother and I relationship is a work in progress. It was difficult having her here, both my husband and I know she meant well but her wanting to take control of everything was difficult. Every second I got to hold my daughter she would take. My advice to anyone who is going through something similar to that is to express your feelings. Some people don’t see it or know. The only way they will, is by you telling them. If you want to lay on the couch and hold your baby you have every right to. Just express your feelings or thoughts and trust your gut.
Aug. 31,2015
day after delivery holding my little Gem.
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