What did you wish you knew before your baby arrived?

Question

I'm due with my first in September. What did you wish you knew prior to your newborn's arrival? Practical knowledge like the best way to swaddle? Emotional knowledge like how tired you'd really be? Curious to hear other moms' thoughts.

Erika Parker Price · Answer

My babies are teenagers, but on the practical side - Mylicon was a lifesaver for me. Drops that relieve gas pain for screaming babies. On the emotional side, letting go was harder for me than I anticipated. I didn't like how many people (e.g. acquaintances at a work function for my husband) wanted to hold him when we went out and found that wearing him in a Baby Bjorn was a good protective strategy when he was tiny and I wasn't ready to pass him around. I also had a hard time when my nanny would leave the house with him. I worked in my office upstairs and would obsess over everything that could possible go wrong while they were away. Even though I trusted her, that still took work to get over.

Anonymous · Answer

Congratulations! I have changed so much since having kids. My youngest is barely out of babyhood at the moment (he's 1) and I am still shocked at how rewarding and challenging (physically and emotionally and mentally) parenthood is. I agree with Sue that I wish I knew more practical things at the outset (and I still think I could learn on this front) but really, I wish I knew that it would really challenge me as a person to grow and develop patience, resilience, creativity, etc. In hindsight it seems obvious but you are making room for another human being in your life who is wholly depending on your approach, personality and all the baggage and talent that you bring to your day and while the initial days are quite physically oriented, your children will grow more complex and need things that stretch you in a way that provides a lot of growth opportunity! I was surprised at how much I didn't realize I was really adept at managing the adult world and assumed that competency would trickle down to dealing with children but management-at-work skills are not the same ones that necessarily matter at home!

Anonymous · Answer

I wish I'd had more practical knowledge for sure- swaddling, feeding, just general experience with babies! Emotionally I wasn't prepared for the roller coaster of the first 2 weeks. The best advice I took was to leave the house as soon as possible after delivery. I'd hand the baby off to my husband for an hour or two and take a walk, grab a coffee, or pick up groceries- little tasks- but the fresh air was a game changer. My daughter also started going outside for walks when she was about 3 weeks old and it was a great way to soothe her into a nap (especially if I kept her in a carrier) or calm her if she was fussy

Katie Malone · Answer

I love this... There was so much... (some of these responses are making me tear up since my babies are no longer babies). 
The more practical: SwaddleMe swaddles are a lifesaver (the ones with velcro); you will NOT or ever spoil your baby -- so wear that sweet babe if he/she is fussy (Solly Baby, K'tan wraps are great along with the ergo for walks outside and airplane rides). 
Emotionally... remember YOU (and only you) are the most important person to that baby/child (not his/her caregiver, babysitter, etc.). Never let guilt guide you -- and you will not mess up a child for life by formula feeding (this is coming from a mom who did extended breastfeeding and pumping and I say this because I really WISH I would have cut myself some slack and not stressed as much as I did).
And when they are babies carve out time for YOU and continue to do the things you love (again, don't let guilt hold you back).
One more thing: ASK for help when you need it!!

jmpld40 · Answer

Being a mom is the most exhausted yet rewarding job in the world. I won't sugarcoat it. One thing I wish I had known was how really hard it is but most importantly, how fiercely you can love. It's the most amazing, unique love out there. It blows me away still do this day...  You're going to love like you've never loved before. Enjoy all of it - the good, bad, ugly because it's all worthwhile in the end...

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