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I wanted to contribute a couple things that probably won't get mentioned by others, especially because there are likely not too many new mothers on here. First
by capstone 16y ago
I wanted to contribute a couple things that probably won't get mentioned by others, especially because there are likely not too many new mothers on here.
First, find out the percentages of cesarian birth and breastfeeding for both your obstetrician and your hospital as compared to the national average. If the numbers don't look good, don't hesitate to switch (even if you like your doctor but they are affiliated with a knife-happy hospital). You can adjust your parenting style as you go but the window of opportunity for the birth and breastfeeding experience - which will lay a foundation to the mother's happiness and the baby's health - is literally hours. (The breastfeeding window is minutes after birth - the longer you delay, the harder it becomes, for both mother and baby, so if your wife ends up with an unnecessary c-section and cannot breastfeed due to post-op issues, or if the hospital doesn't have any nurses to show her what to do, you may lose that window for good).
Second, don't go crazy on parenting do's and dont's until the baby is at least 3 months old. They won't remember anything so there is no reason to do sleep training or any other training. If the baby wants to sleep with mommy, let them, and if the baby cries to be in mommy's arms, let them. (Research shows that babies who get lots of mommy time are more independent later on, as opposed to getting used to it as disciplinarians will suggest). I think one of the nicest things you can do for your wife is let her know that you won't judge her if she is being a bit of a pushover for baby. Keep telling her she is a good mom - every time my husband says that, it makes my day.
Third, be understanding of her need for some untouched time. I mean that literally. It's draining to have a baby holding on for dear life 24/7. Don't take it personally. Go out constantly for the first several months, it's an amazing luxury that will not last forever.
Lastly, buy her a moby wrap. It works for a newborn with no head control, it keeps the baby and mother close and happy, and it's amazing for weight distribution, especially if she is a wimpy 100-pounder like me. It's just as good for "wearing" the baby at home. Seriously, a total back saver.
(I also second @kerben's motorized swing/cradle).
I think it will be a great experience for both of you. It sounds like your head is in the right place and she is lucky to have you as a partner. My husband is a rockstar daddy as well and that makes a huge difference. Everyone talks about sleep deprivation and all that but my experience has been "baby rainbows" (a term I've come up with to indicate the opposite of "baby blues") and he is largely to thank for that. I wish you the same.
P.S. Apologies for the TMI (non-parents feel free to stop reading) but I thought I must mention something else since you are having a boy. If she is breastfeeding, they will put her on special contraceptives in order to avoid dosing the baby with estrogen. These will be an absolute killer for her sex drive so I highly recommend that she look into a copper IUD instead. No hormones, no daily pill popping, and no side effects such as mentioned above. Daddy happy too :)
- jtbigwoo 16y ago>First, find out the percentages of cesarian birth and breastfeeding for both your obstetrician and your hospital as compared to the national average. If the numbers don't look good, don't hesitate to switch (even if you like your doctor but they are affiliated with a knife-happy hospital). To add my two cents: Decide right now what type of birth experience you want. Some of my friends wanted the full suite of drugs as soon as they walk in the hospital door; others want as little medical intervention as possible. If you're thinking about going the low-intervention route, try to find a doula or midwife. Either one will be able to spend time with you as your advocate during labor as opposed to an O.B. who will check in every once in a while and end up spending a total of an hour or two with you. AFAIK, the cost of a doula or midwife is covered by most insurance plans. (If you're like me, your picture of a midwife will be a hippy-dippy boomer who chants and wants everybody to give birth squatting in a field. When we looked around, it was easy to find a really good certified nurse midwife who was very professional and didn't smell like patchouli.) Also, IUD = great idea. Some IUD's are embedded with a small dose of hormones, so you'll want some real medical advice before choosing one.