You are frantically packing your go-bag. You are scouring the internet to prepare for this new life. And here we are!
Some great things to pack (practical help)
Your own pillow and blanket
Slippers
Speaker to play music (my husband brought some movies to play)
Going home outfit, for you and baby! An outfit to take family pictures in is good too!
What are some things everyone has told you? (this can be frustrating!)
You just need diapers and you'll be fine
Parenting is a learn on the go type-
Read "___" book
We used to let you sleep in a drawer, you're fine!
Pack this (away in your brain), we all need a friendly, positive voice to combat the scary voice that rears its ugly head.
Here are some ideas to consider as you prepare for this wonderful, terrifying journey ahead of you. (And yes, you are more then capable, but it's ok to admit that you want to brainstorm some of the things that "keep you up at night.")
You are taking care of baby more then you think, even though you are leaning on the hospital staff.
this helped when I was leaving the hospital and was worried if I was equipped to care for this little babe ALL BY MYSELF (of course I had others around, but still, it feels that way!)
You may feel exhausted, need a shower/makeup/etc, tired (I meant to say that twice), hungry (all the time!), but this wont last forever.
there is a practice called Leaves on a Stream from ACT that is helpful when feeling like you will never survive this phase, that I like to lead clients through.
It's ok to be sad, or WHATEVER EMOTION you are having!
It seems like everyone exclaims how wonderful this experience is, and doesn't talk about the wave of emotions that are changing moment to moment.
sometimes you wonder who you are now that you're a parent (is that my only title or can I still be (fill in the blank), that I was before?
what if I don't bond with my baby right away?
what if I want time away from my baby?
It may be a while before you want to "get intimate" again
feeling "touched out"
GUILT
GUILT (I write it a second time because I hear from parents so often, the guilt they feel for so many things!)
how can we take care of ourselves, spend time for ourselves when we have this little dependent being attached to our hip
The dangerous comparison game- watching others picture perfect moments, but you don't see their messy bathroom if the picture is set in the kitchen...
You can ask the hospital staff!
Lactation consultant
ask early! ask often!
what resources can they offer you (Tangible items like milk collection cup)
nurse
how to nurse
what to expect for pain/bleeding
what appointments to expect for baby throughout your stay (they check them at 24 hours of birth, even at 2am)
You can seek help from a Maternal Mental Health Counselor who specializes in talking with new parents about whatever emotions and thoughts are coming with this change. Even if it's one or two sessions, it can help know if things are normal, how to adjust, what to do about "it."
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