My Mommy Tips

Being a first time mom, I had no idea what I was getting myself into. I still learn new things every day. It's so helpful for me that I have Dave with me because he is kind of a pro at this parenting thing since Kiera is number five for him. So, here are some tips I wish I had known before my baby was born.

1) Huggies and Luvs diapers suck ass. DO NOT BUY THEM. Seriously with them on every poop became a blowout and blowouts ARE NOT FUN. I would instead recommend Pampers or Target brand.

2)As far as wipes go, I would recommend getting the Huggies Natural Care brand (the ones with aloe). They are pretty durable and not too expensive if you buy the bulk box. I don't like the regular Huggies wipes and I hated the Target and Papers brands (both were too thin).

3)If your baby can flip his or herself over, put pillows around him or her when he or she is on the bed. Kiera fell off the bed twice because I underestimated her ability to move. One time I just turned around for two seconds and she rolled off the bed, the other time I stepped out of the room to talk to Dave and we heard her thud. Both times she had been in the middle of the bed.

4)Buy a swing before the baby is born. Kiera loved her swing, just wish I had had it when we first came home from the hospital. Around six months old she started to dislike it so we switched her to a playpen.

5) Write everything down. I wish I had and continue to wish I had made notes of all the little things, like the day she found her feet or the first time she sat up. Get a notebook and keep those dates and memories.

6) Sleep when you can. Babies do not let you sleep so if your baby goes down for a nap, let yourself get one too. The dishes can wait an hour, you staying sane is more important. I am a better, more attentive mom when I've had some sleep. You don't want to be cranky and annoyed with your baby. Get your rest, you really do need it.

7)Find a good babysitter before the baby is born. Then find two reliable backups. Babysitters suck these days. It's hard to find one that will be around when you need them to be so always have backup.

8) Share the responsibility. Don't be afraid to ask daddy for help. He made the baby, let him help you raise the baby! Take turns getting in and out of the bed when the baby cries. Take turns changing diapers. Take turns watching him or her so your significant other can sleep or do work or even just take a shower. Share the household chores. As a mom you should want your sweetheart to be your child's role model and that starts at conception.

9)Breastfeeding is the most miserable thing you will love to do. When my daughter has an occasional formula bottle, she eats it and is done. When she breastfeeds, it is an entire experience. She smiles, she caresses my skin, she laughs, she makes silly noises. It's more than food to babies, it's time with mom. It's cuddles and being held and getting kisses on the forehead and getting to hold hands. Kiera likes to fall asleep breastfeeding. She loves that when I get home from work I shower and feed her. It doesn't matter if Dave gave her a bottle, she cries until mommy breastfeeds her. She knows it's our time to hang out and after nine hours of me driving to and from and actually working, she wants that close time. Yes, it is painful. Yes, it is exhausting. Yes, it is worth it.

10)Fenugeek is amazing if you have a low milk supply and are breastfeeding. I def see a difference on days I take my pills before work and days I don't.

11)The Medela Freestyle pump is the way to go if you are going to be a working/breastfeeding/pumping mommy. Being battery operated as opposed to needed to be plugged in makes it so convenient. I know it's more expensive, but it is well worth the money. I'm so glad I purchased mine. Do remember though, that as long as you have insurance, you should be eligible for a free breast pump through your insurance company.

That's all I can think of for now. When I come up with more, I'll post another list. Let me know what you think of all this. I love to hear back from my readers!