What do you wish you had thought of/ known before having a baby?

Question

Something you wish you had bought, hadn't wasted your money on, something you wish you had known about labor?? Help experienced moms, I am almost 5 months and going crazy!

Answer 1

I wasn't prepared for the lack of sleep. Babies sleep a lot at first...but it quickly turns into a 24/07 thing depending on your baby's health...and you find yourself grabbing your sleep whenever you can.

Don't worry about things like housework, at first...it will get done...but you need your rest (and strength). The upside to this is that just about the time you begin to lose all hope of ever getting any sleep...your baby will begin to sleep through the night (thank goodness).

Don't make the mistake of always trying to keep the house quiet...and your baby will adjust to the additional household sounds...and then they can sleep through anything. Don't forget to prize your new baby...it really is a miracle and a gift.

Also, some mothers need a few weeks to bond with their child...and feel really bad about it, until they do...but it is normal and nothing to fret about it. I remember people going on and on about my wee one and I kept thinking..."O m' god...all he does is eat, poop, and piss." Then he smiled at me...and I fell in love with him...and it hasn't changed since.

Congratulations...and don't be afraid to ask...if you need help, 'kay?

Answer 2

I wish I had taken more pictures of myself while I was pregnant. Definately take a labor class! Enjoy the quiet days of pregnancy!
Try to borrow things from other people if possible, especially things you will only use for limited time, like bassinet, etc. Stock up on diapers! With a newborn, even running to the store is a HUGE endeavor. Don't let people make you feel bad if you want an epidural. Natural labor is great but I had an epidural and was actually able to relax and enjoy the amazing experience that is giving birth. Good Luck!!

Answer 3

If you're gonna be breastfeeding, you can never have enough nursing pads for your bra. I was forever buying those things. Your baby may only like certain types of bottles or nipples, so don't buy alot of the ones you think are cool. I had a lot of the kind with desposable liners and my son wouldn't use them. Stock up on diapers and wipes and more wipes. During labor, you may throw up and/or have to get up to go to the bathroom. However, if you feel like you need to poo, call a nurse, the show's about to start. I don't remeber which hurts worse, the head or the shoulders, but they both feel very weird.(I didn't have time for an epidural). Don't stress, don't overdo anything, stay hydrated, and most importantly, Relax. You're gonna do just fine.

Answer 4

Before getting pregnant, you should have known that after your baby is born, your life has totally changed in the sense that now, there is this beautiful bundle of joy whose existence depend on you. During the first month, your baby will wake up every two hours to be fed, have diaper change and be cuddled so he or she could go back to sleep. If you are a loving mom and really care for your baby, you would enjoy doing all these things for your baby. I hope you will have fun with your first born.

Answer 5

I wish I hadn't wasted money on those plug-in wipe warmers! They don't work. I wish I had taken more pictures and more videos. I wish I had taken a labor and delivery class, so I could have known more of what was going on. I wish I had known for my first what I knew with my second, and that is-cherish every moment.

Answer 6

Everyone had really good answers. One thing they didn't mention is when I had my daughter in the hospital I didn't want her to leave my side and be put into the nursery but I never got any sleep for three days. With my second, I plan on putting him/her in the nursery to catch a few Zzzs but let the nurses know I want to exclusively breastfeed. I also used to let my immediate family come over to see my daughter and then I would excuse myself so I could clean, do dishes, take a nap, take a shower, whatever I really wanted to do. They liked feeling trusted with my new baby and I liked getting to do something that I didn't get to do all day. Get a bouncer and a swing. I couldn't have lived without those things.

Answer 7

I never regret buying anything ive bought..we bought a bassinet which we used for her first 4-5 months of life..kept her close..and we were able to use it in the living room for her naps (newborns sleep ALOT)she has a pack and play, swing, bouncer..you name it..try used also..its a good way to save money. just dont buy used crib or car seat/stroller (unless its free.....freecycle.org)

my daughter has had lots of clothes..and ive kept EVERYTHING.

i think everything i actually expected from labor..wasnt really true.. the epidural in the back didnt hurt (i had 2) contractions didnt hurt.. hell i didnt even scream. my daughter was 6lbs 6oz..i also had an episiotomy..which isnt all that bad..there not very painfull... this was My first pregnancy.


i exclusively bottle fed..which makes it easier so daddy can feed/mommy/grandma/friends..ect... i found the best formula was nestle goodstart.. and bottles playtex ventair Natural shape, and dr browns widenecks both help reduce air and gas..

something that was very usefull was the prince lionheart slumber bear! helped my baby sleep well through the night at like 2 weeks old!

have plenty of diapers/wipes on hand BEFORE babys birth...pampers swaddlers and pampers sensitive are best for no leaks.

have clothing..sleepers..onesies..outfit for bring home..have a FEW Newborn sizes..in case babys small like mine was..then go to 0-3M.



try and watch Discovery Channel labor and delivery, maternity ward, Birthday, all those shows..they really help..and i think TLC has some too.



a few things i think were useless: wipe warmers and bottle warmer, too many blankets...

Answer 8

I had too many baby blankets it was a waste because we were in hot weather. Diaper Genies are a waste.. I spend too much for the Stroller and diaper bag and other things for all to match, pastel colors got dusty way to fast... I wish I had more diapers bought when the baby came because we were using like 10 diapers a day. I bought too many little clothes and the baby gained weight quickly and did not get to use it all. I am happy I stuck with breast feeding.. The sterilizing of the bottles and mixing formula was a hassle for my sister, every time we went out she had to carry with bottle water and formula powder plus clean bottles.. Me just pull out blanket and fed my baby.. Pacifiers help a lot...
Congratulations.. oh and have in mind they only stay little for a little while :(

Answer 9

Birth Control!

Answer 10

I wished I hadn't wasted money on the child proofing stuff. MY daughter figured them all out before she was 1!