How did you prepare yourself ?

Question

I'm prego & I wanna know what you did while you were prego. What did you do b/f you were gonna have your baby ? Did you go visiting more ? Yes we're supposed to "take it easy" but I'll lose my freedom when the baby arrives. Any suggestions ? Other than preparing financially. Also, what are the necessary things to buy ?

Well by losing my freedom I mean that no one's gonna be around here to help. I don't have fam who lives out here. It's just gonna be the 3 of us. My sis is prob gonna move to the city w/ our sis (she lives w/ me now) so I'm gonna let he finish school here. Possibly get a place for July 1st. My Mom lives an hr away & works during the day (3-11). I don't know bout leaving the baby w/ my bf's mom. She prob hasn't babysat a baby in like 30 yrs ! I don't think I'll get to go out as much as I am now...not that I stray too far right now.

Answer 1

I understand feeling like you'll lose your freedom, but it's generally not that difficult to incorporate a baby into your daily life. I'm not talking about going out dancing...but to be honest, you'll be so sleep deprived for a while you will have less than zero interest in that kind of thing (which isn't to say you may not miss things, but you won't have the energy to do them anyway). I have twins, which from everything I've heard (and boy am I inclined to agree) is not twice the work at all -- it's more like five times the work. (We also have no family nearby.) What I do know, however, is that when my husband and I separate for the day and each time one child, the contrast is unbelievable and I've learned how (relatively) simple it is, with one child, to essentially "take the baby and run." That is, you can get out of the house relatively fast, you can stick the baby in a carrier for ease of movement (and great bonding) when they're small or in a stroller otherwise, and just GO. So, if you want to, you will absolutely still be able to get out of the house and do things.

As for what I did, well, I was on bedrest a lot of the time and had my babies two months early, so I didn't do a whole lot. I wouldn't advise dramatically increasing what you do, but by all means, visit with friends etc. If all is healthy there's no reason why you need to take it easy in the traditional, stereotypical way that people think of pregnancy (your doctor will let you know otherwise). That said: listen to your body. When you are tired, rest. Drink lots of water. Pay attention to all the not so fun things that get worse as pregnancy progresses, like swelling and whatnot. Just listen to your body. Problems that are otherwise avoidable often arise just because people ignore the signs their body is giving them that they need to rest.

There's not a whole lot that you *need* for a new baby, but of course there's lots that make things easier. That said:

car seat -- I'm surprised no one's mentioned this. Unless you're walking away from the hospital, you will not be allowed to leave unless and until your car seat is installed and checked. Plan to do it somewhat in advance, as installation can be tricky; you should have it checked out by your local police station to ensure that it's properly installed, as the majority of them are not properly installed, which, obviously, is dangerous.

stroller and/or carrier -- for getting around

something for the baby to sleep in -- whether that's a "moses basket," a crib, a basinette to start with, a "co-sleeper"

mattress -- if you get a crib, remember that the mattress is sold separately

sheets for said something to sleep in (you don't need a lot of sheets, but you do need more than one set)

blankets -- you will want some for swaddling the baby and things like that, but you do *not* want them for the bed. So if you're considering a bedding set for the crib or whatever, there's really no need for that at all: a baby should not be put in a crib with blankets for safety reasons, period. The American Academy of Pediatrics and others also advise against the use of crib bumpers for similar reasons (with bumpers, a young baby can suffocate, and an older baby can climb on them to try and get out of the crib. If you want bumpers for your baby when s/he's old enough to roll around and you're worried about the baby bumping into the rails or getting arms/legs stuck in the slats there are breathable mesh bumpers on the market.) You'll want some small blankets for things like doctor's appts etc, and you'll want something for swaddling (swaddling really does help babies sleep better).

burp cloths or something for that purpose -- a lot of babies spit up a LOT. For burp cloths I bought a couple of packages of cloth diapers, which were a lot cheaper. My kids were never the spitting up type but we still use those cloths for everything.

onesies and one-piece "sleepers/footies"

a couple of hats -- I'm talking for indoor use. Obviously if your baby is born in the heat of high summer that's a different story, but with the vast majority of body heat lost from the head, and babies (usually) not having a whole heck of a lot of hair, hats are usually needed. I'd get two, so you have one to use when the other is dirty.

Bottle -- even if you plan to breastfeed. I'm a big advocate of that because you don't know how it's going to go. Chances are it will go fine, but it doesn't always; if nothing else, having one bottle and *one small can of formula* in case of emergency goes a long way for instilling peace of mind. If you plan to formula feed, you'll need more than one bottle, and more than one can of formula.

Diapers and wipes -- as others have said, don't go hog wild on the "newborn" size diapers, you'll be amazed how quickly your baby will outgrow them.

something to bathe the baby in -- even if you plan to use the sink there are cheap foam mats that cushion the baby that you'll want.

basic baby "medical" supplies -- bulb syringe, infant nail clippers and/or infant emory boards (the latter are great...no worries about hurting the baby), infant tylenol drops (only to be used if the doctor tells you to, but if your baby is running a fever in the middle of the night and you call the doctor and they say to use the drops, you'll want them immediately); a thermometer (rectal really is the best way to go, but unless you've done that a lot you'll want the doctor/nurse to show you; you should get one that you can use under your baby's arm and one rectal, to be safe).

...and with the kids needing dinner now call that a list and go!

Best of luck with the remainder of your pregnancy and with your baby!

ETA I really recommend taking a peak at the book "Baby Bargains" -- among other things, it's pretty good about laying out what you "really" need (and what you really don't!) and when you need it. And it has great ratings and reviews.

Answer 2

Okay first of all you have got the wrong idea.... you will not lose your freedom when you have the baby unless you make that happen. Relatives and friends will be dieing/begging to watch the baby you will be able to spend plenty of time doing things that you want.

Most important thing for you and the baby is to listen to your doctor if they tell you to take it easy LISTEN!

Hang out with friends or what ever you usually do as long as there is not ruff housing or smoking. Just say I'm sorry but if you don't mind can you smoke outside or in the other room or if you want I can go in the other room just let me know when you are done. Thanks

What you NEED is a baby bed, diapers, wipes, clothes. You may want other stuff but you don't NEED them. Personaly I think that a changing table is a complete waste of money but maybe that is just because i didn't have the money at the time.

If you are into crafty things you may want to make a baby blanket and I enjoyed making scrap book pages ahead of time and then all I had to do later was add the pictures.

Answer 3

When I was pregnant I did all the same things I did before.....minus drinking and going out too much! You will not lose your freedom. It will feel like you have and you will more than likely suffer from post partum depression if you feel that way now. Talk to your doctor about your feeling whether you are embarrased about it or not. I saw my doctor yesterday at 1 week post partum and he calls to make sure I am ok because of my emotions. Just make sure you have enough time to spend with baby and someone to watch baby while you take care of yourself.

My baby is 8 days old today and the only thing we have used are
*Diapers (newborn size) he was born 7 lbs 10oz and now weighs 7lbs 7oz. So he has gained most of his weight back. All of the size 1 are still too big. When they say you can never have enough diapers, they are right!!!!
*Wipes.....You can never have enough of those either.
*Gowns. Make sure you get the newborn size because they will swallow baby if they are too big.
*Onsies. They are quick and simple
*ALL free & clear laundry detergent.
*Baby socks
*Bassinet- I have a Pack & Play with a changing table attached (it is very nice to have)
*Lysol, to disinfect
*alcohol swabs for umbilical care
*baby hats
*you can never have too many receiving blankets, we have been doing laundry NON STOP since we got home.
*Diaper Champ (I like it) Some people disagree but if you keep it clean and change the bag often it will be ok.
*Head to toe baby wash

For yourself:
Tucks Pads
Maxi pads (heavy flow)

I had a vaginal birth and a very bad tear after a small episiotomy and Tucks Pads and Dermoplast spray have saved my life.
Also if you plan to breastfeed, I would look into a breast pump. I have a manual Playtex Embrace and it is very good for just a couple pumpings a week. It really helped when my milk came in and I was engorged. If I were to pump more I would definatly look into an electric pump.
I also like the Playtex Drop-Ins bottles. They attach to the pump and are very easy to store and clean.

That is all I can think of right now that we have actually used that we really needed. We have a baby bath too but it is really not going to be used till his umbilical cord falls off.

You can still go do things after the baby arrives, just a couple weeks later. I would suggest that when you do have the baby to stay at home and rest as much as possible and don't be afraid to ask for help. It is a very emotional time and very stressfull but with some people behind you and the loving smile on your baby's face when they look at you is priceless.

I had alot of people that showed up right after my baby was born and I didn't really get a chance to hold him until he was a couple days old! I was just a boob to him, but as soon as everyone left, I felt like he wasn't even mine.
Limit the amount of people that are around at a time so you can have a chance to bond with your baby.

This is all stuff that I have learned in the past week. I hope it helps and I wish you the best.

Answer 4

There's not much that's really necessary BEFORE baby arrives. Some diapers and gender neutral clothing in 3-6 month size or larger (0-3 month size is often outgrown too fast and not really necessary unless your baby is really small). I wouldn't worry about nursery furniture as baby can be changed anywhere and you might not need a crib if you choose to cosleep. If you plan to breastfeed, no pump, bottles or pacies are necessary beforehand (and they can always be bought later if you need them).

It's true that having a baby changes your life. I don't think of it as losing my freedom though. It's a huge responsibility to be sure, but there's nowhere I want to go that I can't bring a small baby. My youngest is 18 months and we are able to leave him and my 4.5 year old w/ my mom when we need time out togther or when I need time on my own.

Little babies can go EVERYWHERE! Women all over the world have always taken their babies everywhere in traditional baby carriers. Women work w/ their babies worn on their bodies and don't miss a beat. If you breastfeed, you don't even have to take time out to prepare a bottle when your baby wants to eat. Babies are easy...it's toddlers that are challenging. LOL.

Answer 5

I tried to keep my life as normal as possible; I worked up to the day I delivered, went visiting, went swimming, whatever felt comfortable. You won't lose too much freedom when the baby gets here, you just learn how to pack Junior and his baby necessities and jump in the car and go shopping. Take it easy on buying too many cute little outfits - babies grow really really fast! But you can never buy too many diapers or wipes. Also be sure to stock up on baby things like: a nasal aspirator, baby tylenol drops, nail clippers, baby soap and a tub, formula and bottles if you decide not to breastfeed. Google "free baby stuff" and you'll find all kinds of freebies on line. Talk to you baby, and encourage your husband or significant other to do so too. The baby can hear you, and you'll feel a closer bond with the life you are carrying inside of you.

Answer 6

First of all congrats!!
The number one thing you need to do before the baby comes, is sleep!! You will not be able to sleep good once the baby is here.
I remained active while I was pregnant. I still exercised, just not that much. I still went out and partied but didn't drink. Don't think that you have to put a stop to your life just because you are pregnant. However, do listen to your body. Sit down and relax when you feel tired. Don't over due yourself because then you put your life and your baby's life at risk.Take care of yourself.

Things to buy:
DIAPERS!!
WIPES
clothing (onsies)
blankets
bottles (if you don't plan to breastfeed)
a crib/craddle

Have a baby shower and let your family and friends do the shopping for you.

Answer 7

Unfortunately all I can do is work full-time until my baby comes...BUT if I had some money and time I would go on trips with my husband. I wish we could take one last vacation with *just the two of us* because after the baby we will never be just the 2 of us again (even if we got on a trip and grandma takes the baby for the week...you still end up worrying and missing your baby so it's truly never JUST the 2 of you again)....I would go to the beach and get a nice hotel room and have a romantic vacation!!! Just relax, don't worry, have uninterupted sex, eat out, sleep in ;) lol

If you can financially afford this I think it's totally worth it!!!

Answer 8

I am 27 weeks and 5 days prego! I really dont have to do much at all. I work mid-shift and about time i get off work i am tired. I am having a boy prepare for him is kind easy i just just brought the most inportant things that he needs
travel system stroller , plenty of clothes, washclothes , towels, bath tub, bottles, pack-n play. I still have alot of things i need to get but, i got 12 more weeks to buy them. just think about the important stuff your baby needs.

Answer 9

I did not take it easy at all. I traveled some and continued my day as normal. But I don't know if I over did it, because I am now confined to bed rest for pre-term labor.

Answer 10

Lose your freedom? Was this not a planned pregnancy? Seems sad for you to say that. I planned my baby from day one! I am looking forward to the 3 of us!!!!!