Posted on July 7th 2011 22:07PM | Crib Notes, Wardrobe | 49 Comments »
The good news: you can fit into your pre-pregnancy jeans. The bad news: just because it fits, doesn’t necessarily mean it looks good. Then there is the baby sick and milk look, which is not a pretty sight.
We have spent more time agonizing over our ‘yummy mummy’ wardrobe than we did our working wardrobe. It’s easy to feel like power-dressing applies to both the office and playground. We feel better when we look better – call us shallow if you like. Motherhood, at least temporarily, does a number on the figure, but well-chosen clothes can compensate.
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Posted on June 30th 2011 20:06PM | Support Network | 82 Comments »
Don’t only say no, and don’t turn down help or be afraid to ask for it.
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Posted on June 21st 2011 07:06AM | Crib Notes, Dads | No Comments »
Modern demands of running a household mean that dad’s role at home is becoming more demanding. And hopefully more rewarding, too! In our experience, most fathers expect to play a more active role in their child’s life than their fathers did.
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Posted on April 17th 2011 13:04PM | Support Network | 45 Comments »
Do manage expectations.
- Discuss with your partner what you each expect life to be like with baby. Discuss with what needs to be done to care for baby and home; who needs to do it; and how it’s going to get done. If your partner cannot help with housework, perhaps they can contribute to the cost of a cleaner. Or set a ‘take out night’ to spare you cooking one evening.
- Agree with your partner when you will be ready for visitors, the duration and the options for accommodation. Be polite but firm with family and friends. You are the mother (recovering from birth) and visits should be on your terms.
- Tell close friends how important they are to you and apologise ahead of time if it takes 6 weeks for you to call them. Invite them to call you if they don’t hear from you.
Do invest in people other than baby.
- Before baby arrives, make a date and arrange a trusted babysitter for some time in the future. Otherwise, it’s far too easy to put this off in the first weeks and months. Even if all you do the first time is head down to the local pub or café for an hour while baby sleeps.
- Invest in some mother-friends. Find and befriend other new mothers through antenatal or postnatal classes. These women will keep you sane and help you laugh at yourself.
- Adopt an auntie. If you don’t have family close by or who can travel to be with you, a close friend who can be a surrogate auntie is the next best thing. Invite them to spend time with you and your baby. Because they are close, they will understand when you haven’t showered in days and even offer to help.
Posted on April 7th 2011 12:04PM | Crib Notes, Support Network | No Comments »
Behind every good mother, there is a good partner, girlfriends, grandparents, and the list goes on. The needs and available support will vary for each new family, but one thing is constant. A little support can go a long way for a frazzled new mother! Just a little investment from your side to avoid isolation can pay back big dividends to you and baby.
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Posted on February 18th 2011 10:02AM | Milk | 77 Comments »
As breastfeeding takes work, be prepared for some setbacks along the way. Many women may want to offer advice and give the impression that breastfeeding comes naturally. While well intentioned, they probably experienced their fair share of problems. Try asking what problems they experienced and how they handled them.
Most complaints or concerns fall into three areas: breasts, latching or supply. And, most concerns are like a bad case of the hiccups. Annoying, perhaps mildly uncomfortable, but they will go away. Unfortunately, some do require medical attention. Do not be hard on yourself and tough it out if that’s the case. The problem will only get bigger. Seek professional help right away.
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Posted on January 29th 2011 14:01PM | Milk | 44 Comments »
If bottle feeding is a better solution for you and baby, rest assured that your baby will get all the nutrition he or she needs through formula. Bottle feeding also has the added advantage of involving Dad or others in feeding duties!
However, bottle feeding is no easier than breast feeding. If you were blown over by the choice in nappies, wait until you check out the choices in formula and bottles.
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Posted on January 2nd 2011 11:01AM | Milk | 142 Comments »
Breastfeeding can be a very emotional experience – not just because of the hormonal surge. A mother’s anxiety about feeding their children starts from day one. Are they getting too much? Too little? Enough fluids? A balanced diet? …more
Posted on December 23rd 2010 06:12AM | Crib Notes, Milk | 83 Comments »
The crib notes on breast- and bottle-feeding for new mothers. …more
Posted on December 3rd 2010 08:12AM | Sleep | 87 Comments »
Even with the best sleep habits not every day or night will be peaceful. While easier said than done, following are some things to avoid if possible. On a challenging day, just remember after baby finally does fall asleep, tomorrow is a new day. …more
