The Pinkle Toes BTDT Guide for New Mommies

It's no secret I like to talk. Mostly, I like to talk about photography and babies.  I do a lot of talking about photography on the blog, but now, I think it's time for more baby talk.

This is my list of helpful tidbits from pregnancy, birth, and beyond.  I'm not a professional anything (well, except for a photographer), but I have had 3 kids and I've worked with hundreds of new moms, and in doing so, I've picked up a few things along the way.  Take these with a grain of salt, always do what works for YOU, and if you find something useful on here, then go for it.

So here it is: The Pinkle Toes BTDT Guide for New Mommies

Pregnancy

• Start a blog (or use Facebook or Twitter, etc.). Even if it's just for you or even if you keep it private for just friends/family. It's so easy and little did I know it would become my memory record for everything.
• If you want to hire a custom, professional photographer to photograph the birth, get maternity portraits, or do a newborn photo session, the time to start looking is while you're pregnant. Many photographers book up months in advance and it can be difficult to get an appointment after your baby has already arrived.
  

Baby toys/equipment

• Put tape over electronic toys to soften sound (you'll thank me for this one).
• A plug-in swing is better than a battery operated swing ;-)
• I've tried every carrier on the planet. This one is by far my all time fav and the one I used the most (and am still using)!
• Throw in a stick of sunscreen in your diaper bag.
• The smaller you can get your diaper bag, the better. (I've finally gotten it down to a small purse)
• These are THE best burp clothes, changing pads, bibs, kitchen rags EVER. Nothing beats their absorbency and versatility.
• Swings and bouncy seats were hit/miss with my kids. I wouldn't invest a whole lot in them until you know your baby actually likes them.
• A stroller that you can open with one hand is a must.
• Buy an SLR camera. You don't need anything fancy or lots of lenses/equipment, but the instant shutter will save you the heartache of missed first smiles, steps, etc.
• I used to think books like Pat the Bunny and Goodnight Moon were really silly. But after having spent the past 6 years reading them to my own babies, I finally get it.
• Baby Einstein, as commercial as it may be, is GREAT.

Childbirth/Postpartum

• Hire a professional birth photographer or at least see if you can get a relative/friend (other than your husband/partner) to take pictures during or immediately after the birth. Make sure they're using an SLR camera. To me, this is more important than video...pictures are usually prettier ;-). You don't have to show these pictures to anyone, but at least you'll have them.
• Put olive oil on baby's bum immediately after birth (and continue after each change until all meconium has passed) and save yourself lots of clean up hassle.
• Didn't know this, but a bad tear or episiotomy can take many, many months to fully heal (like 9 months).
• Therefore, stock up on Dermoplast.
• Your first bowel movement after childbirth is more scary than painful. A stool softener might make you feel better.
• These are THE best pads for the first week or so postpartum.
• Granny panties are your friend.

Nursing

• This book was my education.
• It is really difficult to know how much milk you're producing just based on pumping...your baby is usually much better at getting the milk out than the pump.
• If you do find you're having problems with supply, this tincture is a miracle. Believe me, I know.
• The sooner you can figure out how to nurse while laying down, the easier your life will be.
• Lansinoh works great on all kinds of dry skin (especially hands from frequent washing).
• When your baby gets teeth, if s/he bites down while nursing, gently, but firmly press their face/nose against your breast until they have to release.
• Direct contact with baby's mouth and your skin actually allows for a chemical communication to take place, letting your body know what kind of milk/antibodies/etc. it needs to manufacture for your baby.
• When nursing, let baby fully drain one breast so they can get that filling, fatty hind milk (you'll usually feel a second let-down).
• If you're pumping, make sure to pump for at least 20 min or until you feel a second let-down.
• Shirts with patterns help hide leaks and spit up ;-).

Baby

• Cloth diapering isn't that hard at all. I tried lots of dipe styles...loved bumGenius the best with Fuzzi Bunz running a close second.
• Do at least one semester of this with your baby/toddler.
• You're going to take lots of pictures of your baby. Do it. That's what you're supposed to do. Post a few on the blog that you started or share via Shutterfly or something like that. BUT, you don't have to share them all. Narrow it down to 10. Please don't be that person who sends a link of 173 pictures of pretty much the same thing to all your friends and family. No one is going to look at them. You will be come "that relative." I admit I was once "that relative." I've changed. Things are better now.