Kate Swenson of Finding Cooper's Voice
As a mother of 4, I know firsthand that bringing home a new baby changes everything! It's magical and amazing and tiring and exhausting. Here are a few tips to help ease the transition:
Rest in the hospital. Take all the time you can to rest and heal. Let the amazing nurses and hospital staff help you. Soon enough you'll be on your own.
Have a plan for home. The last thing you want or need to do while birthing a human, is worry about home. Have a plan in place so you have one less thing to think about.
Bring a folder to hold everything they give you. And if you can, complete paperwork there. Once you bring it home you risk the chance of losing it. Like we did with our 4th child's birth certificate form.
Put vital numbers in your phone. Like I said, I have 4 kids, and still, with each newborn, I called either the hospital or pediatrician within 24 hours of being home. Have that number handy.
Have siblings at home? Given the new addition around the house, some kids may feel deprived of mom and dad's love and attention. Big bro or sis gifts go a long way.
Have a plan for food. The last thing you want to do when you get home is grocery shop and cook. Freezing meals ahead of time is a great way to prepare.
Marvel at the magic. You are so incredibly lucky mama. Congratulations. While the next few months...or 18 years...will exhaust you to no end, they will be absolutely amazing too.
Elizabeth Stone