Apr. 9, 2006 - New Babies
My thoughts are flying about new babies. Our new grandaughter arrived the other evening, faster than anyone expected with about 10 minutes of pushing. My daughter is blessed!
She wanted me to be there because, besides being her mom, I am a veteran at having babies--we have nine children. Guess that's enough qualification!
I have some suggestions--common sense, practical things--that I would like to share with you while it's fresh on my mind.
First, if you are having your baby at the hospital, please try to have someone stay in your room with you at all times. Most of the time it will be your husband, your mother and/or mother-in-law, sister, best friend, etc. Your support people should be encouraging and they shoud be willing to pray for you "in the midst."
When our granddaughter's head appeared, she started turning blue because she was a lot bigger than expected and might have been stuck before the shoulders delivered. Right then my daughter's mother-in-law and I started praying--it could have gone either way. With some work, the shoulders came right out and all is well. I know prayer works!
If you don't have a family support group, then please look for an "older woman" from you church or homeschool support group and ask her to be there for you. It is such a blessing to help new moms that way.
Your helper person will be there in case anything happens, will get more ice, help with the baby, help you with your needs, pray for you and the baby, screen calls and visitors when you are tired, etc. My husband did all those things for me--but not all husbands are gifted that way. For our later children, my older daughters (who were 12 or older) stayed with me so my husband could go home at night with the other children. We had to get special permission for this.
Whether you have someone with you or not, remember that God is with you. He'll send the nurses and midwives that you need!
If your baby has siblings, I suggest that you purchase or make some gifts to take to the hospital for the new baby to "give" to the siblings. It helps to foster a good relationship with the new baby and helps avoid those jealous feelings. "Wow, the new baby gave me a gift!"
I usually wrap the presents and put them in the bassinet for the sibs to find. Typically, for little girls, we found a cuddly baby type dolly and I made a dolly blanket and maybe a dolly diaper bag. For the "big sister" grandaughter, I found a cute red cloth purse on sale that could double for a dolly diaper bag so I didn't sew this time. Her parents gave her twin baby dolls with a doll stroller and typical dolly baby stuff. If you don't sew, fleece works and doesn't have to be sewn. Boys can have baby dolls, but they usually like guy toys better!
If you have young children at home, I suggest that you try to time your arrival home later in the evening after their bedtime. It took me a while to figure out that I got more rest when I came home from the hospital if I went straight to bed. They wake you up every hour or two and the hospital beds aren't usually very comfortable. The best thing you can do for yourself and your family is to get your rest those first weeks!
As the children wake up the next day, they'll make their way to your room one at a time and it will be a special moment with you and the new baby.
Take a week off and don't do anything except take care of yourself and the new baby. Sleep when the baby sleeps, etc.
I know it isn't always possible to have outside help, but if you can, take advantage of offers of help and don't be afraid to ask. Whether it's your church doing meals or friends coming to watch your children or help with housework, you'll be better off in the long run because you are giving your body time to heal.
You might also have a babysitter come to play with your children while you rest. Homeschool teens are usually good at that.
Don't forget to offer help to others in their times of need! Give and it shall be given unto you.
I hope this helps you! I pray that all goes well with each of you as your baby is born.
Blessings,
Harriet
Comments
Jun. 20, 2006 - Untitled Comment
Posted by blessingsabound
How exciting!!! Thank you for sharing, I am a mommy of ten blessings and am eager to help welcome my grandbabies into the world one day soon!!! May His blessings abound in your heart and home- all for HIS Glory!
Oct. 3, 2006 - Untitled Comment
Posted by crysnrod
Thank you for the ideas as we are expecting baby #9 in May.
Blessings,
Crystal
Aug. 7, 2007 - Untitled Comment
Posted by sahmto4orMore
I was meant to read this tonight.
Our family is not supportive of us having another child and they live far away. We have been considering my going through labor alone this time while husband takes care of our other children at home. It seems to be the only option right now, but we will pray that God provides another way.
Apr. 25, 2008 - Untitled Comment
Posted by prettylittledresses
Come and see All the Pretty Little Dresses!
Jan. 10, 2009 - Untitled Comment
Posted by OldPathsMom
Congratulations on your new grandbaby and thank you for the awesome advice. If I am ever blessed enough to conceive again, I'll remember it :)
