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When I brought my first baby home, things were easy. I only had a little house cleaning to do, and no other children to care for. However, when I brought my second daughter home from the hospital, things were totally different. I had an unexpected c section, which required more recovery time. I think if I would have planned things better, my recovery would have been much smoother. Here are a few pointers to think about before you deliver your wonderful little bundle of joy.
Don't stress on the nursery
It's always nice to have the perfect little nursery and everything in it's place, but really this is more for the parents than the child. If you have other children, or are on bed rest, you may not have the time or energy to deal with decorating everything just so. If you can't get it done, don't stress it! Your husband can set up the baby bed, you can send mom or your mother in law to pick up baby clothes, diapers and other things baby will need. However, if you intend to paint the room or put in new carpet, it's best to get that done months before the baby is due because the room will need time to ventilate and rid itself of chemicals that could be harmful for your baby.
Tell your older children about the baby
Let them know in advance, around the time your tummy starts to really bulge. Explain that they will have a little brother or sister in the month or two to come. Mark the special day on the calender, but also explain that the baby could come a little earlier or later. Also explain your plans for the birth. If you plan to go to the hospital, take them with you on a short tour. Show them a room, the vending machines and so on. Kids feel better knowing that mom is being taken care of when she's away.
Also, let your children pick out something for the baby. Maybe they can find a little outfit that matches something for them. "I'm a big brother/sister" shirts are also a hit with young children. They love to know they haven't been forgotten and the more you can include them the better they will feel.
Bringing in a helper
If you plan to have a family member or friend stay with you after the baby is born things can go much smoother. Make sure it is someone you get along with and knows how you like things done. Also, try to arrange things so that they don't come on your due date. Since many babies don't come when they are "supposed to" the helper may have to go back to work before the baby gets here. Once the helper is there, make sure you let them do the work while you spend time with the baby and older siblings. Dad can take the kids out for a night of fun while you rest and relax with the baby.
Babysitting offers
If friends or family offer to watch the older kids for a little while, take them up on it! If you still aren't feeling up to leave the newborn, then order take out, grab a movie and enjoy some time with your husband while the baby naps. Couples sometimes forget how to be couples when they are wrapped up in being parents. It's very important to spend some time with your spouse too.
Enjoy those newborn days as much as possible. It can be easy to get lost in all the commotion, so take a step back and enjoy those days as much as possible. Your whole family deserves it!
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