Before Lincoln turned our party of two into a family of three, I thought I knew what I was getting myself into. I’d been told about the 3am feedings and not showering until 2pm (or let’s be real – not at all) but no matter how many parents I talked to, nor how many books I read, I found out there were at least 10 things I never knew about having a newborn until I experienced them myself, which I will happily share with you! And don’t be scared. Wait ’til you get to number one. (Also those are Lincoln’s feet. I could just eat them up, I could.)
10. Get ready to do some laundry
Buy stock in P&G now because you will be doing a ton of laundry in the first couple of weeks. I repeat, a TON of laundry! From mattress pads and fitted crib sheets, to blankets, onsies, and changing table covers, I had no idea one little person could produce so much laundry. That being said, now that we’ve learned to ahem, aim it DOWN, our laundry has gone down significantly, but between the three of us I still do at least one load a day. (I use Dreft detergent and Purex no-dye, fragrance-free  softener.)
9. You will sweat at night. So much.
I thought the AC was busted the first night I woke up completely soaked in sweat after getting home from the hospital. Then I tore the covers off and realized the bedroom was cool and crisp as a cucumber. The same thing happened the next night…and the next night…until my friend finally asked me – have you had the night sweats yet? Um, YES! Why didn’t anyone tell me about night sweats?! So bizarre. Just plan on adding your PJs into your daily load of laundry.
8. Hormones are a bitch
There I said it. Of course I read all about Postpartum Depression and the baby blues before Lincoln came, but I was not at all prepared for how unbelievably crazy the sudden drop in hormones made me feel after he was born. I cried (read: lost it) when Ben nearly had to go out of town for 3 days when Lincoln was a week and half old. I cried while watching a news segment about premature babies. I cried when Ben suggested we upgrade our Costco membership (not kidding.) While I don’t think I had PPD or the baby blues, there is absolutely no denying that my emotions were out of control for at least a week post-birth. Thankfully I started feeling like my normal self after two (long) weeks!
7. Forgetfulness (especially at night!)
Blame the wacky sleep schedule, but nobody told me how forgetful I’d become post-baby! A few weekends ago Ben and I were driving out to a nearby lake to take a walk with Lincoln, and I forgot the stroller. Ben feeds Lincoln in the early morning, yet just last night I found myself feeding him when he walked in with the bottle. What?! Just make lists and forgive yourself when you feel like you should be committed.
6. Experiencing uncertainty
I have always been a quick decision maker. I hate dawdling and just want to make a choice and move on. Now that Lincoln is here I have become the most uncertain person about everything! I am so scared that I’ll make a decision that will negatively affect him. Hopefully this is a phase, but I kind of doubt it…
5. Learn to love cold food
A hot meal? What’s that? I’m only kind of kidding, but be prepared for your meals to be interrupted by diaper changes, nap rescues, nighttime fussiness…and laundry. It could take you awhile to get back to that yummy hot meal you planned on eating hours ago.
4. Girlfriends are gold
I never knew I’d rely so much on my girlfriends who are also moms for advice during the first uncertain couple of weeks after having a baby. Make sure you get those girls on speed dial!
3. Battling back pain
Do yourself a favor and schedule a massage for 2 or 3 weeks post-baby BEFORE you give birth. Between nursing and pumping (which kills your back,) hunching over the diaper changing table, and constantly stooping to coo at your sweet baby, your back will be taking a beating. Ben’s been great at giving me rubs, but I can’t wait to get a legit massage!
2. Online shopping is a gift
During those first weeks when it’s not always easy to get out of the house, online shopping will become your best friend. From swaddle blankets and a hands-free pumping bra, I have ordered a ton of stuff online lately and seriously, with shipping these days, I feel like my items have all arrived 2 days later no matter which shipping option I picked. Go Amazon.
1. It is ALL worth it!
It’s cliche, but so true. I’d eat cold hot dogs, walk as a hunch back, and do 100 loads of laundry a day just to have Lincoln in our lives. 1-9 is nothing compared to the unconditional love I feel every second I look into his face, and the joy his smile and funny faces bring to my heart. I sometimes think it will literally explode inside of my chest. Of course people told me this all throughout my pregnancy, but I couldn’t fathom this love existed until I actually experienced it myself. Motherhood is hard, but it rules!
So what say you, fellow parents? What surprised you about having a newborn baby?
Alison 08.27.2013
I would add just straight up ‘crazy’ in addition to night time forgetfulness! We caught each other sitting up and rocking/shhhh-ing an invisible baby, imagining she was in bed with us (when she never co-slept) and also handing each other bottles to feed a waiting baby when she was still in her crib fast asleep.
Scary! :)
Jamie 08.27.2013
Yes! Mine is just over a year and I still wake up sometimes trying to ‘keep the baby from falling off the bed,’ and we never did the co-sleeping. I’m not sure if the dog appreciates the attention that time of night, either…
Sara 08.27.2013
These are all so true! The hormones were the worst! I seriously was a loose cannon and I knew I was being irrational…but there wasn’t a dang thing I could do about it. There were moments where I kid you not, I saw true fear in my husbands eyes. :)
I was also surprised by how gassy babies could be and how loud their poops could be! Hee hee.
It’s all so, so worth it though.
Andrea 08.27.2013
everything is soooooo true!!!
shannon 08.27.2013
Even tho mine or 22,20 and 16. What you have said is so true. I remember crying alot after my second was born. 23 months apart for my 2 boys. It was hard but they are so different but best friends. And my daughter well she is a hoot. Soo worth every tear, sleepless night and aching back. Just one more thing. ENJOY EVERYTHING! Write down things he does, of course take lots of pictures. When mine were young we did not have cell phones to take a quick picture so save every memory. It sure goes by in a blink. Before you know it he will be graduating from high school. By the way he is adorable!
Jaime D. 08.27.2013
Omg – love this! I have a 5 month old and this list is SPOT ON. I can especially relate to #8 (I was an absolute MESS the first two weeks), #2 (online shopping = Godsend) and #1(could not even begin to imagine how much love I was going to have for my daughter). Thanks for sharing this!
Jennie 08.27.2013
I’ve got a newborn too! One month on Saturday. I agree with the copious amounts of laundry. Also, I knew newborns would go through a ton of diapers, but really I had no idea. Change him and then two seconds later he’s making a funny face..refilling. Definitely recommend asking for diapers and wipes on your registry!
Ashley Breese 08.27.2013
This is my 3rd. 2nd day back to work today :( and I had completely forgotten about night sweats until the 4th night waking up soaked. So yes the memory thing is also present. Lincoln is so adorable, love his smile and great job catching it on film. Still trying to catch my little girls!
Andie 08.27.2013
The uncertainty does not end. My little guy just turned 2 on Friday and sometimes I’m still unsure if what I am doing is right. It’s all part of the learning curve!
With that being said- don’t let others tell you what is best for Lincoln. You are his mom and you will know best. :)
You are doing great! He’s so cute!!! (and you look great)
something I learned: you don’t need 1/2 of the crap you register for. LOL
Liz 08.27.2013
Great post!
Jamie | Jamie's Recipes 08.27.2013
A breast pump is worth its weight in gold. I wish someone would have told me this. If you’re planning on having more than one child think of it as a long term investment. I was a newlywed, still in college, and dirt poor when I had my first. We bought a cheap pump that didn’t even last four months. What we spent on cheap pumps over the course of my first two kiddos, we could have purchased a great pump. With my last we finally got a Medela pump and go and it made a world of difference. I was actually able to pump enough to go one a week long vacation when my little guy was 9 months old and maintain my supply while I was gone. Worth it!
Andrea @ The Fit Scoop 08.27.2013
Thank you for this honest and timely (for me) list! My little one is due in November so it is super helpful to get real answers about what to expect :-)
Danielle 08.27.2013
My baby is almost 3 months old and I agree with all of these! Also, I have learned to never take a long, hot shower for granted. 15 minutes of peace and quiet. Showers were the highlight of my day the first few weeks. Sad, but true!
Marissa 08.27.2013
Nights sweats ARE the worst. I completely forgot about them (and SO SO many other things) between #1 and #2. The best piece of advice I ever got about babies was from my other and it’s that NOTHING lasts long. Every stretch of sleeplessness, teething, rashes, wanting that bottle, then the other bottle, then loving this toy, then a new toy. Just don’t sweat anything and don’t turn your life upside down for every new problem, because in a couple of weeks, they’ll be a whole new person again and all the weird eccentricities usually disappear as quickly as they appeared.
Heather 08.27.2013
Dreft? I think I used 1 box/bottle of that and then washed everything with our regular detergent.
I did not take into consideration all the clothes of mine I’d have to wash from being spit on.
Try to cuddle more and worry less and recline to save your back.
Monica 08.27.2013
Sooooo spot on !!! I so miss the baby days now that my kiddos are all grown up. Enjoy these precious days- they go by in the blink of an eye. And thank you for sharing your little precious baby with us :)
erin @hooleywithaz 08.27.2013
aaaand my ovaries just shrieked with delight at that photo of lincoln’s feet. there needs to be a surgeon general’s warning above those!
Aura 08.27.2013
I have an 11 week old, and I totally agree with everything. I couldn’t believe how long those first 2 weeks were. Everyone kept saying I’d feel better (emotionally), she would sleep more, and I’d develop more of a routine after these magical 2 weeks. All that happens eventually, but at the time, all I could do was cry at the thought that I’d never make it. I’m happy to say we’ve gotten into our groove, and you really do fall more in love with them every. single. day.
Adrianne 08.27.2013
Breastfeeding can be the most unnatural, natural thing you’ve ever done. It took six weeks (and many tears – mine) of trying to get my daughter to latch properly before we finally got it, but then one day it just clicked. Exclusively pumping is a b**ch. And whoever said that the second is easier wasn’t kidding. I can make quick decisions again, bf’ing is going a million times better, my confidence is back. So much better this time around!
Cari 08.27.2013
Great list! I’m expecting my second in about seven weeks, and I forgot about some of those things (night sweats–ack!). These are good reminders. One thing that surprised me is that my son didn’t really sleep as much as most newborns (he’s what the books called a “wakeful baby”) and he didn’t like sleeping in his bassinet or crib as much as he liked sleeping in someone’s arms. Talk about not getting anything done (eating, showering, etc.)!
Really no one can prepare you for the experience of becoming a parent, and I completely agree with No. 1–it is all worth it!
Ashley @ My Food N Fitness Diaries 08.27.2013
Yes, yes, yes! I can relate all too well! Those awful night sweats… They’re a joy, aren’t they? You’re doing great, Mama!