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?
Heather 08.27.2013
Amen! Just, AMEN! You’re doing great!
Tracy 08.27.2013
This was such a sweet post!
This isn’t about newborns, but instead about my kids in general. I’ve been surprised how much more and more and more I love them every day. Just when you think you can’t possibly love them more you do! This comes from the mom of FOUR high schoolers. It’s like free-falling, I swear.
Karen 08.27.2013
You are doing an amazing job and what a cutie you have. My kids are middle school aged, but one thing that I wasn’t prepared for was the first time my son threw up. Not spit up, but actually threw up. That was one the books never warn you about, and I happened to be pregnant with our second at the time, so I called my husband to come home from work and clean it up for fear that I would throw up! Your #1 is so true, and the amount of love and pride you feel for your kids only grows as they get older. The forgetfulness, worries and self doubt don’t diminish either…they just change with the years. Sigh!
Sarah 08.27.2013
The night sweats are no joke! I had to do our sheets almost every night too- so nasty.
Sarah 08.27.2013
Oh my!!! Your list is right on! Although, I feel like boys have more laundry with all the diaper change messes! With mt now 5 month old, getting into a routine and getting Lucy in a schedule was KEY and I wish I would have done it a month before :)
Lauri 08.27.2013
#8 is key – and so awesome for you to admit this and put it out there! A lot of people talk about PPD, but I don’t think there is enough talk about just normal hormones and tears! I cried for about the first two weeks at least once a day, sometimes several. I cried during our entire first pediatrician appointment, which was the day after I got home from the hospital. I cried when attempting to breastfeed, and I cried when I gave formula! I was pretty much a mess and would cry at the drop of a hat! I remember exchanging emails with a friend during those first two weeks and she told me she cried all the time for 2-3 weeks and I said “Why didn’t anyone tell me this?!?!?” Once I knew it was pretty normal and common, I felt better :)
Crystal 08.27.2013
Oh, the hormones! I definitely felt extra emotional for the first month or two…our little guy was early and had to spend 3 weeks in the NICU, so I think that just made it even tougher for a bit. When he came home, I thought perhaps the crying would stop, but it didn’t…I would tear up at commercials, TV shows, watching movies on Netflix at 4am when I was up with baby…luckily a few weeks after he came home, I was back to feeling like my happy self.
Things I wasn’t prepared for: I agree with others, the hair falling out! I would be very alarmed if I hadn’t read it was normal…it’s been 4 1/2 months and it’s still falling out, so hopefully it stops soon…also agree that we haven’t used a lot of the stuff we registered for/got for gifts. The things I thought he’d like, he doesn’t, and the things I never would have thought of are things we ended up needing…go figure! I will say, the swaddle blankets we got have been GREAT and very helpful. I also wasn’t prepared for feeling a bit sad in regards to some things we’re missing now that baby is here…don’t get me wrong, I LOVE my son and being a mom and wouldn’t trade it for anything…but at first I missed being able to just got o a movie with the husband or go out of town…the things we used to do when we were first married I guess. Having a baby means a whole different lifestyle, and it means the little guy comes first, and I’m getting used to that and seeing that I really love and enjoy this new life of ours. :)
Oh yeah, one other thing I wasn’t prepared for: how many pictures I would take of little dude. Seriously…I’m THAT mom that posts a million pictures on Facebook. Everything he does is just SO cute…lol. I can’t help it. At least my family members out of state enjoy looking at the pics. :) The first time he smiled at me….heart melted. And he recently started giggling/laughing…best thing ever. :)
mary bellian 08.27.2013
My mother-in-law told me the best line that the pain of child birth and other recovery pains are easily forgotten when you hold the baby in your arms. The reason other women don’t tell you all the bad stuff is because when raising their baby they forget all the bad memories and only remember the great memories.
Zainab @ Blahnik Baker 08.27.2013
Thank you for sharing with us! I am waiting another two years before I take the plunge (at least that’s the plan) and I love reading these tips.
Ali 08.27.2013
I lost a lot of hair (and still am at 6 mos. postpartum), I’d agree with the back pain, breast milk becoming a preoccupying thought each day, talking about seedy mustard colored poop, and yes the night sweats are real!
Katie 08.27.2013
Swaddle, swaddle, swaddle. Even if you think he doesn’t dig it. He will. And this website is gold for sleeping help: http://www.troublesometots.com/ Once I started following the recommended number of naps everyone was happier.
Emily S 08.27.2013
About the post-natal massage: I recommend side lying like they do for pre-natal massages. I got one when my 2nd baby was a few weeks old, and got a blocked duct from lying on my boobs (even with a pillow underneath you!) Just something to consider :)
Chelsea @ Chelsea Eats Treats 08.27.2013
These are such great tips! I’m only 24, and am nowhere near ready to have a baby, but I feel like these tips have been very enlightening! And OMG…Lincoln’s feet!!!!! They are SO adorable!
Erin 08.27.2013
I had a little guy the same day as you ( and in Des Moines too :)) .
I totally agree with all of these! I had no clue about the night sweats!
Also, I never knew you could be so tired that you could fall asleep while pumping.
I can’t get over staring at our little guy and all the cute things he does already either :)
kelsey williams 08.27.2013
Those night sweats are the absolute worst.
Kari S. 08.27.2013
Great post!!
Kelly 08.27.2013
I would add that soon after you have your first child, you realize you didn’t need half of what you registered for. Dreft is good for about a month and then you realize you can wash everyone’s clothes in a “Free and Clear” type of detergent and that makes life a lot easier to not do so many separate loads…and it’s cheaper. And, as much as we all want to protect our children and shower them with love and attention, allow your child to grow up, too. Jumping up at every noise they make to soothe them, tiptoeing around them while they’re sleeping next to your bed, rocking them to sleep every night for the first year, etc. all make it a bit more difficult for them to be good sleepers down the road (been there, done that!). I’m just saying enjoy them, snuggle them, etc. but don’t allow your attachment/emotions to hold them back from having the chance to soothe themselves / put themselves to sleep when they are ready and capable to do so. In my humble opinion, it’s good for both parents and baby…and for the babysitter/grandparents!
Nina @ Too Hottie For That Body 08.27.2013
You make it look so easy and you look so good! You’re a pro at this mom stuff. I have an 11 year old (just wait for the tweens!) and a crazy 16 month old. You never stop feeling uncertain and the mommy guilt never seems to go away but being a mom is awesome. Even if you do need to give yourself a high-five at the end of the day in the form of an evening glass of wine :)
Jayme 08.27.2013
You made me laugh out loud! So, so, so true… and for me it was learning how to put myself second… and all that i THOUGHT I had to get done. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, I’d give ANYTHING to go back and see any of the four as a newborn again (and their feet! AWESOME picture) Such precious and fleeting moments… and just like you said, all at the same time when hormones are raging ;) thanks so much for sharing!
Amanda @ Diary of a Semi-Health Nuts 08.27.2013
Wow I am so glad I read blogs because I am learning so much about having babies! I did tear up a bit at the end when you said it’s all worth it…thanks for including that! ;)
Can’t wait to have my own little one that will turn my world upside down! :)