Top 10 'Things' Every New Mom Needs...

Today I co-hosted a baby shower for my good friend, Laura (it came off without a hitch thanks to my co-hostess!). When I got home, I saw an email from my lovely friend Rebekah, who's also expecting a baby. In her email she asked me: "Please let me know the top 10 things a new mom should not be without." Well, what a great question, Rebekah.  Let's explore, shall we:

The Top 10 "Things" Every New Mom Should Have

10. Sleep. Yah, I know, easier said than done. But moms- and dads-to-be should plan ahead as much as possible and read about natural sleep systems, schedules and rhythms in books like, Healthy Sleep Habits, Happy Child. (I hawk this book so much the author should pay me!) Also, try and arrange in advance for family members or good friends to come in and cuddle with your babe while you rest. Also, I still swear by white noise machines for easier and deeper sleep for moms, dads, babies, kids...pets.

9. Connection. I may be more social than the average bear but I know that all new moms get lonely sometimes. No matter how much you love your newbie, you will need to get out and socialize. Research 'new mom' groups run by your city or town (many are free). You may even be able to sign up prior to giving birth. Or, use the internet or your local religious organization to meet moms and dads who live in your area.

8. Food and Shelter. While you're diapering, snuggling, washing, feeding, burping and playing with your baby, someone's still got to be making (ideally nutritious) meals and scrubbing the kitchen and bathroom. It's really tough to think about cooking and cleaning while you're exhausted and sore. If possible, cook and freeze healthy meals ahead of time and hire a cleaning service to come in twice a month. If that's not possible, take up offers from neighbours, friends and family to do some laundry, or bake a casserole. I still remember the homemade chicken pot-pie my friend Catharine made for after Kash was born!

7. Meds and Herbs. Sounds a bit odd, right? But, even if you and your babe are healthy, it's important to keep some key meds, herbal remedies and vitamins on hand. For newbie: Baby Tylenol, Oval (for gas), a thermometer, a vaporizer or humidifier, and Baby Vicks rub (for older babies and kids). For the new mama: multivitamins, a hot water bottle (for sore breasts or a sore back), Tylenol or Advil for pain, and yogurt (to prevent yeast infections). Of course, please ask your doctor, nurse or midwife before taking or giving your baby any medication or herbal remedy.

6. Patience. Boy, do you need a lot of patience to be a parent. Between your baby's crying, the whining (you and your partner's...oh, and the kid's too), and the exhaustion, it can be tough to keep your cool at times. I've lost it on more than one occasion of course but I try to remind myself how lucky I am to have happy, healthy kids and that it's my job to be the 'bigger person' (haha!) as a parent.  Be prepared to take a lot of deep breaths and a few walks around the block to clear your head.

...to be continued...