Baby on Board: Preparing for Your New Arrival

Congratulations! Your family is about to grow. You've painted the nursery, unwrapped the baby shower gifts and read all you possibly can on the subject of parenting ... but that blessed day finally arrives, check-and-double check to make sure you've done all you can to prepare for your new addition! Rebecca Stewart offers her tips on how best to get ready for your new baby.

1. PREPARE, PREPARE, PREPARE!

Prepare your partner; it's helpful for dads to recognize the symptoms and know the difference between baby blues and postpartum depression (and when you should seek medical advice). Even if moms seem completely out of control (and they might!), they still need support.

2. DON'T FORGET YOUR OWN NEEDS DURING YOUR FIRST FEW WEEKS AS A MOTHER

Set realistic expectations; you won't be back to pre-pregnancy clothes the day after you've given birth. Some days you may not even manage to get dressed. This is okay! Keep daily expectations to a minimum and look at everything you manage to do as an achievement.

Take time to shower (not a bath for the first several weeks to prevent infection); make time for daily hygiene – this helps to make moms feel human again!

Eat!; eat plenty of healthy meals and snacks. Skipping meals can make you feel worn out and may affect your milk production. Extra calories are important if breastfeeding. Your baby needs all the nutrients possible, which is supplied through breast milk.

Sex; if having a vaginal birth, you may not be able to have sex for up to five weeks.

Sleep deprivation; it will happen. Get ready!

3. TALK, TALK, TALK

Be honest and express your feelings about any and everything. If you're tired and overwhelmed, say, "Honey, I'm so tired. I might be a bit on edge, be aware." If it's important for you to always have the kitchen clean or fresh towels readily available every morning, communicate this. Spouses are not always aware of what their partner often does and needs on a daily basis.

4. HAVE PATIENCE
This might be hard when you are sleep deprived, but some dads want to be as involved as possible. Teach them how to swaddle, how to bottle feed your baby (and when formula is to be used instead of breast milk at particular feedings), etc.

5. HIRE A BABY NURSE
If you can afford it, hire a baby nurse. They will be a tremendous help! A good baby nurse will ...

Be an expert with any and everything baby; a professional baby nurse ("newborn specialist") should have at least five years of experience. During year one, a baby nurse may have worked for three-six different families.

Set up a routine that works best for the baby and your family.

Provide overall emotional support for parents; both parents will get more rest and be able to spend more time together. They allow a couple to be a couple, not just "mommy and daddy."

Have any additional tips you'd like to share? Leave us a comment and let us know!