16 Random tips and tricks I've found!

16 random tips... aimed at new moms!

(not that I would know!)

• When people say "rest when you can"... seriously do it! When people offer to help, put them to work doing laundry or dishes, so you can rest.

• New born pictures are ABSOLUTELY adorable, but make sure you are asking for help to get them done! Don't push yourself too hard!

• Medella is THE best pump there is out there... do NOT Settle for less!

www.medela.com

• As far as milk storage bags go... I recommend Lansinoh or Gerber. They are the only two I have found that do not leak when defrosting.

www.lansinoh.com

• Best way to freeze milk is to lay it flat, stacked one on top of another. It saves room for your veggies and frozen meat and defrosts way quicker!

• I know the docs say that using lotion or mother's cream doesn't work against stretch marks, but I'm a FIRM believer that it does! My favorite brand is from Sprouts.

• Unless you plan on adding to your laundry pile, do not invest in the cloth leak pads. I suggest Lansinoh again, and I frown on the Johnson ones... just for leakage purposes!

www.lansinoh.com

• A nursing cover works SO much better than a blanket, if worn right. Definitely a great baby present!

• Everyone suffers from some form of post-partum. It might be brought on by lack of sleep, but it's NORMAL to feel the blues. I had it bad with my second, and worse with my third and FINALLY called the doc for some help. Glad I did and it was so easy!

•  KEGAL, KEGAL, KEGAL ladies! I believe it will help you in your delivery! I did about 100 every day while I was pregnant with all three, and I think it helped me rebound back!

• The first three months of breast feeding are hard... believe me! Learn about when your baby is going through growth spurts, so you know ahead of time. They go through a HUGE one at 3 months, which I believe is why a lot of moms quit around that time. Think... how many stopped after 3 months out of frustration? Not many!

• Take as many pictures as you can. Even if they aren't blow-up-and-put-on-your-wall worthy. Every little one helps keep those memories! 

• Do NOT buy a nursing bra when you are in that first engorgement stage. I did this, and those nice round (but painful) Double Ds didn't stay for long!

• Whatever you do, make sure YOU are taking care of YOU. You can't be strong and happy for you're baby if you're not strong and happy for yourself!

• When it comes to toddler bed time... don't hesitate to buy that "big girl bed" and throw a pair of cheapy side rails on it. It saves you a couple hundred, unless you find a cute one used. I'd suggest against spending over 50 bucks for one, especially since you can find a "big girl/boy bed" for not much more than that!

• My last... law... to... abide...by... WAIT SIX WEEKS BEFORE ATTEMPTING TO "PRACTICE" CREATING ANOTHER LITTLE ONE... chances are good you WILL! Oh, and breast feeding is NOT a good form of birth control ;)! Heed this warning or you may end up with...



THIS!





Disclaimer: these are all my personal suggestions, not to be confused with doctor's orders! 

Any mother's out there want to add??