What to Expect? Really? 5 Things I Wish I Knew Before Having a Baby by Cheryl Leahy

Wit and Wisdom
2 years ago

What to Expect? Really? 5 Things I Wish I Knew Before Having a Baby

Before I had a baby, I wasn't all that knowledgeable about them. Sure, I read all of the books, from What to Expect When You're Expecting to ones on baby CPR, but they left out a few truly important messages. 

I compiled a list of the five things I wish I knew before I had a baby that you probably won't find in any book!

  • Lower you expectations. That perfect dinner you had time to prepare? Nope. Accept that putting something on the table is a major victory. And frozen pizza counts, especially in those first few months.
  • Know who to listen to. When it comes to babies, everyone has an opinion. Here's the catch - they have never had your baby.
  • Sleep is SUCH a precious commodity. I never understood what exhausted meant until I had a baby ... especially one who didn't sleep much.
  • Figure out who the new "you" is. I was terrified to lose myself after having kids. OK, so you won't be ruling the beer pong table anymore, but maybe you realize that you have a knack for making homemade granola.
  • This too shall pass. Any phase, issue or challenge that your child presents will pass.

You've got this!

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Nicole DeAvilla
These are great tips! Wish I had known them too.
Elisa Schmitz
I agree, Nicole DeAvilla! There just wasn't this type of easy-to-access info when I was expecting my kids. Thanks, Cheryl Leahy, for sharing your tried and true insights! xoxo
Elisa Schmitz
Jennison Grigsby - I so love your energy, chica! Thanks for bringing it to 30Second Mom!
Christine Jones
Love these Cheryl! Love the last one "This too shall pass"! That's so true about every stage of parenting!
Francielle Daly
Love this! As I am laying here with my 34 1/2 week belly feeling extremely tired and worn out! I just do not have any energy. My husband is the best tho, he's totally been on the team doing 100%!
Jill Ceder, LMSW, JD
Love these! I currently have a 4 week old and a 3 year old and my tips are -
Be kind and patient with yourself! Also do what's best for you - breast feeding, bottle feeding, sleep training...we all do what works for us...don't feel bad. Your baby - your choices!
Elisa Schmitz
Great add-ons, Chrissy Jones, Francielle Daly and Jill Ceder, LMSW, JD! I especially love "be kind to yourself," which is absolutely key and probably the most often overlooked thing for new moms! Also, I think "your baby, your choices!" is the tweet of the day - spot on, chica!
Mike Prochaska
Yes this will pass and take one day at a time... abs what about the coffee lol! I never drank coffees unril I had a baby.
Julio Caro
Thanks For Sharing...

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