Bringing Baby Home

This week we explore the first week or so after we brought our babies home. We discussed visitors, the type of help we received, the type of help that was actually helpful and some tips of what you may expect in the first week. You can listen to the show below or download this and past episodes off iTunes:



First of all, you need to set some boundaries with respect to visitors, both in the hospital and once you've come home. Be firm and clear. We strongly suggest that you ensure you take the time for you, your husband/partner and the baby. You will never get that time back so be sure to the time when you can.

It was evident throughout our discussion that many of us had help from our own mothers - whether it be cleaning the house, walking the dog, taking care of laundry or cooking meals, we all have a new found appreciation and respect for our mothers. The biggest help we all received was help for us and household chores, not necessarily helping with diapers and such. I know for me personally, my mom gave me the confidence to go out with the baby. I was scared in the first few weeks to take her out in public: what if she cried, what if people are looking at me etc and I knew that I had my mom there to support me which was a huge relief.

Aside from family and friends, there are additional support systems available such as Public Health Nurses as well as your midwife - they provide excellent post-natal care as required.

We all shared some laughs as we discussed our expectations vs our reality. Selin & Jenny planned to acquire certifications for work, be out with friends, have a clean house and dinner on the table every night. Oh, how quickly we learned that this was not the case! Erin had an excellent - and realistic - tip for everyone: set mini goals for yourself each day. These may be as simple as having a shower or making your bed, or being more adventurous and trying to go for a walk or get groceries with your little one in tow.

So, this is our new job 24-7. In the early days of bringing Taylor home, Jenny wanted to go back to work. The workplace was comfortable, familiar and more importantly, it ended at 5pm. And let's not forget that while we were working in the home all day, our hubby's were in the workplace and had a long day too. But yes, there is still a hint of jealousy that they got to leave the house and be at work for the day!

Tip when expecting guests!
If you're expecting company, ask them to call the morning of your visit date to ensure that its still OK. You may have a great day and schedule a visit but things quickly change and you could have a horrible night and not be up for a visit the following day.

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At the end of each episode, we will share our "MOMMY-SENTIALS" with you.

• Baby Time Show - April 30th - May 2nd @ the International Centre, Hall 1 in Toronto. Visit http://www.babytimeshows.ca/ for more information.
• Crockpot - in the first few weeks home, the crock pot can be your best friend. Pop something in and get on with your day. See below for a quick and yummy recipe :)
• Hooded Towels - this cozy towels are perfect for bundling up your little one after their bath
• Bravado Nursing Bra's - Erin swears that these are the best nursing bra's out there!
• Baby Bottom Salve by Earthly Essentials - we all use this on our babies, and love it. It's a purely organic product and a little goes a long way! Check www.earthlyessentials.ca for more information.

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