Im posting this on here, because when I was pregnant, I only read the pregnancy and childbirth thread. Then when my daughter was born, I didnt have time to read the parenting threads. So now shes 4 months old, I realise I made a few mistakes. Ill put them down, and then perhaps others can add to them. I know all babies (and mums) are different, but this is what I did wrong and right.
Mistake 1 . I tried getting my baby to understand night and day by only letting her have short naps during the day. When I got back from the hospital, she slept 4 hours one afternoon. I interrupted her sleep, thinking "If she sleeps all day, she wont sleep at night". The next time she slept four hours in a row was three months later. What I <span class="italic">should</span> have done was get four hours kip there and then. My lesson: sleep when my baby sleeps (only practical with a first child, obviously), and dont start a routine untill about 3 months old.
Mistake 2. I used natural nappies from the get-go. I was up changing her about 8 times a night in the beginning. If theres a next time, Ill use disposables. If you use disposables at night, they cant feel the wet nappy, so sleep (a little) longer.
Mistake 3. I thought I had loads of energy when I got home. I was on a high and got excited tidying up the house, proving to myself I was superwoman. I had visions of strolling along outside with the pram.
The next day, I was laid up in bed, and I bled for the next seven weeks. And I was washing those cotton nappies too. If theres a next time, I`ll conserve as much energy as possible, and pace myself.
Mistake 4. While I did need practial help around the house, I won`T accept it again. As I said, I had very little energy, so MIL came to "help", and bring food. It saved energy physically, but was so mentally draining having someone in the house all the time, even if they are helping.
Mistake 5. I thought Id stunt the babys development by not talking to her and showing her the pretty trees outside etc from day one. I really think that she would have appreciated a better rested and relaxed mum more.
I did a few things right though:
I bought a sling, and the baby absolutely loved it from about 6 weeks onward. I did everything in that sling. It stopped her crying.
I put my snoring husband on a fouton in the next room, and slept next to my baby, with a small, low watt lamp next to me to turn on in the night.
I got a bouncy chair, and put her in it to watch me while I did (light) housework. I even took it with me into the bathroom while I had a shower. You can guarantee your baby will start crying as soon as you get in the shower.