advice

Once I announced that I was pregnant, everyone and their brother instantly became Dr. Phil and started passing out advice on pregnancy/childbirth/child raising! This is my first rodeo so of course I try to absorb all the advice I can. Thankfully, I haven't had any crazy or mean-spirited opinions given....yet.

In hopes that I don't forget them all, I figured I needed to write them down. Here the few I haven't already forgotten!

1.  Sleep when he sleeps.

I've heard this for years, but apparently it is worth repeating.

2. Let others help.

My SIL told me to make sure I utilize the help of my mom/MIL when it comes to cleaning, laundry, cooking and other household items. This will allow me some time to actually sleep (see #1) and still have "normalcy".

3. Don't think less of yourself when you do utilize help.

Women tend to do it all and do it all well. However, I'm pretty sure that sleep deprivation and all the other fun things that come along with child birth will put a damper on doing it all. I'm going to try really hard not to put too much pressure on myself.

4.  Doctor appointments on Fridays.

One of the parents (who has 2 boys), always makes their doctor's appointments on a Friday afternoon. She says it is so that if they do run a fever or have a reaction to shots etc, they have all weekend to recover (and not miss school/work). Um. Genious! I know it's not always possible to do this, but I'm determined to make all shot appts on Fridays.


5. Put bottles in ziplock bags before you put them in your diaper bag.

So in case the bottle leaks, it doesn't get all over your bag and his extra stuff. I know they probably make fancy bottle holders, but heck this seems like it'll be just fine!


6. Dress the baby as you would dress yourself.

My Mom had my brother in August. It's hot in the South in August. Being the concerned, first time mom she was, she thought it would be best to bundle him up, because surely he was cold. She took my brother to the Dr and he said "Are you cold?....then chances are your baby isn't either." Needless to say, she didn't bundle him up in the summer after that!  (I'm so glad I was the second child..ha!)

7. The craziest advice I've received for the whole pregnancy thing is to drink PICKLE JUICE to cure my heart burn. Um....yuuuck. It may work, but I'm sure as heck not trying it!

What advice do you have or have you received?? I'll honestly love to hear it!