You're pregnant - now what!?
- wahoffman
- Feb 19, 2023
- 2 min read
Heck yeah dude / dudette - you're about about to begin the fundamental human experience: parenting! It is unlike anything you have ever done or experienced. Everything people say is true. The highs are high and the lows are low. You will surprise yourself.
A couple key milestones to keep in mind:
20 week ultrasound: great details, big checkpoint for heath and development.
Baby shower: who's hosting? invited? what should you register for?
Infant CPR class: this is a must. I've had to save my daughters three times.
Securing childcare: how are you doing parental leave? what's the long term situation? will you need/want an intermediate solution? if center based care how will you manage uncertainty of getting off waitlists?
How amazing it is
How hard it is: The first two weeks after birth are really, really hard. Weeks 3 and 4 are still very challenging. Week 5 things start to get a bit manageable in relative terms, but are still exceptionally challenging in absolute terms. You've seen spots of some semblance of a rhythm.
Lists to Make:
"Go bag" for the hospital
Essentials for if the baby comes early
Shower registry
Priority Book Recommendations:
Sleep Training - 12 Hours by 12 Weeks
Why read it: The approach works. It was recommended to me while I was working in consulting - all the parents in the office used it. It worked great for both of our kids and everyone I've recommended it to.
Why I love it: It's written by a woman who worked as a sleep consultant. She developed the method from getting thousands of babies to sleep. It's a cook book style quick read.
When to read: Ideally before birth, but no later than 4 weeks after birth.
Soothing a baby - Happiest Baby on the Block
Why read it: Babies cry - this helps understand why and how to keep them happy.
Why I love it: It explains both how to sooth and why you need to do it that way.
Other Books I Read:
What to expect - The Expectant Father
Why read it: It helps fathers understand what's going on during the pregnancy
Why not a priority: Less tactical to improving your life post baby
When to read: During the pregnancy
Child Development - The Wonder Weeks
Why read it: Alerts you to key developmental milestones for the baby
Why not a priority: Most of the guidance seemed repetitive to me "your baby is going through changes, they need mom / dad". Happiest Baby on the Block is a better substitute if you have to choose one.
When to read: During pregnancy or first few weeks after birth
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