I remember when I had my son. I was a new military spouse, and I didn't know what I was doing. Suddenly I was in charge of this new life and the nurses was letting me leave. WHY were they letting me leave with a tiny baby?
I was pretty clueless. I seriously thought babies had to wear a onesie because they couldn't have any other clothes rubbing against their skin. I don't know why I thought that, but there it is.
It got a little better when I had my second child. I began to grow confident and figure out ways to make my life easier.
1. Get a Tricare Breast Pump through 1 Natural Way at NO cost to you. It's impressive how 1 Natural Way has tons of the popular breast pumps like Medela, Spectra, and Kiinde brands. The one I used and loved was from Medela.
I completely get that when you have a new baby that time is limited, which is why I'm proud to say that you can get a TRICARE breast pump in less than FIVE minutes. Yup, you read that correctly. It's so helpful that 1 Natural Way contacts your insurance AND your physician for you. It's such a simple process and they work hard to make it an enjoyable experience to receive your breast pump.
Also, you can get other items to help you with the breastfeeding process (like breast shields and other parts for the breast pump) through 1 Natural Way. They also have accessories, compression socks (to help with the swelling--I got it badly), and postpartum care supplies.
2. Do not panic. I admit, whenever my kids would cry, I thought I was doing something wrong. "They hate me!" I'd wail to my husband. Panicking only sets off the baby.
3. Accept help. I know this is easier said than done. I hate asking for help, but sometimes you need to do it to avoid losing your mind. A happy mother=a happy baby. If you're stressed, the baby might not want to feed and they'll become agitated and look at you like this:
4. Write down a schedule. Babies seem to do better with a schedule. I would write down when my kids would eat, sleep, and when I'd change their diaper so I'd know if they were eating enough.
5. To remember what breast you last fed from, put a hair tie on that arm. I know it sounds silly, but it works. And yes, you WILL forget. I did quite often until I started doing the hair tie trick. It's probably why my right boob droops lower than my left. TMI? Sorry. But don't make my mistake. You're welcome.
6. Look into new parent support programs. Most military bases have them. I know I had someone come out to the home to give advice and see how things were going. I also got some free supplies and information about baby groups so I could meet with other new military parents.
Being a new parent can be a frightening time, but I promise, you CAN do it. Take deep breaths. Eat chocolate. Focus on the good.
Because it will be okay.
To learn more about 1 Natural Way, you can check them out at the following:
I'm due with my first baby in 5 weeks. I appreciate these tips, especially the hair tie one!
ReplyDeleteThese are all great new mom tips. I remember when my first child was born. I had read all the books, but I felt totally clueless.
ReplyDeleteI so appreciate new moms and military moms so much. It can't be easy when family has to be away. Hope all is well sweet lady.
ReplyDeleteAmber, these are sage tips. Been afraid to be alone with your own child for the first time ever very real thing. These steps will help new moms everywhere to cope with the overwhelming newness of parenthood. 👍🏼 Xo, Evelyn, PathofPresence ❣️
ReplyDeleteThese are all wonderful tips for a new mom. Finding the support from other moms who are dealing with similar issues, definitely makes the experience a lot easier.
ReplyDeleteI found the military community was always a big help when we were active duty. Retired Air Force here. My neighbors were always there helping and bring in food. Family wasn't anywhere near close so they were our family.
ReplyDeleteI hope when I have a child that my mom would be able to come visit. I would GLADLY accept help from anyone because I wouldn't know what to do!
ReplyDeleteAwesome tips! Especially for soon to be moms or new moms. It's going to be hard at first but it'll slowly be manageable later on.
ReplyDeleteAlways, always accept help. New moms must have their rest or they are no good to their little ones. What a sweet baby!!!
ReplyDeleteI always find that the military community is extremely supportive of each other. I went through a lot of the same things you did although I am not military myself my family has a lot of military and I know how much support they got.
ReplyDeleteThese are great tips for new parents. The get help is always a good one as we moms need to say yes to help.
ReplyDeleteThese are great tips for a new mom! It's so hard and you feel totally clueless.
ReplyDeleteIt can be hard when you're doing it alone (traveling spouse) but looks like you've figured things out. Great tips!
ReplyDeleteThese are definitely some great tips. As a two time mom myself, I agree with all of them, especially the importance of a good breast pump.
ReplyDeleteThese sound like some great tips for a first time military Mum, I bet it can be so hard when your partner is often away.
ReplyDeleteAccepting help can be so hard but it's so important for new parents. We aren't meant to raise kids with no help!
ReplyDeleteAccepting help with anything in life can be difficult. It's always good to be reminded that it's okay to do so.
ReplyDeleteSuch awesome tips! I'm not a mom, but I know moms can use all the tips they can get! I love "Accept Help!"
ReplyDeletexoxo
Annie
It's easy to panic with a newborn! Asking for help is often difficult and something we all must learn how to do.
ReplyDeleteThese are great tips for new moms that has a spouse in the military or not. Asking for help is definitely something all new moms should do. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeletebeing a new mom is rough doing it as a military spouse is worse. god speed mamas! stick to these tips and you will get by!
ReplyDeleteAww the babies looks adorable! nice post!
ReplyDeleteI am in my 30s and i am still not a mom yet but you gave some really good new mom advice. The breast pump is a good tip I think more moms need to continue to trust breastmilk!
ReplyDeleteI think your advice could help many other mothers out there! Great article, and you are a very brave mother and wife!
ReplyDeleteI am a military spouse too. I need this tips. Thank you so much. Appreciated!
ReplyDeleteMy sister is going have a baby withing a few weeks, I hopes those tips helps her. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteGreat tips! Especially the eating chocolate part! It's a good reminder to do something for yourself each day, no matter how small. Be mindful and present while doing it, too!
ReplyDeleteThese are some great tips! It reminded me of the times when I first had mine. I didn't have anyone from my side of family here in the US so that was a tough part for me.
ReplyDeleteI'm not a mom yet, but I will be in the future (cross fingers). These tips are helpful, hopefully I'll do okay (and eat more chocolates)!
ReplyDeleteNot gonna be a new mum any time soon but all those tips will be super useful when I do. Because i have absolutely no idea!
ReplyDeleteSuch lovely tips for all the new parents and those expecting for sure. I thought the same about the onesies.
ReplyDeleteThese are great tips, Amber. Especially about accepting help. A happy mom does = happy kids.
ReplyDeleteThis is a good read for expecting moms. Most first time moms struggle with a lot of things like feeding and knowing why their babies cry. This kind of article will be beneficial.
ReplyDeleteThese are wonderful tips for all new moms. I sure wish I had asked for help before I felt like I was drowning.
ReplyDeleteThese are such amazing tips! I think being a new parent can be so hard as it is. I could not even imagine as a military family.
ReplyDeleteThese are some really great tips! The hair tie tip is genius. I never thought of that. That's way easier than keeping a log.
ReplyDeleteHey it's susie... Good luck
ReplyDelete