Family
Getting Ready for Baby or organizing with a baby!
Mike and Gretchen Ward <wards@5pillars.com>
GETTING READY FOR
BABY
Feeling a bit overwhelmed with the
thought of having a baby when I already had three little ones (4, 2, and 1 1/2
(adopted), I decided to make a plan for this inevitable change. Don't get
me wrong, I was enthusiastic about having a new baby-just the thought of it made
me feel astounded, not quite ready.
So, these are the things I did to
make myself feel more in control and ready for baby number
eight.
Before the baby was
born:
- 1)Breakfast: We made a list
of breakfast ideas, prepared and froze some (muffins, granola, etc.) and
bought the other things necessary.
- 2)Lunch: Another child was
put in charge of lunches. We planned a 2-week menu together to repeat 2
times per month.
- 3)Dinner: We made up a menu
that would cover two months after baby was born, then we cooked and froze the
meals. We used mainly one-dish meals. We designated one child as
supper-maker, and it was her responsibility to check the menu, thaw it in
time, and put it in the oven or microwave. Also, she would add anything
else needed to complete the meal (veggies, salad, bread,
etc.).
- 4)Baby Items: We went through
baby clothes up to 12 months size: tossd some, washed the rest, and put
in drawers according to size. we also made a basket with diapering needs
(small diapers, wipes, and medicines and ointments) and included items for
umbilical care (Q-tips, alcohol, Goldenseal, etc.). We also tucked in
some burp towels, outfits, baby blankets, changing pads, and socks, for when
the baby soiled these items. this basket was placed in the living room,
where we spend most of our time. This beats running to the bedroom for
everything every time the baby wets. Also, we got out the bassinet,
infant seat, baby swing and car seat to clean them up, get batteries for those
that need them, and see what needed repair.
- 5)Mommy Items: I went through
my nursing gowns, hospital needs, nursing bras, etc. and made a list for
additional necessities (nursing pads, Lansinoh lotion for soreness,
slippers, etc.). I even made a pretty bag to hold all those necessary
toiletry items I would need after the baby and hung it in the bathroom. At
least it made it look nice and not so cluttered. A box covered with
fabric could serve the same purpose.
- 6)Baby-sitter: We scheduled
several people to be available to watch the children while we delivered, so
the responsibility wasn't just on one person, and it didn't tire them
out. After my previous baby, a friend took my middle children for an
overnight stay at her house, the day after I came home from the
hospital. She left the newborn and the oldest with me. That gave
the childeren time to see th new baby, then some excitement (spending the
night out), and gave me time with the new one to set a schedule and rest,
while still having someone bring me tea and meals. Almost like a
honeymoon!
- 7)Nursing fillers: After several
days of nursing and adoring the baby, I am ready for something else to do
while sitting and/or nursing. I planned a sewing project (quilt) and
borrowed several books from a friend, to entice myself to take time to rest
and sit for a while.
- 8)Unit Studies: I had the
oldest two children each plan a unit study to teach to the younger children
after baby came. One chose to teach about insects, the other planned a
unit about wather. I bought them curriculum from Teacher Created
Materials on their topic that included many hands-on activities. They
prepared games, pre-made masks for the little ones to copy, and gathered all
the items necessary for the activities. This was one of my best
ideas. Everyone enjoyed it, and it kept them busy (while not fighting
and bickering) for several hours each day. I also planned a unit study
for the older children with many hands-on activities that required little last
minute preparation on my part, so they would have some fun activities while
still doing "school."
- 9)Drinks: With nursing, the
fluid consumption must increase. I drink iced herb tea with no
sugar. When I ran out of tea, it was such a hassled to make more, then
let it cool enough to drink. So, I put one child in charge of making my
tea, and making what we call my "concentrate". This is a smaller pitchr
of my tea, but without all of the water (like juice concentrate). When
we emptied the pitcher of tea, she would just pour the "concentrate" in that
pitcher and add the necessary amount of water. She would then make more
concentrate for next time.
After the baby was
born:
- 1)School: One week after the
baby was born, we started back to school. This gave the children a sense
of normalcy, routine, and security. However, I wore my house slippers to
remind myself that I was still convelescing. My husband went back to
work that smae day, but this time with the option of his taking half days off
in the afternoon, if I needed it. We never took him up on it, but just
the thought that I could call in reinforcements made me feel more relaxed and
in control because I always had a "plan B."
- 2)Sleep: I realized that if I
went to bed at the regular time and woke up at the regular time, with being up
in the night to nurse, I would not get enough sleep. I couldn't sleep in
later (with seven other early-rising children, who could?), so I went to bed
earlier to compensate. That way, by the time morning cam, I was rested
which made the recuperation time shorter, and I was able to think more clearly
during the day.
- 3)Nighttime feeding: After
much discussion, my husband and I decided to have him feed the baby one bottle
of formula at night. Since he stays up later than I do, he would feed
her between 10 and 11, which would give me until the next feeding to
sleep. It is not the ideal food, but being a tired or sick mommy from
lack of sleep is not ideal either. So this has worked well for us. The
one mistake I made: I usually have my hair cut or styled right before
the baby is born, to help me feel "pretty" with a semblance of looking
"together" after a baby. I didn't do it this time, but will remember to
do it the next. These are the things I did, and it made the transition
so much easier-my best yet. Hope this helps you plan for your next
blessing, and not feel overwhelmed with the thought of so many wee ones, and
only one mommy.
Kym Wright, Loxahatchee,
FL