Prepping for your firstborn baby

I am learning that there is a LOT to do to prepare for the arrival of your first bundle of joy! The obvious things would be buying a carseat, stroller, crib, bassinet, rocker/glider chair that is comfortable while feeding, clothes, diapers, wipes... the list is endless!

A few other things I am thinking about is do we need to get life insurance now? Can we afford for me to stay home with the baby? If I have to go back to work, can it be part-time? Who is going to watch an infant while we work? How much does daycare cost? There are several things to think about and seriously discuss with your husband. Many of which need to be figured out as soon as possible once you find out you're pregnant. Some women are career driven and don't want to leave work, others want to stay home and raise their children. If you are career driven and plan to go back to work after maternity leave, you will need to start shopping around for daycare ASAP! Many daycare providers can only have a limited number of children, and an even fewer number of infants. I over heard a woman talking the other day with a co-worker that she was paying $160 per week for her 1 child (unsure of the age) to go to daycare for 3-4 days a week. If you think about it, that really adds up!

Another thing to think about is if you plan to breastfeed. I read a book that my older sister gave me on Breastfeeding and it had a lot of information on the topic that I hadn't even thought about, or even realized I needed to think about! One thing was on demand feeding or scheduled feedings. I was always under the impression that breastfeeding was "natural" and would be like second nature to pick up. I am finding out that is not the case. Not only do you need to learn how to do it, but the infant is trying to learn how to do it too! Talk about the blind leading the blind! Haha

I have a feeling that motherhood is going to be a huge learning experience and I am already learning that there is so much unknown until it actually happens. Thankfully, I have a great support system with my mom, sister, and friends that have been through the experience! I continue to pray everyday as the day draws closer and closer to meeting our little girl that God will continue to give me grace and mercy as I enter this adventure called motherhood!