Day 7 ๐ Grandma means well, but...
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Day 7 already, Reader ๐ Here's something that catches a lot of first-time parents off guard: You prepare your home for baby but not the places you'll actually spend time. Grandparents' houses are the big one. It feels like a small thing, until you're there with a newborn and there's nowhere easy to put baby down, you're missing the one thing you really need, or you're trying to settle baby in a totally different setup than home. It adds stress you don't need. Especially in those early weeks when sleep and feeding are already delicate. Let's make that part easier. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ๐ YOUR DAY 7 GIFT: If your baby is going to spend time at a grandparent's house (even occasionally), having a few basics there changes everything. Not just for convenience. For consistency. And consistency means easier settling, easier feeding, and less frustration for everyone, especially you. I put together a simple list of what's worth having at grandma and grandpa's, and what's not. Most of these items are easy to find secondhand on Facebook Marketplace or from friends ready to pass things along. ๐ CLICK HERE to grab the Grandparentโs Gear List ๐ ๐ค NEWBORN NUGGET At some point, you're probably going to hear: "We always put you to sleep on your stomach." And this is where things get a little awkward. Here's what you need to know: In 1994, researchers launched the Back to Sleep campaign after discovering that placing babies on their backs significantly reduces the risk of SIDS. SIDS rates dropped by more than 50% after that shift. Tummy sleep can be tempting, especially when someone who's raised babies encourages it. But the data is consistent and clear. Back is best. This is one of those moments where having current information matters. Not opinions. Not "what we used to do." Because when you feel confident in what's right, those conversations get a lot easier to navigate. ๐๐ผ ONE SMALL THING TO DO TODAY Forward this video to the grandparents-to-be. I walk through the recommendations that have changed since they had babies, including sleep safety, feeding, and gear. I made it specifically for them, so you don't have to be the one explaining everything (or worse, arguing about it at 2am). ๐ If you're just joining the Baby Prep Advent you can get the previous days' free gifts HERE. Can't wait to send tomorrow's gift. Talk soon! ๐ xoxo, Valerie Trumbower, PCD(DONA), CLC Certified Postpartum Doula, Certified Lactation Counselor P.S. If you haven't saved your seat in my free newborn sleep and feeding class. click here: newparentsacademy.com/free. Itโs the exact framework I teach my doula clients so they feel confident from day one. |
New Parents Academy
Day 12 ๐ As this Summer Baby Prep Series ends today you should be proud of yourself! You did something most first-time parents don't. You prepared before your baby arrived. That alone puts you ahead. After a decade as a postpartum doula, I can tell you the parents who feel calmest aren't the ones with the fanciest gear. They're the ones who understand what's normal, know what to watch for, and have support lined up. ๐ That last piece is the one people skip. Usually because it sounds nice but...
Welcome to Day 11 of your Baby Prep Series Reader! As an overnight doula, one of my favorite things to do for brand new parents is make a meal in the middle of the night so it is waiting for them in the refrigerator in the morning. So when they wake up, itโs one less thing to think about. They just heat it up and eat. In the early days there is... so much focus on feeding the baby thatโฆparents forget to take care of themselves. And in those early weeks, that matters more than you might think....
Hi Reader, ๐ Day 10 is about having what you need where you need it Having a changing station set up on each floor of your house saves you time and energy. No searching for wipes at 3am. No running up the stairs after your OB told you to "take it easy". ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ๐ YOUR DAY 10 GIFT: The Changing Station You don't need a changing table on every floor, a changing pad or even a towel to lay the baby on is fine. The key is...