To new parents

[cookymonster]

I'm sitting at my computer, refreshing Facebook to get updates on my dear friends J & M. They're having their first child, you see, and it appears that J is in labor. I can't help but think back to my own labor and delivery. Almost 8 years ago I was there, wondering if I was truly ready and knowing there was no longer a choice - our bundle of joy

Comments

[whatawookie]

Mom: be prepared to let some things go, and DON'T feel guilty about it. Don't mince words if you want more help from your husband (or anyone else). Ask for specific and tangible things, wether they be a glass of water, to fold some laundry, or cook dinner. It's okay to ask for help. If you haven't done so before, now is the time to start.

Dad: be prepared to step in and do things that you maybe wouldn't normally do, like dishes, or mopping floors, vaccuming or laundry (including folding and putting away!). No matter how tired you are, make it a daily habit to seek out something you can do to make your wife's life with a newborn a little easier. Don't wait for her to ask for help, and don't take "oh, never mind" for an answer.

[winterknight]

Sleep when the baby sleeps. You can clean house while your kid screams in the baby swing or in the baby trekker or sling. You cannot sleep under those conditions. Nothing is more important than sleep

[binsk]

Assuming Asmodean here, yes?

[cookymonster]

Yes, it's them. Sorry, been away for a bit - went up to help them bring him home and adjust for a few days!