Since my sister and brother-in-law just found out they are having a baby (!!!) I decided to post all my early pregnancy/parenting advice here for you all to enjoy as I think of it.
First Point - Never Read "What to Expect" books. They are evil and will make you second guess everything and feel terribly guilty all the time. You do NOT need a book to help you do this during pregnancy. It will happen all on its own. Plus I am just not a fan of their advice in general. Elissa, I have requested a few of my books back that I loaned out and will get them to you as soon as I get them.
Second Point - As a general rule I am very supportive of natural childbirth practices. Disregard what you will, but know that is my slant.
Third Point - Same goes for breastfeeding; except the disregard part. You cannot disregard that advice. It is a priority and the best gift you will ever give your baby. And yes, most women CAN breastfeed (with a few exceptions), it just isn't a priority for them! Get help, and by that I mean call me!
Fourth Point - Although one of the things new moms look most forward to is decorating the nursery, take hand me downs and don't stress. If any of the kiddos in Travis's family are indicators, that baby will not spend much time at all in its nursery, none of them did. They all slept with their parents which brings me to my fifth point which is my very personal opinion (disclaimer)...
Fifth Point - It is okay to sleep with your baby provided you do it safely. It makes breastfeeding much easier (see point #3) and sleep much more feasible. The children will not still be sleeping with you when they attend college. You might even find time to get pregnant again in less than two years (see your sisters in law). People will start to ask you right away if the baby is sleeping through the night...politely tell them to shut up! It doesn't happen and shouldn't happen for months. Babies are not designed that way. It is not detrimental to them to wake up to eat, it is survival.
Much more to come I am sure, but that is enough for tonight!!!
