Repost I: Planning in Advance

 Since this website is in blog form, unless people search for what they are looking for, some of the early blog posts don't get much attention - though that's where much of the important stuff is!

You can always go here for the most important info preparing you for the bris and the ceremony:

http://www.mohelinsouthflorida.com/2015/01/the-basic-information-all-you-need-to.html

Over the coming weeks, I'll be posting things that have been written before, in a little bit more of an organized fashion, so newcomers can find things closer to the top of the blog roll.

FIRST TOPIC: PLANNING IN ADVANCE (this first appeared here, in the first blog post ever!):

It is edited from there to reflect things I've seen and experienced since this was first written. 

PLANNING AHEAD  <-- That link is to a similar discussion of this nature

 Sometimes it is helpful - BEFORE baby comes - to think things out, to decide who will do what once baby arrives. 

Purchases - Baby Supplies

     * Car Seat 

If you're going to have a hospital birth, you'll need a car seat for that ride home (with a home birth, you won't need one until you're ready to take the baby somewhere!). 

     * Clothes and Baby Detergent (e.g. Dreft)

Having these things purchased before baby comes is helpful for the first few days. If you know from a sonogram that you're having a boy (which you likely know if you're looking at this website in advance!) then you'll get 'boy clothes,' and it's always good to wash these things before putting them on baby. You might get many more clothes as gifts, but not until after your baby is born. 

     * Diapers, etc

Whether you use disposable diapers (Huggies, Pampers, Luv, or the local Target or Costco brand, etc) or you're more of a DIYer who plans to launder your diapers, having your system set up in advance is helpful as well. As far as stocking up on wipes goes, I've written more about that here. Just know that unless you wipe away the residue of the wipe, you'll likely also be needing creams that purport to heal diaper rashes. [I recommend using moistened paper towels for this task.]

     * Sleeping Accommodation for Baby

Some people start with a cradle, a pak-n-play, a crib, and some don't use any of these because baby is with Mommy on a king size bed. Whatever it will be, it is helpful to have the setup ready in advance of baby's arrival. 

Visiting Family Members

 In particular, when you know the baby is a boy and more family will be coming to visit and more expediently, it is important to have a plan of who will be playing what roles in that very intense first week. YOU should decide whose parents (husband or wife) will stay in your home (if they don't live nearby and do plan to stay for a few days), if that's possible, or make arrangements with friends or neighbors who may be better suited to host them, if they won't be staying in a hotel.

Food

If you don't live in a community where friends and neighbors provide meals, it is important to think about who will do the cooking (or cook in advance of baby and freeze things!), who will be doing the cleaning. Getting help does a lot to relieve the stress of all that is going on. Whether it be a baby nurse or cleaning help, strategize beforehand what fits into your budget, or if your parents or perhaps other family members are available and willing to pitch in to make things easier for you. 

Gifts

Sometimes people ask you "What can we get you?" It's very hard for many people to answer this question, especially if we're the kind of people who don't like to receive gifts, and don't want to ask anything of anyone. If you know of things that cost less than $50 that you might want but won't get for yourself, you can guide people appropriately. [Some people have a "baby registry" - but that is certainly not for everyone.]

Here are some ideas (there are more expensive and less expensive versions of all of these): diapers, a playmat with visual stimulation, baby bouncer, large blanket that can go on the floor on top of the carpet or tile flooring, clothing for 6 months from now (which should be seasonally appropriate)

CALL (AND INTERVIEW) YOUR MOHEL

http://www.mohelinsouthflorida.com/p/contact.html

Helpful information about what we'll discuss can be found here

DELEGATING

Sometimes, when people ask "how can I help?" they mean to do menial tasks. But if you have a plan for the things you need, people are pleasantly surprised and so willing to pitch in if you have specific tasks for them to do. Remember, if they offer they usually mean it. And if you have something for them to do when they offer, they'll usually come through amazingly. 

What are tasks you can delegate to those who offer?

Shopping - know what you need, such as groceries, pizza dinner (if not getting delivered), diapers

Carpooling - if you have older children, having trusted people (family or good friends) pick your kids up or take them to where they need to be

Errands - get the dry cleaning

If you have to call them when you decide you need them, you'll probably never make the phone call. Having delegate-able tasks planned makes it easier to accept help when offered. 

BEST OF LUCK WITH EVERYTHING!!!!