Baby on the Way

[Mr N8]

Originally posted by: Papagayo
Breast Pump (Get the good kind that does both at once)
Lots of baby blankets
Get the special pillow that you wrap around your body, makes it easier to feed the baby..
Rocking Chair
Baby Swing (a must)
Stock up on Caffine

Be prepared to become an emotional tempon for your wife..
Keep a close eye on your wife for any sign of depression after the baby is born..

QFT. You must be a parent.

My wife went through 2 cheaper breast pumps before we just decided that Medela was the way to go. Don't be tempted by a $30-40 pump. Suck it up and put the money down on something that works and save a ton of time and frustration.

Every kid is different, so some of the "essentials" will probably go unused. Our son has never liked a pacifier or sucking his thumb. He's just done without and that's fine by us. He also doesn't like to be rocked in a rocking chair, so we've got one of those taking up space, now, too.

The best thing about having 2 of you to raise your child is that you will get frustrated at times, so you can take over and give your fiance / wife a break when it's needed and she'll do the same for you.

 

[Mr N8]

Originally posted by: Patt
I'll tell you from experience from within the last week ... let her control the delivery experience. My wife was in control, and had a relatively pleasant birth. She directed the doctors and nurses which position was most comfortable etc., and that empowerment allowed her to progress at her own pace.

Good luck

p.s. stocking up diapers is a good idea .... my little girl is prolific to say the least

Wow, we know nothing about pace, here. We called the hospital at 6:00pm to tell them we were thinking of coming. This was 4 days before scheduled induction and 9 days before the actual due date. They told us to do the typical (have her drink water, walk, etc) to see if it was false labor. It wasn't....we got to the hospital shortly after 7pm and he was delivered at 9:42pm. Not being induced was good news for my wife...she was dreading it.

 

[Biggerhammer]

Originally posted by: Patt
I'll tell you from experience from within the last week ... let her control the delivery experience. My wife was in control, and had a relatively pleasant birth. She directed the doctors and nurses which position was most comfortable etc., and that empowerment allowed her to progress at her own pace.

Hear, hear!

My wife just didn't get along with the duty nurse. Nice lady and all, but her crunchy 'mystical power of motherhood' schtick drove my wife nuts.. we asked her to vacate, she thanked us nicely and vanished. I spoke to her later- she had no problem at all with it. Your wife, at the time of delivering, is in a scary place- empowering her to do what feels right to her right now is important.

 

[MasonLuke]

This is a time to remember and enjoy. Please dont be afraid of things or complications that might happen, because they usually dont. Stop worrying and enjoy this moment. Once your wife feels fear from you, she also will be afraid. Relax and enjoy.

 

[imported_griffis]

Originally posted by: GTaudiophile

Originally posted by: griffis

Originally posted by: GTaudiophile
Enjoy a few more months of frequent, worry-free sex?

This is one HUGE plus!!hehe

Good! Because you won't be getting much afterwards

 

[imported_griffis]

Originally posted by: HeroOfPellinor

Originally posted by: griffis
Basically, my fiance is 5 months pregnant and every day I am more protective over her and the baby's wellbeing. We go to the doctor about once a month and so far so good. I just have all these fears and hopes and just wish everything will turn out ok. I know those here in ATOT have some comments or experiences they can share. Just looking maybe for some advice for pre-baby, like things to do to help prepare. I have been a complete wreck lately!!

Don't get caught up in just focussing on the baby. Your fiance will be absolutely exhausted and potentially hormonally imbalanced and will needs lots of help with everything from walking the baby to sleep at night to folding clothes. If you care about her at all, you'll acknowledge that and almost kill yourself making sure she gets rest and doesn't feel overwhelmed. I'm serious.....this is one of the realest chances you have to show her that you love her.

Yeh, me and her have discussed this alot. Basically, she works as little as humnaly possible so we can still live the same lifestyle almost and let her get rest as much as possible too. She's a trooper!

 

[imported_griffis]

Originally posted by: MasonLuke
This is a time to remember and enjoy. Please dont be afraid of things or complications that might happen, because they usually dont. Stop worrying and enjoy this moment. Once your wife feels fear from you, she also will be afraid. Relax and enjoy.

Agreed, that seems to be what everyone is telling me. I don't let her know my fears but I do let her know some things so she does not feel alienated. Honestly, right now is the best our relationship has been. I feel it has only gotten better and will continue to do so. So honestly, this makes me one of the happiest people in the world when Im with her.