Going through the prenatal process for the first time can be overwhelming for a father-to-be.
I'm learning about so many things, many I've never heard about, that I might go insane!
*Take a deep breath Marko*
I am sure we will ultimately figure out whether we need to work with a certified car seat technician, choose cloth or disposable diapers, and whether to get a doula or not.
Luckily, I have the greatest wife to help me stay at ease throughout the process. One day at a time.
-Marko
Cute cute cute. You'll do just fine Marko!
ReplyDeleteDoulas are helpful--we had a volunteer that was great and stayed with us the whole time.
ReplyDeleteAnd you do NOT have to work with a car seat technician. Most modern cars (maybe all) have the LATCH system that hooks with the car seats to make them really secure. If I could get it installed, you can.
I completely understand your stress. We did a fare amount of stressing ourselves. I think it's a natural response. I think the fact that your stressing is a foreshadowing of how much caring and love your little girl will recieve.
ReplyDeleteI'm going to give a big thumbs up on the doula. Although we had planned to have one, it didn't work out in the end, but there happened to be a nurse midwife on staff at the hospital we went to and she was great. She understood we wanted a natural birth with little intervention and she was really essential in communicating that to the rest of the staff. She was comforting and knowlegeable and set both our minds at ease. Even when you've done all your research there's a possibility that something will come up you didn't plan and have no answers for. Whether you are planning a home birth or a hospital birth, we've learned to expect the unexpected. Having someone who will stay by your side, who is experienced and knowlegeable and who understands your needs and wants is an invaluable asset. Find someone you both connect with, as the doula will be for both of you.
You probably don't need a car seat technician. We just researched reviews on line and then followed the instructions exactly on installation. We used both LATCH system and non LATCH. Put your money towards a better seat.
We went back and forth about the diapers. We finally settled on non toxic chlorine free disposable diapers from Seventh Generation. Just couldn't fathom having to wash all those diapers or send them off to be laundered and doused in God knows what chemicals.
I would tell you not to worry so much but you'll probably do it anyway. It's hard not to your first time around. A little worry is okay. Just don't let it put a hole in your stomach.
When things seemed really complicated sometimes we had to just step back from all the information we were getting and trust our insticts. Don't underestimate your own common sense and natural instincts. You know more than you think you do.
...Do I sound like a lecturing dad or what?
Much love...
You're the best Rondell.
ReplyDeleteAnd it looks like we're going to move forward with a doula. Already scheduled an appointment to meet with the one Nikko used, Andrea. We're also talking with the people at Birthways.
ReplyDeleteHooray for doulas! Ours was really terrific. You'll do great! :)
ReplyDeleteThere are 3 dif car seats. The 1st one, for infants, is not quite correct, so there is now an insert that is offered (mostly in Canada) to help properly position your baby. The only place I've heard of one in the states is in Buy Buy Baby. That being said. My baby cried in her 1st carseat until we replaced it with the next size up--convertible. We have an easyflow, and it meets all our needs nicely. One trick I've learned is to keep a basket full of car toys on the passenger front seat and give them to her periodically. We keep the seat strapped into the middle of the back seat, not to one side.
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