There is a lot of stuff nobody tells you about having babies.
8-11 HealthLinkBC: The nurses that answer the lines here are so super and supportive. Call them at 8-1-1. Their scripts often end with recommending a visit to the GP or emerg, which I assume is for liability reasons. But their questions and symptom diagnosis will help you make a more informed choice about whether you can monitor the situation, try a home cure, or need to get immediate care. https://www.healthlinkbc.ca/
Ask Dr. Sears: New parents google the strangest things. But this site is the one I trusted the most. The Sears family of doctors have a calm, no-nonsense approach to everything from co-sleeping and breast feeding to eating and remedies for every ailment you can imagine. https://www.askdrsears.com/
Breast feeding: That crochet boob they gave you in prenatal class is, uh, rudimentary. If you’re in Vancouver, the BEST lactation consultant I had was Brittney Kirton. She is lovely and made me feel totally at ease. She asked what I wanted as the outcome and then helped me achieve it. Until that point I had definitely not felt in control of what was expected of my body: https://lactationlink.com/consultant/brittney-kirton/
Crying (and understanding the secret language of babies): Priscilla Dunstan helps you identify what each newborn cry is for: food, sleep, discomfort: Start around the 4:30 mark https://youtu.be/PgkZf6jVdVg
Crying (and calming) babies: Your go-to guide here is Dr. Harvey Karp. His book The Happiest Baby on the Block is a cult classic, and there are lots of tips on his site too. https://www.happiestbaby.com/blogs/baby/the-5-s-s-for-soothing-babies
Sick mom cold remedies: Remember if you are breast feeding to pay attention to any medications. KellyMom.com is another great parenting resource. http://kellymom.com/bf/can-i-breastfeed/meds/cold-remedy/
Sign language for babies: If you’re in Vancouver, Lee Ann Steyns is so charming. Her classes teach you how to sign to your baby. She shares stories and teaches you little songs that you can play with babe. Her classes are for 0-18 months and really fun and relaxing. https://www.signingbabies.ca/
Sleep: Normally I would say to avoid BabyCenter at all costs, at least avoid the forums which are filled with unnecessary panic and un-cited advice. But the sleep schedules were handy. http://www.babycenter.com/0_sample-baby-schedules-for-1-and-2-month-olds_3657227.bc
Last, always ask. Sometimes you feel like it’s a silly question. But as a new parent, there’s never a silly question. Think about it as ruling things out.
Plus, know that every few weeks things are going to change. You’re not going crazy. And it gets better.
Week 0-3 is rough but you are on an adrenaline high so even though there’s not great sleep, you’ll make it through. Make any visitors bring food. Tell them it’s a requirement for visiting. Leave some nice soap by the sink so you can point it out to them, “I left some nice soap there so visitors can wash their hands.” Nobody will feel like you’re being bossy, they will think, oh crap yes of course I should wash my hands.
Week 4-6 you go with the flow. There might be more crying and growth spurts and week 6 is usually peak crying. Breast feeding gets more familiar for you and babe. Look for some one-hand snacks or do some baby wearing. “Look Mom, hands free!” You’ll make it though. And, uh, if you’re experiencing pelvic floor pressure or incontinence, then you might have a prolapse. Get checked for prolapse or diastasis so you can tend to your poor innards.
Week 7-9 ergonomics should be top of mind. Whatever the feeding and sleeping routine is, make it ergo friendly so you don’t end up crippled up. C-section and vback: things should be going back to normal-ish, but make sure to ask about any concerns, no matter how small they seem.
Week 10-12 you are in the home stretch. That 3-month marker is a big one. You’ll likely have a bit of a routine now, hooray. If you’re tracking when you’re feeding babe, then you’ll find those times to get out of the house are getting easier. Have 2 diaper bags, one that is always packed and ready at the door. Faffing about will derail you. Go! Get that coffee or walk outside.
Months 6, 9, & 12 are other milestones. Each one is a marked improvement. Life gets easier.