If you’re new to this journey, I’ve got some insights that might help—learned a lot along the way and want to share some real experiences and tips.
1， Newborn Clothes Size: Before Sage was born, everyone said skip newborn-sized clothes—they grow out of them so fast. But surprise! Sage rocked newborn sizes for the first two months, so having those tiny outfits handy was a lifesaver.
2， Zippered and Footed Clothing: Trust me on this—zippered and footed outfits are a game-changer in those early months. Late-night diaper changes are a breeze, and no more searching for lost socks in the dark.
3， Tracking Baby’s Naps: One thing that really helped us was tracking Sage’s nap times and awake windows. It’s been a lifesaver in understanding her sleep patterns and figuring out the best bedtime routines.
4， Versatility of Breast Milk: You’ve heard about the benefits of breast milk for feeding, but did you know it’s like a magic potion for small wounds, baby acne, and even crusty eyes? It’s amazing!
5， Crying is Normal: Don’t panic when your baby cries—it’s how they communicate. Sometimes it’s just about feeling lonely or bored, not always a sign of something wrong.
6， Short Days, Long Nights: Let’s be real—when Sage doesn’t sleep at night, the days feel incredibly short and the nights never-ending. It’s a whole new perspective for someone who loves daylight!
7， Bonding Takes Time: Bonding with Dad might take a bit longer than with Mom, and that’s okay. It’s a natural process, so give it time and space to develop.
8， Everything is a Phase: Remember, the ups and downs of early parenting are just phases. Adapting to your baby’s changes and finding your own rhythm is all part of the journey.
9， Postpartum Body Odors: Here’s something they don’t always tell you—postpartum might leave you feeling a bit smellier. It’s just one of those temporary changes your body goes through.
10， Changes in Eating Habits: Pregnancy and breastfeeding can do a number on your eating habits. Sometimes foods you loved during pregnancy lose their appeal, while breastfeeding demands extra calories and nutrition.
11，Body Healing: Postpartum healing isn’t just about recovery downstairs—it’s also about your abdominal muscles bouncing back from the stretching and stress of childbirth.
12， The “Fourth Trimester”: You’ve heard of the newborn stage, but the “fourth trimester” is a whole new world of its own. It brings surprises like itchy skin and adjustments that catch you off guard.
13，Identity Shift: Becoming parents means a shift in identity. It’s okay to mourn the old you as you embrace this new chapter—it’s all part of the journey of growth.
14，Parenting is Full-Time: Parenting isn’t a clock-in, clock-out job. It’s a full-time commitment that reshapes how you spend your time and energy, requiring flexibility and patience.
These are Nikole’s honest insights into early parenting—hoping they bring you comfort and maybe a few “aha” moments on your own journey.
