Aside from the excitement of nursery shopping, baby showers, and prenatal appointments, there's a fair amount of business that goes into bringing a baby into the world. Before your due date sneaks up on you, it's important to make sure that the following not-so-fun, but essential, pieces of "life management" are in order.
A burgeoning belly often invites unsolicited advice from strangers and friends. When I was pregnant the first time around, I was shocked at how many people asked me if I was going to prep my nipples for breastfeeding. Come again? I'm sorry, I think you just asked me if I was going to prepare my breasts for nursing.
Let me first address this issue: It is nobody's business but my own if I will choose to prep or not prep my nipples. Second, are you kidding me? I heard some women use a wet washcloth to nearly rub their areolas raw in preparation for the suckling. No thank you. If pain is the name of the game, I am sure I will have enough of it when the time comes — as in, when the baby arrives!
I was surprised that those who inquired didn't show up with a cheese grater, pumice stones, or a jar full of piranhas and a card that read, "Good luck breastfeeding! Here are some devices to help you get ready!"
Some mamas–to–be think they don't need to take the courses on birthing, breastfeeding, caring for a newborn, or infant CPR. Others sign up for Birth University — really, there is such a thing.
Take my quiz to see if you are prepared.
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