From Us, To You! by Richelle Chapman

The Essentials

richellec1 — 2021-02-04 18:40:30 UTC

+Nursing Tanks/ Bras
+Swaddlers - Baby sleeps well
+Aquaphor - no diaper rash, EVER
+Rocker/Swing - showers, duh.
+Baby K*tan Sling - Hands free!

The book "The Happiest Baby on the Block" by Harvey Karp! It is a must. 5 S's

bobbyc2 — 2021-02-05 02:55:28 UTC

* Swaddle
* Side
* Shake (gently) :-)
* Shush
* Suck

The quicker you learn them the more hours of sleep you gain.

Congrats! Kia, Ty, Mr. B

Welcome baby!

carolineh7 — 2021-02-11 15:15:58 UTC

Even though your life is about to turn upside down, we are so happy for you! Best wishes for the best and most delicious baby ever <3
-Caroline H

Dear Grace,

margaritar1 — 2021-02-11 15:16:53 UTC

Being the mother of two wonderful people has been my greatest achievement in my life. Being a mother is always having the purest and most beautiful love in your heart.
Congratulations!!
Margarita

Find your people!

carolineh7 — 2021-02-11 15:18:24 UTC

The internet is a blessing and a curse! I've had a mom group for nearly 10 years that has seen me through from pregnancy to babies, now to pre-teens. We met on BabyCenter.com.

Couldn't live without

carolineh7 — 2021-02-11 15:20:56 UTC

-Babywearing
-Getting out for walks
-Friends to bring food the first few weeks
-Going easy on myself!
-Trusted friends and elders as resources
-The Breastfeeding Center

Dear Grace and Shafagh,

2021-02-11 15:31:57 UTC

People give lots of advice to parents of new babies. But there's nothing that can sufficiently prepare you for the experience that you're about to embark upon. You will fall in love and be amazed with your little bundle of joy. You'll be exhausted and sometimes terrified. You'll be filled with a sense of pride and humbled by the awesome responsibility of caring for and raising a child. Enjoy the ride and cherish the early days because time will pass very quickly.

Congratulations
Erika

PS - the best piece of advice that anyone (my mom) gave me right after the birth of my first son was "sleep when the baby sleeps"

Hope you and your family enjoy the blessings of this new life and I wish you all the best joy, love and peace in this season of your life. --Cassandra

2021-02-11 15:32:36 UTC

Enjoy every moments as it goes so fast....

rebeccac9 — 2021-02-11 16:08:10 UTC

Rebecca

follow your heart and your and your feelings

rebeccac9 — 2021-02-11 16:09:31 UTC

Rebecca

Keep your values and traditions alive - pass them on to your child

rebeccac9 — 2021-02-11 16:13:53 UTC

Rebecca

Congratulations Grace! I know you will be a wonderful mother and can't wait to see pictures!

2021-02-11 16:25:09 UTC

-Abby

Congratulations Grace and Shafagh!

2021-02-11 16:49:24 UTC

What a lucky little human to have you two for parents! You will be shocked at how much love you are capable of...it can be scary and it can even hurt sometimes but it strengthens every part of you. I'm so very happy for you! And remember, I am an excellent babysitter!

Congrats guys!

reginalda — 2021-02-11 16:53:45 UTC

Babies will bring out the crazy in you! Best to just go with it! :-) - Mr. Reggie

Sleep!

reginalda — 2021-02-11 16:57:17 UTC

It will be more precious than gold and fine jewels! - Mr. Reggie

Keep it simple!

2021-02-11 17:06:23 UTC

-a baby wearing item that works for each of you (they may not be the same)
-bundleme carseat/stroller blanket
-hand-me-downs! sharing is caring!
-some sort of pillow for support while feeding baby
-patience for oh so many things!

I was shaking!

2021-02-11 17:25:07 UTC

I was shocked, then sad, then totally fine with the fact that I wasn't good at giving those first weeks of baby baths. They stressed me out and that stresses out baby. Luckily, my partner was fantastic at bath time and that became his thing.

You have a beautiful spirit and you will pass that on. Put your oxygen mask on first and take care of your self (sleep when you can). Enjoy the great love and adventure of parenthood.

2021-02-11 17:30:09 UTC

Ms.Joan

Congratulations!

georgetteb — 2021-02-11 17:40:12 UTC

Georgette

Congratulations!

jacquelinew1 — 2021-02-11 18:34:52 UTC

Congratulations on the new addition to your family.

Ms. Jackie

More Life!

2021-02-11 18:40:10 UTC

Congratulations! :-)
Blessings to the household.
JP

Love every moment

2021-02-11 20:09:29 UTC

Desitin (Diaper cream of your preference)

2021-02-11 20:14:46 UTC

Diapers ( Lots of them, Specially sizes NB - 1-2)
Lots of juices, broths, nourishing meals.
Support
Breaks + Your village
Sra Marcia

Congratulations Grace & Shafagh!

2021-02-11 20:41:04 UTC

A baby is a gift from God.
There are no words that can describe what you feel when your baby recognizes you for the first time and smiles.
Remember: Enjoy each moment because the life goes so fast!
Blessings & Love,
Maria-Cecilia

2021-02-12 05:36:58 UTC

You are about to begin a wonderful adventure. Enjoy and treasure every minute of it.
Linda Moore

Holding hands with both of my parents and swinging as long as I can. That memory always brings a big smile on my face. Wishing you a life full of memories with your little one. Ana Maria D

anad11 — 2021-02-12 15:04:29 UTC

Instant pot (or other smart pressure cooker) and food processor, or baby food maker.

2021-02-12 15:08:45 UTC

Useful not only for preparing quick one-pot meals for yourself (dry beans straight from the bag take about 1hr.), but you can steam things really quickly for pureeing baby food and also sterilize baby gear equally quickly. You can of course make baby food items with this and a food processor, but if you really want to go the luxe route, baby food makers are pretty great all-in-one units. We use EVLA's brand and it's pretty solid.

Be easy on yourselves, be easy on each other, talk it out.

2021-02-12 15:14:43 UTC

It's easy to think that you're messing up and not doing parenting "the right way," whether it's breastfeeding latch, or setting up a college fund or whatever. Do your due diligence talking to others and reading the research, but ultimately, you have to listen to what your inside voice says feels right, because there's never been a perfect parent. (Except my mom)

1. Someone you can text/chat 24hrs for ANYTHING

2021-02-12 15:52:46 UTC

2. Protected time for yourself
3. Binge worthy shows that distracts
4. Massages
5. Yummy foods

Breastfeeding- https://kellymom.com/

2021-02-12 15:57:04 UTC

Parenting-
https://www.nytimes.com/section/parenting
https://www.janetlansbury.com/

Enjoy. Every. Moment.

2021-02-12 16:35:28 UTC

It's a cliché, but its so true. So much love in your time off. Ms. Jessie

Parenthood is the greatest joy.

2021-02-12 16:35:32 UTC

Wishing you the best experience through all of it. Darren

Congrats!!!! You are such an awesome teacher! Thank you for all you did for Zuri! You will be a great mother!!!

everettr2 — 2021-02-12 16:36:04 UTC

secret handshake

2021-02-12 16:36:07 UTC

I had one with my parents when I was young.

Congrats Ms. Grace!

2021-02-12 16:36:11 UTC

Homemade Ice Packs

2021-02-12 16:36:13 UTC

The midwives recommended that we make post-natal ice packs by filling condoms with 50% water and 50% alcohol (I had to substitute rum because it was during the great sanitary and breadmaking supplies shortage of mid-2020), but danged if they aren't the best and coldest ice packs I have ever used. (I used a lot playing rugby). --Rene.

Congrats Ms. Grace ! So happy for you. I know you will be a great mother.

cairat1 — 2021-02-12 16:36:42 UTC

Boy Mom

2021-02-12 16:36:46 UTC

Hey Grace!!
The best advice I can share is " Do what works best for you and your baby!" Everyone will have an easy skill or strategy that helped in changing diapers, breastfeeding, giving him a bath etc... but you and Liam have been growing together for 9 months.. do what works best for you and him! Also ask for help whenever you feel the need!
Wish you nothing but Peace and Blessings!
Boys are the best because they forever love their Moms

<3 Ms. Turner

francoisev — 2021-02-12 16:36:49 UTC

Congratulations! So happy for you. You'll be an amazing mother.

Congratulations Ms. Grace!

2021-02-12 16:39:29 UTC

Sleep, sleep, sleep as much as you can and want before Liam comes home. Liam is blessed to have you as a mother :)
Ilcia

Boys Are Lots Of Fun & They Love Mommy & Son Time

2021-02-12 16:41:11 UTC

Congratulations to you both!! Liam will have some awesome parents!! I love it & I'm so excited for you both!! Blessings upon you all and I'm praying for a safe delivery.

-Miss.D.Davis

Your child chose you!!!

2021-02-12 16:44:26 UTC

Dear Grace and Shafagh,
Have that always in mind, your child chose you, exactly the way you are, to learn beside you and to teach you. You will both be wonderful parents. Les quiero mucho!!!
Vero

Hope Brewington

hopec5 — 2021-02-12 20:04:22 UTC

Congratulations again. So excited for you. I am praying for you and Shafagh as you enter into this new journey. Remember to be patient with yourself and enjoy each moment. It really does go by fast. Take lots of pictures and videos to remember each milestone.

Top 5 things I couldn't live without

hopec5 — 2021-02-12 20:08:03 UTC

If you choose to breastfeed the following things were soo helpful. You can find them at Target, Walmart & Amazon
~Hope Brewington
1. Boobease Organic Nipple Balm
https://www.target.com/p/bamboobies-organic-nipple-balm/-/A-15833416#lnk=sametab
2. Haka Breast Pump
https://www.target.com/p/haakaa-breast-pump-with-suction-base-and-white-flower-stopper-5oz/-/A-75571788#lnk=sametab
3. Quick Clean Breast Pump Spray
https://www.target.com/p/medela-quick-clean-breast-pump-38-accessory-sanitizer-spray-8oz/-/A-52974296#lnk=sametab
4. Breast Milk Bottle Labels
https://www.amazon.com/Original-Write-Bottle-Labels-Daycare/dp/B01KR8DSV2/ref=sr_1_4?crid=3NULKALO0UKYB&dchild=1&keywords=breastmilk+bottle+labels&qid=1613160892&sprefix=breast+milk+bottle+labe%2Caps%2C146&sr=8-4
5. Hands Free Pumping Bra
https://www.amazon.com/Momcozy-Adjustable-Breast-Pumps-Suitable-Breastfeeding-Pumps/dp/B07JW8M57B/ref=sr_1_8?dchild=1&keywords=breastfeeding+bra&qid=1613160937&sr=8-8