As a new mom, every day is a new challenge. Just as you think you have a system in place, a growth spurt or something else happens to change this. My baby is 6 weeks old and that means vaccination time. I mentally prepared myself for the morning and thought I was ready, but when the clinic nurse gave my baby her vaccinations and the wails started, I realised I was totally unprepared for the emotional wreck I was going to be.
Here are my top tips to get through this milestone:
- Take a friend/husband/relative
You need the support more than your baby.
- Pack tissues
This is for you. Who wants to see their baby in pain?
- Pack a bottle/breastfeed
Do this straight after the injections, it acts as a distraction and can help to calm your baby
- Pack a dummy
This will be your saving grace on the car trip home.
- Love
Cuddle your baby like you have never cuddled them before. The crying and tears are unbearable.
- Medication
Make sure you have medication at home for the fever that will come and be prepared for 3 days of a niggly, unhappy baby
- And last but not least, remember Why. Every family is different. For my family, I felt it was the right thing to do. This is what was best for me and my baby.
Contributed by Kathy Cowell of Clamber Club
Tel: 011 325 2031
Website: www.clamberclub.com