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<p>You are happy but nervous. Excited but petrified. Eager but scared poopless. It is the biggest occasion of your life and the show can start any day now and you want a commanding performance complete with cheers and tonnes of congratulations.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="https://buzz-caribbean.com/app/uploads/2019/08/Expectant-Mom-1024x681.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-5877" /></figure>
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<p>Being a mom-to-be can be a wonderful experience, as you get to choose baby names, buy cute tiny clothing, get lots of gifts and even see what your baby will look like before you even hold him or her physically. </p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="https://buzz-caribbean.com/app/uploads/2019/08/accessories-adorable-baby-1024x683.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1726" /></figure>
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<p>You will also be given a lot of advice from other mothers about dos and don’ts and what works for them but at this juncture, it is all about what makes you comfortable and what will work for you and your precious little one. The following are some guidelines for first-time mothers that can be utilised with ease. Happy nesting! </p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="https://buzz-caribbean.com/app/uploads/2019/08/apparel-baby-clothes-blue-2252000-1024x768.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-5878" /></figure>
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<p>1. Pack your bag by
the 7<sup>th</sup> month. Remember babies do not like schedules. They can come
early so you ideally should have a basic bag prepared just in case.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="https://buzz-caribbean.com/app/uploads/2019/08/Hospital-Bag-1024x576.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-5880" /></figure>
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<p>2. Do not become a
germaphobe. While it is understandable that you do not want your baby to get
sick, sanitising your hand every time you or anyone else is about to touch them
is a bit excessive.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="https://buzz-caribbean.com/app/uploads/2019/08/hand-sanitizer-1024x576.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-5881" /></figure>
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<p>3. On that same
note, do not let random people kiss your baby, especially not on the mouth. It
is not hygienic in the least. Plus you do not know where some of those mouths
have been!&nbsp; </p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="https://buzz-caribbean.com/app/uploads/2019/08/Kiss41.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-5882" /></figure>
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<p>4. Do not play
hero. If you are overwhelmed with a crying baby, ask for help.&nbsp; Everybody needs a break or a breather and you
are no different.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="https://buzz-caribbean.com/app/uploads/2019/08/Crying-Baby.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-5883" /></figure>
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<p>5. Forget about keeping your home immaculate or a while. Nobody expects you to win the Real Housewife of Kingston award anyways. The baby is priority one — so the dishes can take a backseat.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="https://buzz-caribbean.com/app/uploads/2019/08/dishes-in-the-sink.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-5886" /></figure>
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<p>6. Take time to
nap. Note I never said ‘sleep’ because that will be a luxury for the next two
years. If the baby is sleeping, try to get even an hour’s rest at the same
time. You will be surprised at how it rejuvenates you as well as improves your
mood.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="https://buzz-caribbean.com/app/uploads/2019/08/woman-sleeping-in-bed-1024x683.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-5887" /></figure>
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<p>7. Beware of ‘baby brain’. This is the inability to remember simple stuff after having a baby — like did you eat, where is your phone, what time did you last feed the baby and how long have you been wearing these blue pyjamas? Just know it exists for some, so it is not a matter of you losing your marbles. </p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="https://buzz-caribbean.com/app/uploads/2019/08/forgetting.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-5889" /></figure>
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<p>8.  Find an outlet to just unwind. When the baby is asleep and you can find half an hour of blessed alone time, indulge in something you enjoy like catching up on our favourite series or reading a book. The important thing is not to lose sight of yourself because of motherhood. </p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="https://buzz-caribbean.com/app/uploads/2019/08/adult-reading-1024x683.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-5891" /></figure>
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<p>9. Babies throw
tantrums, it’s what they do. It has nothing to do with your parenting skills or
the lack thereof.&nbsp; </p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="https://buzz-caribbean.com/app/uploads/2019/08/Black-baby.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-5892" /></figure>
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<p>10. Love your new
body. You may now have stretch marks. Before you panic, you need to see them
for what they are: your battle scars. Your skin stretched to accommodate the
greatest gift you ever received. Do not be mad about that.&nbsp; </p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="https://buzz-caribbean.com/app/uploads/2019/08/stretch-marks.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-5894" /></figure>
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<p><strong><em>Story written by C.W.</em></strong></p>
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<p><em>Tell us about your experiences as a first time Mom. Was it #TeamNoSleep for the first few months?</em></p>
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