Please let nature take its course and "parent" your child by doing what comes naturally. I'm sure you will know how to feed him when he is hungry, change him when he is wet, and love him all the time no matter what! That's the gist of what you will discov
er by reading all the best books on the subject.
Other things in those books may include some general atatistics on when to expect your child to do this or that, but since those statistics do not relate to your particular child, they may only worry you because your own baby can't possibly be "average" o
n all counts.
The books will also describe symptoms of various childhood diseases but I prefer to let a doctor see my children in person. The book could be misleading and with children there often isn't too much time between first symptoms and serious trouble. Just hav
e a doctor see those rashes and lumps, coughs and fevers, and especially wounds from any cause. That's what clinics and hospitals are for.
As for staying home for five years, don't bank on that. You may decide after just a few months that you can resume your career on a part time basis, and still be a great parent. Or, you might decide to have more children and make a career out of raising a
family. You will be absolutely amazed at how having a baby will change your outlook on everything, and can change your life.
Don't be afraid of the parenting role - it only depends on love. If you find that your love for your new baby is not unconditional, then your best plan would be to turn him over to a reliable nannie, and proceed with your other interests. But if, and I su
spect this will be the case, you become overwhelmed with the joys of being totally responsible for one tiny little human being in every aspect of his life - then you have nothing to worry about.
Find a friendly family doctor who has time to discuss your concerns with you, look at the latest books on baby care in the library and then buy the one (only one) you like the most, and you're all set. Since you are an only child, you may have never held
a baby. Be sure your hand is under his head every time you pick him up and all the time you are holding him, NEVER lift him by his arms, at any age, and hug him a lot.
Feed him what he likes to eat, read to him from birth, and sing to him even if you can't sing. I hope your husband gets into this act too - the more he does for the baby, the better, for him, for you, AND for the baby. Listen politely to everything your
parents and friends tell you, weigh their advice with your own gut feelings, and then let your heart rule your actions.
I have said "him" throughout - but of course, if you're lucky enough to have a daughter, that would be "her".
Have a lovely baby.
Yours sincerely,
GG
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