Editor’s Note: If you are alone in the USA and wondering whether you will able to manage the delivery of your child single-handedly then don’t worry. Many women have gone through this before. We bring you stories of some here.

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Plan Well – by simpleMom

Many couples on IL have done it. So it has been done. Having said that, it is an extremely difficult, if not impossible task. It is certainly not as easy as you seem to think. You taking care of the baby and husband taking care of household stuff. No. It does not work like that. 

In first month, it takes both mom and dad to take care of the child. One is feeding; the other is changing the diapers, burping etc. You will have NONE to take care of cooking, dishwashing, laundry, doing groceries or worse buy something for the baby. If you decide to pump or give formula, who will clean the bottles etc periodically every 2 hours.

You both will have no sleep for one week at least. You might have doctor’s appointment for the child in that week itself. Your DH needs to drive in that time. I am not trying to scare you. Just telling you the realities. On top of it, you are in your worst form physically. You and DH will be so engrossed in baby but you need some one to pay attention to YOU and take care of you. You need rest. 

But if you can plan as much as you can and ahead and execute per the plan, these challenges can be overcome. 

Even if you have only one income and difficult financially, I still suggest you to hire help to take care of the household chores. She can come in the morning, cook, clean and if possible hold baby for 2 hours while you eat/take bath/take a nap. 

Get everything necessary for the baby before baby arrives. Wash clothes. Do the crib. Clean bottles. Arrange diapers. Everything that baby needs need to be ready to use. You should not have to run to Baby’s R Us for one month at least. 

If breastfeeding is not working, do not hesitate to use formula for one feed. Bit controversial advice may be. You may get few good hours of sleep.

Keep your clothes ready. 7-10 pairs of pants and shirts to wear at home. Many undergarments and pads. You get these ready and don’t touch them until you are home with the baby.

While you are in hospital, call your closest friend to bring milk, bread, ready to eat rotis, veg curries, lots of fruits and put them in fridge. Give one pair of home keys to her/him two weeks before due date so that you don’t have to take of giving keys to them while you are in hospital.

Keep some Indian snacks such Jalebi, dairy milk etc handy in fridge. These for after baby use. You can munch on them once in a while just to give you instant sugar and may help release happy hormones.

Keep nurse line number in all places. Your phone, his phone, on the fridge etc.

Ask your husband to take maximum leave. Since you are in LA, there is a possibility of getting leave for longer duration. 

Meanwhile, relax, eat well, rest well, eat food in different restaurants, watch movies and have fun. You will be fine with or without help.

Part 2 – Do Smart Research

Part 3 – Be Hands-on Parents

Part 4 – Take Your Doctor’s Help

Part 5 – Eat Well to Manage Post Partum Blues

Part 6 – Don’t Try to be Perfect

Part 7 – Don’t Panic

Part 8 – Get Back to Your Feet

Part 9 – Don’t get Scared

Part 10 – A Mixed Bag of Thoughts