PUT THE BOOKS AWAY!!! Use them as a reference, not a bible.

Advice - you know your baby better than anyone.  My standard line when given unwanted advice was always just "thanks for your concern.  We are doing what works for now".  Trust me, have a standard line cause you are gonna use it over, and over, and over, and over again :)  Most people have good intentions, but man it gets annoying.

Ignore everyone's "advice" and do what your gut tells you.

Do not listen to negative comments.  I was told that my baby looked dehydrated by her skin colour being off and spit up so much because I never burped her enough by total strangers.  Little did they know that one my baby was bi-racial and that was her colouring and that babies spit up just because they do.

Go with your gut.  Everyone will try to tell you what to do.  Be informed and TRUST your instincts!

Trust your instincts.  If something doesn't seem right, follow that feeling.  Even non 1st time moms are 'new' to the newborn stage again.  It's much better to get reassurance from Telehealth or the Dr. about any concerns.  Our first was a DD, this baby will be a boy, so that's going to be very different in itself.

Practice this in front of a mirror: "Thank you, I'll keep that in mind" while smiling politely and biting your tongue.

Use your instincts. Listen to your mother, she does know what she's talking about, even if you don't think she does.

If you are following your instincts, and you and your baby are happy, don't let anyone convince you that you are doing anything wrong.

Keep "helpful advice" in its place. Trust your mothering instincts and let others think what they will. Every baby is different and you are the expert on your baby.

Read if you want to but don't believe everything you read - pull out what is meaningful to you and trust your instincts.

Keep the Health link number (for your province) posted near the phone or on the fridge. They are great for giving you advice for you and baby.

You canNOT, NOT, NOT spoil your child.  If people tell you breastfeeding, co-sleeping, carrying, rocking, etc. your child for X number of hours/days/months, etc. will spoil your child, they are wrong!  Every child is different, and each needs its own approach!

Trust your instincts. If you're concerned, get it checked out. Better safe than sorry.