Pittsburgh native and new parent, Mairin Petrone has been a part of the Main Line Parent team since 2016. In May of 2024, she and her partner Brittny welcomed their first child, a baby girl. Becoming a family of three has changed her life completely, but Mairin couldn’t be happier! Like all new parents, Mairin and Brittny are busy — and tired! However, they took a few minutes to share some tips for expectant parents and offer a glimpse into those precious, early days with a new baby.

What aspects of having a new baby took you by surprise?

During our pregnancy, we found that people loved to complain to us about how difficult welcoming a newborn can be. We heard a lot of [things like], “you better get sleep now.” Or “just wait until you see how exhausted you are.” And “they’re so fragile and it is scary,” and so on!

Very, very few people talked with us about the joy of growing your family and because of that, we were most surprised by how happy we were at first — and still are! It doesn’t matter how tired we are, or how anxious we get, or that we aren’t ruling our own schedules anymore. We are SO HAPPY! I’ve never experienced such joy and love. 

Other surprises: how many diapers we’re going through, how much it doesn’t bother me to get pooped on, and how much we are still able to get done in the day beyond caretaking.

Is having a new baby easier than you expected?

YES! My wife and I are so fortunate to have a great partnership where we have always shared responsibilities. So for us, it has been easy to transition into also sharing the responsibilities of parenting. We are also SO LUCKY to have a baby that is healthy, that latched easily and eats well, got back to birth weight quickly, started sleeping through the night by six weeks old, and started smiling early.

New parents come to rely on certain baby gear and products. What baby gear saves the day for your family?

In all of our research and experience, we’ve learned that every baby is different and enjoys different things, but here has what has been the best for us:

• Snoo Smart Sleeper Bassinet
• Aquaphor Baby and Aquaphor Baby 3-in-1
• Swaddle blankets with velcro
• Diapers with blowout protection
• Shout Free Laundry Stain Remover
• Nuna Pipa RX Car Seat
• Ergo Baby Bouncer
• Baby Bjorn carrier
• Doggy pee pads for changing
• Diaper Genie
• Portable breast pump
• Preparation H with Lidocaine
• Burp cloths; lots of them, any brand/style
• And grandparents, aunts, and uncles!

Lastly, what are some tips for other expectant parents to prepare for the postnatal period?

1. Block out the negative noise, scary stories, etc.

2. Prepare lots of snacks!

3. Prepare for your own self-care in addition to preparing for the baby. Get doctor’s appointments, insurance renewals, car inspections, etc., done before the baby comes, if they’re due in the first few months. That way, you don’t have to worry. Another suggestion is to gather supplies for the birthing mom to heal as easily as possible: Frida Mom products, pads, ice packs, Prep H Cream, Prep H Wipes, Peri bottle, Tucks Pads, nipple cream, etc.

4. Discuss in advance of the baby’s arrival what your rules and boundaries are for your household and baby with family members, friends, and other visitors. For example, no kissing baby, handwashing before holding, avoid coming over if you’re sick, and your preferred frequency and timing of visits.

For more tips, advice, and resources to help you navigate new parenthood, check out the Main Line Parent Baby Guide!