One Piece Of Advice For New Moms
Do you ever think back to how far you’ve come as a Mom? Remember the FIRST time you were pregnant? I remember vividly.
I was a neurotic mess.
“Can I eat this? Wait, it’s soft cheese. I’m not supposed to eat that. Oh I can have tuna fish. Oh yeah. Can’t have that either.”
“I really want a cup of coffee. Wait. Caffeine isn’t good for the baby.”
“Maybe I’ll ride my bike so I don’t think about what I can’t eat. Oh right. The doctor advised me not to do that in case I lose my balance and fall off of it.”
“Okay then I’ll just go and get those things down from the attic that I’ve been meaning to go through and organize. Crap. Can’t do that either. I might fall down the stairs or lift something too heavy.”
“Man an ice cold beer sounds really good to me right now. Damn! No alcohol allowed when you’re pregnant.” (which is too bad since I’m starting to get depressed over all the things I’m not supposed to do and a drink might take the edge off!)
“Geez what in the hell can I do then?”
“You know what? My butt is getting bigger by the second so screw it. I’ll just eat. And eat. And eat.”
Nine months and fifty-five pounds later, I delivered a healthy, beautiful baby boy. And yes. It was ALL worth it.
It’s almost funny really. When you are pregnant with your first baby, you are over the moon and want to do everything “by the book.” But if and when the time comes that you are ready to give your first child a sibling, chances are that you will approach your second pregnancy much differently. Well at least I did.
Having already been through it, I knew what to expect so my second pregnancy was actually much easier and less stressful on me (and everyone else that was close enough to me that had to put up with my raging pregnancy hormones). I didn’t freak out over every little thing like I did the first time. In fact, since I already had a little one to take care of, I sometimes even forgot that I was pregnant believe it or not.
So I have a question for you: If you could give any new or expectant mother advice on anything, what would it be? Obviously there are tons of books available relating to pregnancy, child birth and parenting but I’m talking about things you wouldn’t get from a book. Things that you would only learn from having a first-hand experience.
I’ll go first.
I say Forget the books on the growth and development of your baby-let your OB take care of that. Read the books on how to get your baby on a good sleep schedule. That was my BIGGEST problem with my first son. Maybe if I had a plan in place it wouldn’t have been as difficult for me. I talk about that more here.
Okay. Your Turn. New and expectant moms out there are counting on us!
June 30, 2009
Filed under Water Cooler
Hmmm, a piece of advice, huh? Well, I have 2 kids and I agree, I was waaaay less stressed the 2nd time! I guess my piece of advice is to do something for YOU (multiple times) while you’re pregnant. A pedicure, or a new haircut, something to make you feel beautiful and relaxed.
Understand that men cannot, will not, and won’t even try to comprehend the changes going on inside. When you feel like taking an iron skillet to his noggin because of his indifference, don’t. We know not what we do for we know not what you endure.
I only have one little one, but what I think is most important is to do what’s right for you. It doesn’t matter what the books say, or your mom, or one of the other millions of advice givers say. You ultimately know what’s best for you and your baby.
(But I was in the give up, and just eat and eat and eat group, lol)
I’m a mom of one too but I can see how a second pregnancy would be much different than my first. I agree with Staci who says to do what’s right for you but I’d also suggest to have a support system in place. There will be a day where you want someone to provide a little back up so you can sleep!
I think the best advice is to not become too consumed (even though it’s difficult) by what is going on…enjoy your pregnancy and the changes that your body is going through instead of worrying and wondering!
Hi. I am hopping over from the MomDot thread. I am seeing a lot of posts like this. I am not a Mom, so I cannot exactly relate. I will say, though, that it is very insightful to read. I am learning a lot from all of these awesome posts. Thanks for sharing this.
OK, well FIRST PUT DOWN THE “WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN YOU’RE EXPECTING” BOOK. NOW. This book will scare the hell out of first timers (it did me).
SECOND: All that stuff on the Babies R’Us list that is a “must have”? CHUCK IT. You don’t need half of that crap. And for God’s sake, do not get a wipes warmer or electric bottle warmer. So unnecessary.
THIRD: Listen to your gut and your OB NOT your MIL, SIL, neighbor, Grandma, woman at the grocery store….get the point?
Do what is right for YOU and your baby. Screw everybody else.
OK, I’m done.
LOL
I agree with ALL of this. Love it! And I LMAO @ the wipes warmer Shan! I never did get that one. Why would you get your baby used to warm wipes at home when half the time you are out and he/she will be getting the cold ones anyway? Not that they are even that cold to begin with! Definitely do what is right for YOU. We all know what they say: Opinions are like….