Women have different experience with pregnancy and kids. There are some who have smooth pregnancies while other have complications such as hyperemesis gravidarum. Despite everything, every mother feels great when they hold their bundle of joy. Below are tips to help you especially if you are a first time mom.
You will get a lot of advice from different people. Some of the advice will be good and some bad. You need to find out what works best for you. You don’t have to embrace every advice you get. Pick what works for you and your baby. Keep in mind that every baby and mom is different. It is advisable you ask for help when need be. You can request your friend or family member to come over and help out. It is okay to get help.
It is advisable to write things down such as clinic dates, questions you may have for the doctor and the growing milestones of your child. It helps to avoid forgetting some things. You will also have memories of your child when she grows.
It is vital for you to get prepped. As weeks go by, babies are more predictable. To reduce stress, you need to have everything ready for your kid. Prepare meals as soon as the other meal is over. You can have time for yourself when your baby is napping.
Make use of breast shields when you experience latch-on problems when breastfeeding your baby. Make sure your baby stays awake during feedings. When babies are full, they sleep more and are calmer. The crib needs to be comfortable. The crib needs to be warm for your baby to sleep effectively. You can use a heating pad to warm up the crib when feeding the kid. Your child will sleep comfortably.
Keep in mind that it is totally okay to watch your baby sleep. You need to listen to your heart. If you feel something is wrong, you need to check on your child. Don’t do something you are not comfortable about even if someone suggests it. You get to make the final decision since you know your child best. Don’t ignore your instincts.
It is important you have a hobby. You need to create time outside motherhood. Having a hobby will avoid getting burned out. A hobby is good for your sanity. Figure out what you love and do it. Having a hobby does not mean that you are a bad mother. There are going to be good days and bad days.
It is essential you know that postpartum depression occurs to many people. If you don’t enjoy things that you previously did, you need to get help before the situation gets worse. You should not be ashamed. Make sure you pay special attention to yourself.
Love your body. It is normal for your body to be baggy after giving birth. You don’t have to beat yourself over the changes. Don’t compare yourself with other moms. Making comparisons is the beginning of mom guilt. Your life is different and there is no perfect mom.