5 Things New Moms Should Know

Parenting can be scary, especially if you’re a first-time mom with no idea of how to raise a child. Oftentimes, these nerves are due to the thought of raising a little human being until they are old enough to take care of themselves. We want to let you know that these feelings are completely normal.

Here are 5 things every expecting mother needs to know to make parenting just a little easier:

1. Pack Your Hospital Bag Early

Help Dad out by packing all the necessary baby items. It’s a good idea to have this ready to go ahead of time because you will have a lot more to worry about when you’re at the hospital.

Also, be mindful of what you pack in this bag. We know that the going-home outfit you picked out may be adorable and hard to set aside, but you should also know that a newborn’s body cannot regulate their temperature until about 6 months. As such, don’t pack anything that will leave the little one exposed to the chill.

Dress your baby carefully and don’t put too much clothing on them. Dress them in the same amount of clothing that you have – indoors and outdoors. Layers are always a good option since you can always take some off if they get hot.

2. Breastfeeding Tips

Nursing can be very difficult for some women while for others it’s natural. Here are some strategies to make this the best experience for you and your baby:

·         Nurse within an hour of delivery and don’t be afraid to ask your nurse for help if you’re unsure of what you’re doing.

·         In the first 6 weeks, nurse on demand instead of trying to develop a feeding schedule. Let your baby tell you when they’re hungry and don’t worry about not having enough milk since the more they eat, the more you’ll produce.

·         It’s important that you learn to latch to prevent your nipples from becoming sore. Again, the hospital has consultants who can help, but it’s always good to do some research beforehand to know what to expect.

It’s important to mention that not all women breastfeed. Some mothers simply cannot, and that’s okay. When this happens, they need to supplement their milk with formula. Ask your pediatrician about what formula they recommend for your little one.

3. Postpartum

If you’re a very active person, this next tip may be a little hard for you. You need to let your body heal after having your baby. This means you can’t rush back to the gym immediately. Give your body time to rest. We’re pretty sure you’ll want this time, too.

Something else to keep in mind is that you may not be head over heels with your newborn right from the start. This is normal and having a lot of skin-to-skin contact will help the two of you bond.

4. Use Safe Products

Always be aware of the products you’re using. For example, it may be a surprise but science has known for many years that talc or baby powder has been linked to cancer. There is a lot of debate on this topic, but it’s always a good idea to stay informed.

Another example is always washing baby clothing before using them as some materials can contain chemicals like formaldehyde that can be harmful. As a mother, you want to trust your instinct and don’t use any products you feel can be harmful to your baby. 

5. Get Out of the House

You will drive yourself crazy if you stay locked inside all day. At least for 15 minutes a day, step out of the house with your newborn. Go watch a movie or take a walk in a park. Newborns are very portable and sleep a lot of the time, but you’ll appreciate this time to get out and unwind.

Parenting is not easy, but your children are truly life’s gift! Don’t stress out if you’re a new parent – take things day by day. We promise you’ll know what to do when your little one arrives.