I have a very good friend who is pregnant and I've been thinking about something to get her for her baby shower that is personal and unique. I decided that I wanted to make her a little journal filled with advice and suggestions from current mothers. (She has never really been around babies so this is going to be a whole new world to her).
Please answer:
What was the most unexpected thing you found about having children/becoming a mother?
What is the best advice that you received and/or would give a new mother?
Also, can you please list how old your kids currently are (I don't care if they're babies or full-grown, hopefully this is something that she'll be able to refer to in the future as well).
2006-07-10 12:40:49 · 37 answers · asked by Travel Agent 2 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Newborn & Baby
I did not become a mom till i was 30 and I was so greatful to have my family there for me.........nothing can ever prepare u for taking care of a newborn. my son was a good baby(now 2 is not so good.But just offer her advice and a hand when she needs it.................it will come to her.
2006-07-10 12:51:21 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have always loved children and wanted several of my own, but what really took me by surprise when I had my son three years ago was the immediate and overpowering sense of love, security and comfort I got the second I laid eyes on him. Nothing in the world compares to the love and comfort I still get every time I look into my now preschool-aged son's eyes, it melts my heart every time.
I would just recommend that a new mom relax and savor every moment. Don't fuss over whether or not you remembered to pack 4 diapers or only 3, or if the baby's pacifier falls on the floor, it will be OK!
I have a 3 1/2 year old son and am 34 weeks pregnant with a little girl.
2006-07-18 08:01:48 · answer #2 · answered by totspotathome 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The most unexpected thing I found out about becoming a mother would be that I never knew what true unconditional love was until I had kids,it starts the minute you feel the baby move inside of you,then when you see their face for the first time man the feeling is totally indescribable,
The best advice I can give a new mom is to be patient,understanding,loving,honest,forgiving and firm and pray alot cause children bring as much chaos as they do love and joy
My kids are 10,7,6,and 4 months old.All boys and one huge handful,and I wouldn't trade one second of my time with them for anything else anywhere
2006-07-10 12:56:10 · answer #3 · answered by leila rose 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The most unexpected thing I learned was that I really knew nothing, and that everything I used to think mattered in the world no longer did as much. Even w/#2 I realized again that I still know nothing and each day I learn from both of my children.
The best thing about kids is you get to be a kid again. The fun of bubbles, or telling silly jokes so many little things that you don't do when you grow up. I think they are even more fun as you see your childs face light up.
I have two boys one just turned 6 and the other is 15 months old.
2006-07-10 12:55:02 · answer #4 · answered by MaryJaneD 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
That's cute. I wanted to do this for my friends as well, so I have lots of em stored up. LOL
I have a 6 and 8 year old.
Two things I remember........when you get new baby clothes, wash them all first. All at the same time. This way you know what size they REALLY are after they shrink so you can get the use out of them when they fit. So many times I'd wait til they fit the baby, they'd wear it once, and then I'd wash it and it was no longer wearable cause it shrunk.
Second.....when you have an infant......sleep when the baby sleeps. Take those day time naps, even if the chores are piling up. Say YES to outside help if it's offered. No one will give you a medal for being tired and having a clean house and doing all of it on your own.
And the most unexpected thing I found......how much you can love the stranger they put in your lap for the first time.......suddenly you don't love your dogs and cats as much, you become like a mother wolf protecting her young. A nd you don't have to try.....it just happens overnight.
2006-07-10 12:54:20 · answer #5 · answered by paintgirl 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The most unexpected thing I found about becoming a mother was that even when you buy the most expensive highest quality diapers, you are going to have a "blow-out" and baby will be covered in poo up to his/her neck and maybe even in his/her hair. This will happen more than once and probably while your baby has on his/her cutest most expensive outfit from Grandma.
The best advice I received was to have a sense of humor about these things. You're going to be tired. You may not get to shower every day. You may have a sink full of dirty dishes. It's all part of the experience and one day, you'll have stories to tell your kids.
My daughter is 3 years old and my second daughter is due 10/18
2006-07-10 12:51:17 · answer #6 · answered by every1lovesamixedgirl 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The most unexpected thing that I have found about having a child is that I NEVER, EVER thought that I could love someone so very much. I have been so overcome by the amount of love and affection that I have for my child.
The best advise that I got was that no matter how embarrassing the situation may be, just remember everyone that is staring at you in that resteraunt or store, either did that same thing as child or has a child that did that as well! It helps to remember that when your 4 year old wants to know why that man looks so crazy..and she wonders that at the very top of her lungs!
6 years old
2006-07-10 12:48:11 · answer #7 · answered by skib 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
First off, I'm a mother of three beautiful girls; ages 10yrs., 8yrs. and 6months. With my very first child, I'd say expecting the unexpected...LOL...(For Baby)earaches, bellyaches, sore gums, alot of strange attention, the gawking, the ogaling, the diaper rashes and changings (how many), bathings, likes and dislikes, how you have to basically learn from experience, most kids are diffrent. But one thing for sure is that you have to get those shots and well child visits taken care of, the ups and downs and for the mother...she'll experience post partum depression (normal) you really feel like your losing your mind. Seek help, its not a bad thing to admit your feelings even if you feel like hurting yourself or your child. Its normal a lot of mothers go through it, especially with a new baby. Breast tenderness, body changing all the time, cramps, being sore, not having a menstral if you are breast feeding. And the Best part......Watching them grow. As you teach your children, you will learn from them as well. Their personalities start to bloom and all the love you see inside them comes out in playing and all that. Look forward to all the good stuff ahead. In the beginning it may seem its gonna be fun, but to be honest its hard. It's nice to have all the attention, but as well as having your peace and quiet. Enjoy your child and your life. The best advice would be from your pediatrician and OB and any other doctor. But also if you find yourself struggling, come to this site and you'll find a lot of help and suggestions. Its great! I wish I knew about this sooner! Congrats!! ALso LOVE LOVE LOVE, love is the best growing tool!
2006-07-17 02:46:08 · answer #8 · answered by missbehave252002 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The most unexpected thing that I found out about having children is the complete and total love you feel as you look down on their sleeping faces (and the terror you feel when that little noise comes through the monitor at 3 am!).
The best advice that I received for my second child, that I wish I knew for my first child was to put her to bed AWAKE. No rocking to sleep or feeding to sleep-I did all that before she fell asleep and then put her to sleep awake. She has been sleeping through the night since 4 months.
My children are 11 1/2 years old and 7 months old.
2006-07-10 15:18:22 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have two children- 3 and 5 yrs. The most unexpected thing is how you have to plan everything. Even a trip to the store for milk can be hard. But, it is so worth it. My five year old said to me today, "Mommy guess what." I thought she had gotten into trouble, but she said"I love you." They just melt your heart.
The best advice I have is a trick for when babies cry and won't stop. Place them face down across your legs. Gently raise your legs up and down and pat their butts at the same time. It put my kids to sleep every time.
Tell your friend good luck and enjoy every minute of it.
2006-07-10 13:39:24 · answer #10 · answered by Lissa 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The most unexpected thing I found was love. Don't get me wrong, I planned my pregnancy and loved my baby before he was born...but it's much more than you imagine when they give you your new baby for the first time. You have so much love I can't describe it to you.
The best advice I can give is this: love, trust, patience, and relax. You may not do things the way others want you to do them, and that's OK. You will do things your way and as long as you are doing it out of love and concern for your baby that's what matters.
My son is almost 1. You will hear this so many times, and eventually you'll blow it off, but it is so true...they grow up so fast. Keep your camera ready!
Good luck and congratulations!!
Jacob's Mommy
2006-07-11 02:04:05 · answer #11 · answered by Jacob's Mommy (Plus One) 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋