Humans are amazingly adaptable, and motherhood is no exception. Instinct takes over, and you do what has to be done. Even if your find that you're completely hopeless at doing something at first, you learn, because you have to.
Check with your hospital to see if they run any mothers groups. Here (Australia) hospitals run several groups a year, led by a child health nurse, where mothers with babies around the same age meet and share their experiences, and talk to the nurse about any concerns that they may have. Anf if your hospital offers midwife visits, take them up on it, because they're fantastic.
There are a heap of parenting forums out there where you can get lots of wonderful advice from women who have been there and done that.
Learning about "baby language" can really help, as it makes it so much easier to work out what your baby needs. Information about it can be found here:
http://www.parenting.com/parenting/babytalk/article/0,19840,1562338,00.html
And here:
http://www.dunstanbaby.com/
2007-01-14 17:58:37
·
answer #1
·
answered by Kristy M 3
·
0⤊
0⤋
Yeah, it DOES take some time. But remember, every mom has to go thru the same thing (not knowing how much to feed the baby, what to do when the baby cries, etc). You'll figure it out. Luckily, they mostly sleep and eat in the beginning, so you can get comfortable handling them and changing diapers before the real fun starts, when your little one is more alert.
Have you checked out any books or magazines? It may help to read up on some of this stuff, may help you feel better prepared if you know what to expect. "What to Expect the First Year" is great, and answers a LOT of questions. Or, there's always the internet.
If you just respond to your baby, even if its just to pick him/her up when crying, you can't go wrong. There will be times when NOTHING will work, no matter how much experience you have. Don't sweat it, and remember that you are not alone. Your natural instincts will lead you to do the right thing, and just give that little one love.
Good luck, and I'm sure it'll be fine after all!
2007-01-14 16:33:37
·
answer #2
·
answered by elfaygobaca 2
·
0⤊
0⤋
Read parenting books and magazines- I really liked Dr. Brazelton's books. Hopefully you have friends that have had baby's you will be able to help you out. Join a mom's group. These are wonderful especially for first time moms. A good one to try is meetup.com. You register-free, and then type in your city and you'll find a group in your area. I found one when my son was 5 months old and it's just been the best thing.
Motherhood is an incredible, life changing experience. There will be times when you're not sure if you're doing the right thing. But you will learn. You don't have to know every exact thing. You will learn as your baby learns with you.
Good luck-- you are about to embark on the best time of your life! Oh and Congratulations!!
2007-01-14 17:09:14
·
answer #3
·
answered by Happy Panda 1
·
0⤊
0⤋
I freaked out the night before I was to be induced and decided that the baby was not coming out she could just stay in there. Of course that didn't happen but I found that you truly do get that motherly feeling when you have a baby. You won't know it until you have him or her but it will come. Also everyone freaked me out about sleepless nights and never being able to do anything and I thought that would happen immediately after having them and I was wrong. The first few months they really don't do much. Yeah the nights are somewhat sleepless but even with a collicky baby it wasn't so bad. Now my daughter is six months old and mothering is no problem. By the way this is my first child as well. Just don't listen to what everyone says you will be fine. I know this won't help now but seven or eight months from now you will understand. Good Luck and Congratulations on the Baby to Be!!!
2007-01-14 16:57:08
·
answer #4
·
answered by Mindy 2
·
0⤊
0⤋
I was and am a single mom. I had not spent much time around children or babies. When I knew that I would be bringing my son home that first night, I was scared. My mom offered to stay at my home with me, but, I knew that was the wrong choice for me. When I brought him home, I was no longer scared. As I sat and held him, smelled him, kissed him, well, it was simply the most wonderful and natural feeling that I had ever felt. I didn't know everything instantly, but I did discover that most is common sense and a lot of love. For me, it was a natural transition. I have heard a few mom's negative statements about how their lives changed not for the better, but, for me, my life was so much better and so much sweeter. I felt, and feel, that what I gained with having my son in my life is so much more than never having him. I cannot imagine a world without my son in it.
So, yes, to answer your question: it just comes when you bring your baby home.
Choose to be happy, choose to be loving, choose to not take the shortcuts, and choose yes over no. Jump in mud puddles and take walks in the rain. Always remember that your child is an individual, a person, and has legitimate feelings. Enjoy each and every moment, because it truly does go by too quickly.
My son is now 12 years old and in junior high. He amazes me every single day. I am a lucky person to know someone like him and to have him in my life. What a beautiful thing.
Best luck and take care.
2007-01-14 18:22:36
·
answer #5
·
answered by Abby 5
·
0⤊
0⤋
It great that you are thinking ahead. I was so concerned about the pregnancy that when my daughter was born, I realized I didn't know one thing about babies.- But I had read a million books on Labor and delivery! I was 28 years old. I couldn't believe the hospital was going to let me take the baby home! I learn that you just need to relax and hold your baby a lot, take care of his needs, and get sleep any time you can.
Learn to change a diaper, breast feed and how to strap in a car seat into a car. Don't ever feel you are spoiling the baby with too much love. That's impossible! Congratulations!
2007-01-14 16:34:59
·
answer #6
·
answered by weswe 5
·
1⤊
0⤋
I feel very sure I'll be right where you are soon... And don't worry, as I've learned from watching others...you learn, There are great books out there, lots of people willing to give advice & Hospitals even have Newborn Parent Programs to take. Check them out... and just remember that you WERE once a baby & kid yourself and you've gotten this far in life with help...you'll do just fine helping your little one along when the time comes...just focus on the love...and taking care of yourself & them while their inside - do the research til then for when their on the Outside. Congrats.
2007-01-14 16:29:03
·
answer #7
·
answered by Aphrodite 3
·
2⤊
0⤋
it takes time to get used to having a new baby around. your whole life changes. but don't worry as soon as you hold your baby you will now exactly what to do. i'm sure you will be ok. there will be times when your frustrated but just sit back and think about how lucky you are to be holding your child when there are millions of woman out there who have lost there little ones. it is all instinct and your already showing that you have it you made it this far you will be alright. like i tell every new mother it's a bumpy ride with twist and turns but in the end it's all worth it.
2007-01-14 18:03:32
·
answer #8
·
answered by short.lil_momma 3
·
0⤊
0⤋
i was in the same situation but surprisenly i wasnt nervous in fact i wasnt even prepared when the baby arrived and i also didnt have ANY help except for my clueless husband not to mention that i had never cared for a baby befor in my life but now seven months later i look back and i give myself a pat on the back because i've dont one hell of a job. I have one of the happiest babies i've ever seen and that just makes me smile and realize that ive accomplished something great.
So i would have to say that yes i believe a lot of it does come from instinct but some doesnt but that part i believe can be solved easily with common sense and patience...plus trial and error.
GOODLUCK!
2007-01-14 17:41:20
·
answer #9
·
answered by Anonymous
·
0⤊
0⤋
EVERY mother has those feelings, I bet. I definitly did. I even had doubts with my second, third and fourth babies :)
Im sure you'll adjust just fine! Its amazing what will come to you instinctivly.
I think its quite natural to feel scared. Its a huge thing you're about to undertake here. You're going to be a mom. What bigger or more important job is there in the entire world? I think you'd be a little crazy if you WEREN'T scared :)
2007-01-14 18:30:52
·
answer #10
·
answered by jmnixon1981 2
·
0⤊
0⤋