what's the best advice you could give to a 1st time expecting mother?

Answer 1

1 Lots of the advice you get will be garbage. Advice follows...

2 Consider a midwife instead of a doctor.

3 'What to Expect When You're Expecting' is dreadful. 'The Thinking Woman's Guide to a Better Birth' is great. See
http://www.hencigoer.com/betterbirth/

4 There is no such thing as a risk-free pregnancy. There's now a laundry list of things that're 'bad,' and a good number of them are risky only in theory. You're going to hear nonsense about hot baths, about papaya... Do your own research and decide what an acceptable level of risk is _for you_.

5 If you do go with an obstetrician -- ask him how often he performs c-sections, episiotomies, etc, and for what reasons. Bad answer? Get a new doctor. Avoid unnecessary interventions at all costs. Write a 'birth plan.'

6 On booze: http://www2.potsdam.edu/hansondj/FetalAlcoholSyndrome.html
On baby names: http://www.notwithoutmyhandbag.com/babynames/
'Mothering' magazine: http://mothering.com/
Birth 'stories' w/pictures: http://www.birthdiaries.com/diary/index.vaginalbirths.html
Trailer for 'Pregnant in America': http://www.pregnantinamerica.com/

7 Maternity clothing is still bad. Shop 2nd-hand stores and consignment stores for more variety. Make sure the tops are long enough to cover the awful waistband. Say no to artificial fibres; they'll be uncomfortable, and they won't stand up well to regular washing and wearing. It's also overpriced; look for sales. 'The Gap' has some okay stuff.

7.5 Most things beyond pre-natal vitamin that're marketed to pregnant women are useless at best. Moisturiser, $10; same cream labelled 'stretch mark cream for pregnancy,' $50. Etc. Just say no.

8 Pregnancy is kind of gross in some ways; be prepared for that, and don't be embarrassed by it or otherwise worried.

9 Do not get too caught up in denying yourself indulgences because, well, that money could go to the baby's college fund or similar. Some good clothing is worth it, and so is being spoiled in nice restaurants. Do not, if possible, deny yourself any healthy craving. The father-to-be should also be pressed into service when it comes to indulging and pampering you.

10 Try not to freak out.

Answer 2

Firstly listen to everyones advise with a grain of salt. Not everyone knows what is best for YOU and YOUR baby, only you. So listen but dont take it too seriously. Remember the things YOU think might be useful or appropriate for you.

Secondly DO NOT LISTEN to other womens horror stories. Your labour and delivery will be completely different. I swear other women tell these stories just to scare you. I always wait until afterwards so then we can compare.

Thirdly listen to your own instincts. Even if you dont think you will know what to do, once you have baby you will have this unique bond where you know what baby needs. Even if you are totally frustrated and tired from lack of sleep, if you listen to your instincts you'll know what to do.

Fourth: If you have trouble breastfeeding in the beginning keep at it as both you and baby will soon figure it out. Just give yourself and baby time and remember to relax and sleep when baby does

Fifth: DONT try and be supermum. After baby comes home RELAX and just get to know each other. Dont clean or cook get someone else to do it. I tried doing everything and didnt take time to relax and I really regret it now.

Apart from that Good Luck and have fun and remember to enjoy every moment as they grow way to quickly. And you can NEVER have enough photo's!!!!

Answer 3

It is your experience and you enjoy it.. don't listen to everything that people tell you.. when it is right you will know.. (such as when to introduce food).. Also, don't wait till the last minute to get everything done the little one might come early and you will want to be prepared.. So do a little a day and relax.. you will need it.. I am a mom of a 9 moth old and lets say even when they do sleep all night you don't wor worrying about stuff.. GOOD LUCK AND CONGRAT!!

Answer 4

Just calm down no need to stress out that will hurt your babies! You may have a higher chance of early delivery but thats diffrent for every women you should take one prenatel vitamin a day it keeps you healthy and your baby healthy just walk every day for 30 minutes it helps strech out your cervex for easier delivery( i know this is to much imformation but if you let you fiancee ejaculate inside you it helps soften up your cervex for an easier deliver also and yes it is true) wal mart has a great seilction of baby clothes and furniture for a good price and Carters theres also places that will help you get baby furniture for cheap or no cost to you. like infant crisis center, birth choice, all things baby ect.. Im 18 with a 2month old baby boy Congratulations and i advise you TAKE THE EPIDURAL! when i asked for it i did not feel pain at all especially when he rip me open i didnt feel anything and when they sow me back up nothing. it is diffrent for every girl but still it helps the pain once you see you baby's your life will change <3

Answer 5

Good question. I am a first time expectant mommy and I am gonna keep an eye on ur question. I am open to any advice i can get. lol I am 28 weeks and having him May 7th (induction due to high risk). I will be monitoring your answers. lol

Good luck and Congrats!!!!!

Answer 6

Don't listen to everyone elses "horror" stories about the actual birth. Of course it's going to hurt, but as soon as the baby comes out and you see him or her for the first time you'll know it was all worth it. And when your child is able to start sitting up in your lap, keep your nose up high-you think the birth hurt, wait until they nail you in the nose with their head! THAT"S PAIN!!!

Answer 7

when i was a first time mom...i didnt know about the bleeding for 6 weeks afterwards...stock up on pads now, so you wont have to run to the store later...freeze extra meals, and get plenty of rest and just relax. Enjoy your baby.

Answer 8

People's opinions are like their butts, everyone has one but no one wants to hear it. :-)

In other words...people will throw advice at you left and right. Just trust your instincts and ask a doctor if you are not sure.

Answer 9

Get plenty of sleep now because you won't get any for at least the next 12 years.

Answer 10

You should care for your child, listen to him or her when they grow up, they need tons of support, I read your profile. How could you do that?