Is there any specific book I should read that tells me how to take care of babies? I don't know what they are supposed to eat, or anything. I'm completely lost.
2007-09-27 05:25:15 · 22 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Pregnancy
there are many baby books.
ask your doctor to give you a list of clubs or classes on new moms to prepare you for the birth and care of your new life.
that is also a good way to decifer if he has a good bedside manner.
you really need to get all this info before you have the baby because you need to do it right.
find what you will need to buy for the baby's first few months
example
gowns, socks, diapers (lots), undershirts, onsies, caps/mittens (most gowns have the mittens in them) so they don't scratch their faces cause the nails grow fast.
warm blankets, receiving blankets, changing pads, crib sheets, care box (brush, comb, nail clipper, nasal sucker
pacifier, baby bottles (compare which ones may be better for the baby and easier clean up for you), towels wash cloths
will you be breast feeding or using infant formula (some formulas have iron which most babies cannot digest and get terrible gas. this causes the baby to be uncomfortable and will cry if he cannot releive himself of it.
list the checkups he will need over the new few months and keep that on your fridge,
you will need to learn how to give the baby a bath.
you need to research baby toys and what ones are/have been recalled and for what reason. also cribs and car seats, swings and any other infant furniture you will be using.
you need to put his feeding schedule up to remind yourself what is next (usually this is not necessary) but its good to look at.
you need to sterlize your bottles and anything that goes into the baby's mouth. you need to buy toys that will help the baby with his eyesight and so forth
for example (baby's don't see in color so the colors won't amaze him at newborn age) buying black and white items will help his eyes get stronger due to the significant contrast.
there are many toys that will help him grow so research that too. (fisher prices website will help in this area)
you will need to know when to start the baby on cereal, then regular baby food. when to burp him during the bottle/breast feeding so he won't get to gassy or spit up so much.
I think making a chronological list from each stage of his life and then what he needs for each stage might help you get alittle control of how your going to cope.
you might want to research parent magazines to see which one has article that may help you and get a subscription to them.
go to the library and relax as you sift through some baby books and take notes or take them home and add to the list or even buy the book that you feel is best for you.
make sure you research all baby problems and diseases and what to do until you can get him to the doc/hospital, such as cradle cap, checking to make sure the baby is breathing (something I did every 10 minutes) some babys just forget to breath and you need to be aware of this so you can watch for it. I beleive it is called infant death syndrome.
it is very scary. I was aunt to at least 5 kids from the time I was twelve to the time I had my first born and I still never felt like I knew enough. but I got thru it as most of us do, you will to.
most important thing to remember is to enjoy your baby to the fullest and never put anyone before him/her.
she is totally in your care. they will be so much fun to play with and watch them grow. the funny ways they do things, and creative things that they say can be quite entertaining.
enjoy
2007-09-27 05:49:36 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Every pregnant woman I have ever talked to has gone through this to a degree. Some more severe than others but still the same feelings. And every single one of them has ended their story with the same sentiment: "the second I held my baby and doubt or fear I had disappeared." It's perfectly normal. I'm only 17 weeks and I feel the same and hope it disappears but realize it probably won't. I've always felt all emotions at 10 times what a normal person does (no one knows why lol). The more my hormones build up the worse it's getting. So remember that too. Also, if you are having this baby with someone you love (which I assume you are if you tried for years) talk to them. I can almost guarantee they are going through the same thing. My hubby and I talk about it all the time. We are both terrified of being new parents but we also can't wait. It's normal. There is nothing wrong with you.
2016-05-19 23:49:36 · answer #2 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I wasn't mentally ready for this pregnancy either. I think most women who try for a baby aren't mentally or emotionally ready... so, you're not alone.
I've read What To Expect When You're Expecting throughout this pregnancy and it's been extremely informative and helpful. It seemed to answer all of my questions. I also have taken an Infant Care Class along with a Breastfeeding Class and Lamaze Classes.
The best thing about being pregnant is that you're given 9 months to get used to the idea of becoming a mother. I'm definitely more relaxed and at ease with the idea now that I'm only 5 weeks away or so.
Congrats on your pregnancy!
2007-09-27 05:52:20 · answer #3 · answered by Ashley M 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Congratulations first of all! Although you may not feel ready, it is such a joy to have a baby. Its the hardest job you'll ever love. I read a couple of books which were okay - one was the "What to Expect When You're Expecting" book, and the other was "Mayo Clinic Guide to a Healthy Pregnancy." You probably aren't going to find a manual that will explain everything to you, but both of these books tell you about your pregnancy stages, and have an index to look things up. Contact your local WIC office and sign up to see if you qualify. They will help a ton for nutritional advice for you and baby. You may also call the maternity ward of your local hospital and ask about classes. Depending on your area, some hospitals offer birthing classes, and other pregnancy related classes. You don't have to worry about foods until your baby's 9 months old, so breastfeeding is best but formula will work too. WIC can help you with both, they can help you with breastfeeding questions and support, and if you qualify can provide you with free vouchers for formula every month. Good luck, and this is just some starting information. WIC gives out vouchers for food that contains vital nutrients for a mom and baby too while you are pregnant, then after birth they continue for several years giving you vouchers for baby too. Its a good resource place if nothing else.
2007-09-27 05:33:37 · answer #4 · answered by Sweetness 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
None of us are ready for a baby, which is why Nature, in her infinite wisdom, gives us 9 months to prepare. There are many books on the subject of pregnancy and child care; one of the best known is "What to Expect when You're Expecting", but "The Girlfriend's Guide to Pregnancy" is really excellent, too! Ask the bookseller at your local bookstore about any they would recommend, as well. Check out any classes being offered at the hospital you are planning to deliver at. They usually offer a "Caring for Newborns" class as well as the childbirth preparation class and I can not say enough about a breastfeeding class. I know it is a natural process, but that can go a long way to easing any concerns you may have about nursing your baby, if you plan to do so.
Also, be prepared to hear advice from everyone under the sun and filter out what applies to you. Even though pregnancy happens to millions of women all of the time, it's happening to you and YOU should be the judge of what works and what doesn't for you (with the exception of your doctor, as he/she will make recommendations to ensure the health and well-being of both you and your baby!). And lastly, here is my best advice; relax and enjoy the amazing changes your life is experiencing. It goes very fast and then the babies grow up before you're ready to let them.
Congratulations and Good Luck with your new life!
2007-09-27 05:55:49 · answer #5 · answered by Momo3 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
"What to Expect When You're Expecting" is a good place to start. Eat healthy whole grain bread/pastas/cereals, stay away from fast and processed foods, white sugar/flour, artificial sweetners. Eat lots of fruits and veggies.
Get the "Happiest Baby on The Block" video. And, read "How to Train Up a Child" by Michael and Debi Pearl. Relax, you've got awhile. Take any and all classes that your local WIC office/hospital has to offer on the care of a Newborn. Plan to Breastfeed. It's best for you and baby. It also releases awesome calming hormones!
Your life is about to really change and it will be awesome! I know it's scary, but you can do it!
2007-09-27 05:37:32 · answer #6 · answered by ElioraImmanuel 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You know what?I have noticed that you and I are almost in the same situation- pregnant,not ready for it but want to have it and dont have any ideas on how to be ready for it.I like reading your questions on pregancies because at least they give me some ideas.Well,I will advice that you do some research on the internet alot and most of all as for what to do mentally,just keep your trust and faith in God-that's what I am doing right now.
Be Blessed.
2007-09-28 05:05:27 · answer #7 · answered by babyface82 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
what to expect when your expecting is an awesome book you can get it at wal mart or places like hastings.. it will help you learn about your pregnancy and how to prepare for the new arrival.. the further along you get in your pregnancy you will get ready and its the best feeling in the world to hold your child for the first time. hang in there and you will be ready when the baby comes.. things will start to fall in place when the baby is born also try websites like babycenter or babyzone.. also what to expect has a website they have lots of helpful material.. good luck and it will be ok!!
2007-09-27 05:31:42 · answer #8 · answered by smces2004 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
How far along are you? If your about to have the baby, i'd be a bit scared. But all mommies go through this. There are many classes you can take at the hospital or anywhere else that your area may be offering. Talk to your OB about taking those classes.
2007-09-27 05:30:01 · answer #9 · answered by Wendie 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Talk to your OBGYN. They can give information that you'll need for the necessities for the baby. Also, there are many books out there on child rearing- the one that I was given by a friend is called "Your Baby's First Year Week by Week" by Glade B Curtis, M.D. and Judith Schuler, M.S.
2007-09-27 05:31:21 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋