Advice to new mothers?

Question

What are some good tips for new mothers (and fathers) or for those who are thinking of becoming mothers (and fathers) in the near future?

And I don't mean, "Don't do it." I am really interested to know what "little tips" you have learned or figured out that you wish you had know from the get go! :) Thanks!

Answer 1

Be patient,talk to your child as much as you can explaining every little thing,be careful all the time and show how much you LOVE it everyday.Also put limits from the early ages.

Answer 2

Well you already have a lot of good advise here but I like to say one thing that really helps is "Take all advise with a grain of salt", really people have different opinions and child rearing styles, once you become a mother you develop a mother instict that will lead you mostly. If the doctor says nothing is wrong with your baby but you still feel like something is not right, then you are probably right! Enjoy motherhood, enjoy your partner, it's amazing to see a man grow into a father. Take all the help that is offered to you because the first years are very demanding but they go fast and then you miss them!
Do things as a family and as a couple only.
Don't let people tell you what's better for your baby (stay home, go to work, breastmilk, formula, co-sleeping, etc.) you & your baby will decide what's better!
Good luck to you, being a mother is hard but always rewarding, once you do it you never, never, ever regret it (you actually might wonder why you didn't do it earlier)

Answer 3

A baby is such a great gift from God, you will be so blessed. What I have learned with my 4, youngest is 2, is that you can never be prepared. There is always something unexpected. However, I can tell you to keep your diapers and wipes in stock at home. Always take plenty of clothes, including socks, with you, or keep extras in your car. Keep extra burp rags or receiving blankets, you never know. If you are going to nurse, use the lansinoh to prepare your nipples, and the best kind of nursing pads to use are the washable. Some women don't need them, so if you don't, leave them in the package so you can return them. A bouncer seat is a lifesaver, If I could choose one thing, that would be it. even over the swing! It's a good idea to keep an extra shirt for you as well, in case you get puked on. I learned that one the hard way, lots and lots of times! I can't think of anything else right now, if I do, I will come back. LOVE. lots of it. You can never hold your child too much, hug them enough, or tell them you love them enough. Children need that and want that. You can never spoil you child too much either. people will tell you that if you hold the baby a lot, but you know what, that's so not true. They feel so loved if you hold them a lot and continue that when they are 2, 3 as long as they still want to be held and loved on. Good luck and God Bless.

Answer 4

Sleep when the baby sleeps nomatter what time off day or night it is, that way when theres a sleepless night you will be ready. Mom's and dad's make mistakes don't be mad at each other you will end up pushing away from one another.

Once when I went to the local store my son cried the whole 20 minutes so my husband handled it by continuely changing his diaper- 15 dry clean diapers wasted by I didn't say one word. The next time I left for a few minutes my husband was like no I can't do it, I said I know you can and he did. They went for a walk in the yard and did much better after that.

Some husband's think mom's do better and I always pushed no we are the same and nothing is easier for one then the other. Parents are equal and a team.

Answer 5

From raising three kids I have found that the best thing I have learned is to avoid setting up power struggles over small things. Give your kids some options and choices (based on their ages). Stand your ground on the things you won't bend on - safety issues, bedtimes, manners - but give options about things like clothing, hair styles, after school activities.
Learn to nurture their independence and be willing to let go just a little bit everyday so that your kids can learn to be independent.
Teach them to cook, sew, look after their own things and their own bodies. Teach them strategies to deal with life's difficulties rather than swooping in to save them all of the time.

Answer 6

You hear ppl say Enjoy them because the years fly by. It's true. One day you can't stay awake becuase they kept you up at night, and the next day they're graduating from college.

Try to balance your needs with theirs. But if it comes down to it, the baby/child comes first.

Listen to advice, then do what makes sense to you.

It you have to choose, lean toward, relaxed accepting, permissive parenting rather then harsh, controlling parenting.
But middle of the road, reasonble is best.

They can live with just about anykind of parenting if they're loved and wanted.

The best gift you can give your children is for their father and mother to love each other. Or to at least respect each other and work together for the children.

Children should by much longed for and treasured.

Answer 7

When you have your child, look at him/her and think to yourself, who are you, a new little person.

Allow yourself to be open to the joy and wonder that can be seen through your child's eyes.

Understand that you cannot spoil a child by loving him too much.

Always accept each child as an individual, not as an extension of self.

My seven children have been and continue to be the best, most joyous thing the gods saw fit to give me. They are not perfect, but they are wonderful and I hate to think of the wonders I would have missed out on if not for them.

Enjoy your children, teach them love, honour and respect for others and for themselves and you will know that you have left a mark on the world.

Answer 8

The best thing you will ever do for your kids is to nurture your relationship with their father. From the day a child is born to you, you are committed for life to doing what you have to in order to provide a strong family atmosphere, where your child can grow to be everything God intended. Put your relationship with your spouse first, and your children will learn about healthy relationships.

Answer 9

Know your limits. Babies scream, they cry, and they need a TON of attention. I loved every minute of it, however there were times when my son was overtired and wouldn't stop screaming that I'd have to just give him his Nuk, lay him in his crib, and walk away for five minutes for my own sanity. It will NOT hurt your child to let them cry for a few minutes. I'm not saying leave them cry for an hour, but be sure that when you feel you're going to cry or scream or worse, just walk away.

Answer 10

Enjoy them when they are tiny ( babies), take lots of pictures!! Don`t fret over the small stuff, ( potty trainning), bigger stuff is comming ahead of you, ( school readiness, learning to read, dealing with the teacher)....Make sure you speak up if you feel your child is being treated unfairly, your his/her only advocate.