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Words of Wisdom for First Time Mom
Vocalpoint mom wants your advice: “I’m currently pregnant right now and this is my first baby, (I have a stepson). I'm very nervous and just wanted some advice on how to take care of myself and eat right and things like that. I'm so excited too.” |
Okay Vocalpoint moms...Help out this new mom. I have alot of confidence that we can all help her out. Thanks, Kim vocalpoint..
I am a mom of 2. I stressed over my 1st pregnancy and with my seccond I was two busy with a 1 yr old to even think about it. Being pregnant is some of the best times in any any womans life but it can also be the most stressful. Make sure you are taking prenatal vitamins. Your doctor can suggest a few branda that are in your local pharmacy or prescribe some. Sleep is a must and so is plenty of water. Your doctor is the best person to talk to about your specific needs during pregnancy. Utilize their expertise. They know your current state of health and can offer you suggestions. My best advice, listen to your body. it will tell you when it is hungry or needs rest. My fav pregnancy book was Pregnancy for Dummies. And there is even a 3 part movie to go along with it. You maybe able to rent it through your local library. Good luck. Erika....Apopka, Florida
Hey new mom! I have 3 children & each pregnancy was very different. 1 major thing that was the same with all of mine & most pregnant women is to make sure you drink plenty of water!! Iced tea is the absolute worst thing you can drink while you are pregnant because it can cause kidney stones so much easier in a mom to be. Also, it is so easy to develope urinary track infections do to dehydration while pregnant because of ALL the changes in your body & all your organs being moved around to adjust your body for your growing baby, and finally because baby needs alot of fluids. And if you get wacky food cravings, just like a person who isn't pregnant, your body maybe lacking something it needs & your cravings are brought on to help your body. Last but not least- for morning sickness, plain salty potato chips & lemonade has ALWAYS been the ticket for me & countless women I know! Good luck & congradulations!!!
Jillian from Pennsylvania P.S. The best mommy book I ever read was What to Expect the First Year 
by Heidi Murkoff, Arlene Eisenberg, Sandee Hathaway
The absolute best thing you can do for yourself is listen to what your body is telling you. If you are tired, rest, if you are hungry, eat. If you need help with something, ask. You don't have to try and be a superwoman. Besides, if someone gives you a funny look when you tell them that all you accomplished that day was taking a nap, look them square in the eye and tell them it was in addition to constructing a brand new human being.
This, is the time to eat everything, and enjoy, the moment. Your stepson has to be happy already with the coming of the new brother, or sister. of course he, is going to be a bit jellous but it will be alreight. I did started to talk to my baby now 18, actually in the belly, and put music classic in the belly, I also read a lot to my belly, this is the time to do that, do not be nervous,everything will be alreight. You should be quite exited that there is a life growing inside of you. Is't that great! Congratulations, and you must look beautiful all pregnants women look great. Your body has a way to tell you what to eat, what the body, your body needs. so do not be alarm and rely in your hubby, rebember he is pregnant also. Good Luck, and let everithing in God's Hands, he knows best. ivonne tuesday
- Kimberley said:
Okay Vocalpoint moms...Help out this new mom. I have alot of confidence that we can all help her out. Thanks, Kim vocalpoint..
Well when i was pregnant i was 17... i still lived with my parents and was a sophmore in school. i cared more about my baby then anything i took prenantal vitamins everyday along with iron i was anemic and just tried to eat the healthiest things as possible my mom and sisters smoke so they respected me for not wanting them to smoke around me and i took hour long walks eveyday lol its funny i was very ocd when i was pregnant i just wanted the best for my little girl and its paid off shes now 3 and tall for her age, very healthy and bright and i also finished high school so i can be an example to my child and have a good income for my child and family
Congrats new mom!!! Like a PP said, listen to your body. I have two children, one of who is expecting a little boy in July!
You need rest and to take your vitamins regularly. Usually at night works great so that you can sleep off the effect of them. My daughter learned the hard way that when you hungry, you should eat right away. If not, you will be sick! Always keep some snacks with you, even if you are riding. You can go from hungry to passing out to vomiting the next time you eat in a very short time and you want to avoid that extra stress on your body if at all possible. All the creams to get rid of stretch marks are great for keeping your skin hydrated, but not for keeping the stretch marks off. My daughter lathers down with it several times a day and she found two new ones yesterday!! She was not happy but she may have the best hydrated skin in town!!Also, enjoy being pregnant!! Have fun with it! Enjoy feeling the baby move and anticipating what it will be and what it will look like (the 4D sonograms are so worth the money too!!!). Pretty soon, that part will be over and you will so busy!!
- Kimberley said:
Okay Vocalpoint moms...Help out this new mom. I have alot of confidence that we can all help her out. Thanks, Kim vocalpoint..
take help!! my husband took off 3 weeks for our first son and 2 weeks for our second. I had a younger neice come and stay with me for a month. your job isn't to be supermom, it is to recover, take naps and enjoy anything good or bad that happens that day...my sons are now 19 & 20 and on my fridge i still have picture of them as 1 & 2 years old on my lap...i will always see them that way because they grow up fast but nuturing them when they are young will create your bonds.....first you want a happy mom and then a happy baby....dishes can wait and so can the vacumning.. be selfish and have your my time you will enjoy your baby much more.......trust me i was a single parent with my daughter now 28 and i wish i would have had the chance for any help.
The single most important thing you can do is rest as much as possible! When my kids were born, my husband took two weeks vacation to help out. Another thing to keep in mind is to listen to your heart.
First off congratulations!!! Second off, enjoy being pregnant as much as you can and don't sweat the small stuff. My first pregnancy I was so worried about everything I was doing and doing everything by the book. Things change all the time as to what you can do what you can't do. I just had my first baby 2 1/2 years ago and was told not to eat tuna fish. I just had my second baby two months ago and was told at the beginning of my pregnancy tuna fish is good for me to eat. I was also told this time around that you actually don't need to take a prenatal vitamin, your normal vitamins are fine, if you are healthy and your iron levels are okay and I go to one of the top 100 hospitals in the United States. (The hospital I go to is linked with the Mayo Clinic in MN). It is almost a guarantee that you will hear something different from every different provider you see. As hard as it is, you just need to remember that a lot of the times mom really knows best. You know your body better than anyone.
Enjoy your pregnancy and eat right. Stick close to the weight gain that your Dr recommends. You'll soon know why.The most important thing to remember is not miss your doctor's appointmentss and follow his orders.Most likely, if you eat right and keep your weight where the doctor tells you, you will lose all those excess baby pounds in just a few months.. Talk, sing and read to your baby. Let him or her know that the happy voice is Mommy's. Finally, don't be too hard on your mother and other mothers that want to share all their stories with you. Try to take their advise in the intent it's meant, with compasion and love. Share those baby kicks with us, if you will. The miracle of birth still amazes each of us that have nurtured little ones inside our body. Forgive other women who just have to touch your tummy, especially your mother or mother in law. We all mean well and even if we are complete strangers, we share your joy and feel your excitement! Know that with our soft touch your oversize tummy, we are giving you a piece of ourselves and want you to know that we were there once (or twice) and deep inside, sometime miss those pregnancy feelings. There's just something about seeing or touching a sweet round tummy about to pop that brings back precious memories that we have long forgotten, feelings that we more than likely will never be able to feel again. It won't take long for the years to roll by and you'll see a pregnant belly and find feelings come up from within your inner soul that you didn't know were still there. You'll find yourself missing those kicks and hickups and the next thing you know, you've reached out and touched someone else's tummy. Please don't be mad at us. some of us can't help but want to just leave a nurturing moment with you. These months will fly into years and years into grown children of your own. Before you realize it, you'll find yourself reaching out to touch a pregnant belly and wantng to share your own 56 hour labor story! LOL Keep a diary of all the people that just have to give you a little touch and what they say. When you do find yourself patting a stranger's pregnant belly, try to fnd the journal that is somewhere amidst 20 year old baby clothes you couldn't give away and the first tooth, first hair bow, first pacifier (that has melted into something that no longer fit the description of a pacifier). You'll laugh at all the things people have shared with you. As women, we have a bond with you in this special time in life. Time really flies by so fast and many of us miss the feeling of our children being inide us, and we are only giving you our love and sharing our lives with you as only women who have had a baby can!
Congratulations! It's a wonderful time that does fly by! As other posters have said, listen to your body: sleep and eat well. I gained 20 lbs in a month thanks to Pumpkin Pie -- don't do this!
- Whitney said:
- Kimberley said:
Okay Vocalpoint moms...Help out this new mom. I have alot of confidence that we can all help her out. Thanks, Kim vocalpoint..
Well when i was pregnant i was 17... i still lived with my parents and was a sophmore in school. i cared more about my baby then anything i took prenantal vitamins everyday along with iron i was anemic and just tried to eat the healthiest things as possible my mom and sisters smoke so they respected me for not wanting them to smoke around me and i took hour long walks eveyday lol its funny i was very ocd when i was pregnant i just wanted the best for my little girl and its paid off shes now 3 and tall for her age, very healthy and bright and i also finished high school so i can be an example to my child and have a good income for my child and family
- Kimberley said:
Good for you Whitney!
New, mom, you're doing great! Keep your marriage a priority- schedule date night once a week or every other week to ensure hubby is getting the attention he needs. Alternate who picks where to eat or even take a picnic to a park and enjoy outdoor time together. Take your prenatal at night. only 300 extra calories per day is neccessary so keep that in mind when you're stressing out that you haven't eatten enough! :) Also, involve your stepson with housework so that he can feel involved. Allow him to help get ready for the big day. Maybe he can sweep or put the pillows nicely on the couch. Maybe he can set the table for dinner. Best of luck! Allie Z, Phoenix, AZ
I have two boys one is 9 and the other is 3 so Iam a busy lady. One of the most importin things to rember is to trust yourself and your feelings about things. You will have people tell you so many things it will be hard to keep them all stright Our oldest son had alot of mixed feelings about the baby because he was an only child for so long. We kept him involed in alot of things from helping pick out supplies to going with us to an ultrasound amp. Get as much rest as you can, take your naps when your baby sleeps if you can. I know one of my girlfriends had nursey water and fourmula in her baby's nursey to have her bottle supplies on hand in the middle of the night so she did not have to keep running up and down stairs all night long. I also know that ginger is good for an upset belly. they sell ginger gum at alot of drug stores now. Good luck with the newest member of your family, I wish you the best. The number one rule of being a new mom is always trust yourself,but don't forget to ask for help. None of us are supermom.
Seems like everyone has given you great advice, wonderful ppl here on vp. One thing I would like to add.....put baby to bed on a strict routine. Especially bedtime, same time every nite..no exceptions. I promise you this will be the best thing you do for yourself. I didn't do this because I just couldn't hear my baby cry, he's 7 now and still it's a big struggle to get him to bed, it's as though he didn't learn to lay down and soothe himself to sleep. My friend on the other hand had twins and she stuck to a schedule. Her babies are 1 now and go to bed so darn easy. Trust me......teach them hoe to sleep without your help. Congrats mama.
mother of 2 boys. when my 2nd was on his way i read this :when both kids need u always go to the older kid frist because he will remember whears the baby wont. also be sure to write down how the birth happend, trust me it will be a great story to tell over and over. also if u dont have time for a baby book- get one anyhow and then when ever the kid does something cute write it on your calender for that day then once every so often u can update the book - quick easy and u never forget the dates! one thing i did to relieve stress was to growl whenever i felt overwhelmed - now my 4 yr old growls really good - at least your not screaming and it gets out the frustration.
Remember that ,while you are exhausted right now, this too shall pass. Then get the book by Karen Kingsbury called "Let me hold you longer" and enjoy this time. Believe it or not you will wish it back.
I am a grandmother of two and my daughter went by the book on the first. Them the second was not by the book. Try to listen to your mother she is not that dumb. Jean
I went through the same thing your going through...the only difference is that i have 2 step-children. Eat your veggies and drink plenty of water. Take your vitamins and stay away from teas for now. Do low impact exercising...lik walking or swimming. Let your husband help with the older child. REST WHEN YOU NEED TO, Because Once the baby gets here you'll need ALL THE rest YOU CAN GET. Let the older child be involved and maybe pick out a new toy for his/her new baby sister/brother. Most af all love your children uncondtionally...step or biological...they both are going to need the same attention
Jillian is right about LOTS OF WATER, especially as you get further along in your pregnancy. As long as you keep well hydrated, it decreases your chances of "false labor" (what a stupid term!) because most of those late term "gotchas" that are not productive contractions can be warded off by being well hydrated. It also will help keep your bowels moving better and prevent (ick) hemmorhoids, which, face it, are no fun at any time, let alone when you have to grapple with a big belly and backaches. And speaking of backaches, there is a simple few exercises that will help keep those at bay...first, lie flat on your back and press down with the small of your back, making it flat against the floor. You can do this on your bed if you can't get up off the floor (tee hee). Also good for backache or back pressure, get on your bed or floor on hands and knees (very attractive, I know, but it really helps) and arch up your back like a scared cat (mrrrrowwww) hold for a few seconds, then relax. For diet, load up on the fruits and veggies, organic if you can get them, and the fresher the better (better than frozen or canned). Basically remember that whatever you eat, your baby eats and, believe it or not, they will develop a taste for it and it can affect what they crave when they get older. I craved chocolate with my first son, who now craves carbs like mad as an adult. I must have eaten 6 or 8 Butterfingers a day and he has a bit of a struggle with carbs and he is 29. With my youngest son, I craved hot dill mix (you know, the kind with cucumbers, cauliflower and hot peppers). Would sit and eat a whole jar in one sitting. My son LOVES spicy foods, and is thin as a rail (I hate that!! I look at pictures of food and gain weight!) I wish you good luck and a healthy baby!! Granny Smith
By the way, you didn't say...are you planning to breastfeed? Never too early to do a little preparation for that, if that is the way you plan to go. I breastfed mine 10 months each because it is so much more convenient (no bottle washing, boiling nipples...ouch...,warming formula, etc) and inexpensive, not to mention best for baby. If you plan to breastfeed, the most important think I can suggest is nipple prep. I know this sounds wierd but the best thing to keep them for cracking or clogging is NOT nipple cream. I have seen this stuff clog up milk ducts and babies not take the nipple because it tastes yukky. I used olive oil to massage into the areola and nipple once a day it and boy, were they ready. If you haven't quite decided yet, get in touch with your local La Leche League. These are nursing mothers who can give you some practical advice. By the way, just for the record, I was NOT a stay at home mom during those 10 months that my children were breastfed. I went back to work out of necessity when my first was 2 weeks old and worked full time. I would nurse him right before I left for my 8 hour shift, then 4 hours later, took my lunch break and pumped to leave milk for the next day's shift. I did get about 8 ounces out of each breast when I pumped (mooooooo) and this was his "mommy's at work" milk. Then I nursed him when I got home. It worked great for me and can for anyone who is really motivated. Now, before someone thinks I am dictating that everyone should nurse and for this long, I know that not everyone likes to, wants to or can, since different people have different feelings about breastfeeding. Just remember, I am a Granny and came from the era (the dreaded '70s) when we did the Earth Mother bit. I had NO medication all natural labor...all 24 hours of it. No epidurals, no nothing. Not for everyone but the only way I would have done it then. Given I had to do it again, I wouldn't change a thing...except maybe the father (okay, except DEFINITELY the father...now on husband #2 who would have heart failure if I was in labor at my age). Good luck, Granny Smith
Congratulations! You already have a head start by having a stepson. Listen to your healthcare provider. Listen to your body, rest when you are tired, eat when you are hungry. Eating five to six small meals a day worked best for me. This also helped with the amount of weight that I gained. Enjoy the pregnancy, take pictures. I was told that I most probably would never get pregnant. Well my doctor was wrong and God saw fit to give me a son, who is eleven and a daughter, who is six. Take nothing for granted! I wish I could do it again.
congratulations.eat healthyfood food .avoid cola drinks and coffee .take planty of water.take vitamints ,fruit and vegetables.fresh fruit juice is very good for you....gud luck 
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