Being a first-time mother will be both rewarding and scary. It is a situation that nobody can really be prepared for. Even with the numerous books, journals, blogs, seminars, and classes available. There will always be something new to learn and to experience as you go through the journey. But to ease the anxiety, here are some things that a first-time mother wished someone had prepared them for.
Having your Baby
Even the most prepared person will be surprised when it’s time to deliver their baby. The decision of going through a vaginal birth can be changed to a caesarian delivery, or vice versa, because of some unexpected causes. The best thing is to be prepared for both scenarios. Include your partner and our family on the plans to let them know what to do in either case.
Birth-love
The first time you will see your baby will not be his cutest moment. He may have a large head, swollen eyes, peeling skin, stork bites, milia, and rashes. Even with this fact, most parents instantly feel a connection to their baby. However, 20% of first-time parents do not feel instantly connected to their newborn, and this is normal! It is the mixture of hormones from the mother’s body that causes the feeling of euphoria and deep love for their newborn. Give it time, and you’ll soon feel that strong mother-child bond.
Pain and Sickness
A child can not always convey if they are feeling something wrong. Learn to watch out for signs of distress, change in mood, or if the child begins to have a fever. A fever is usually the first symptom of an illness. It can also be a sign of teething and the emergence of their 2 year molars, a cold, an ear infection, respiratory infections, and pneumonia, among others. But not all fevers mean danger. It is better to monitor your child and see your pediatrician if the temperature rises above 104F and if it lasts longer than 24 hours in a baby younger than two years old.
Sleep and Rest
Most mothers will recommend you take as much rest as you can when you are pregnant because when the baby comes, you will have to adjust to the activities of your newborn and you will be sleep-deprived. To get that much-needed rest, do not be afraid to ask for assistance or to accept help in caring for our child.
Shopping for your Child
Babies grow up so fast. That is something you must remember when shopping for your growing baby. Limit the number of garments you buy and select clothes that are a size bigger than your child. Also, be wary of salespeople recommending baby-items that you need. Choose the essentials and look for multipurpose items, or you’ll end up with a lot of stuff that wasn’t even necessary.
Child’s Health and Development
The first five years are considered the most crucial in a child’s development. Play is vital in their learning. Let them play but be selective on the toys you buy. It is also in this stage that you should note any disabilities such as deafblindness, autism spectrum disorder, cystic fibrosis, cancer or cerebral palsy. Detecting these earlier will help both you and your child in coping with the disability.
Having a child and becoming a mother is a rewarding experience. It is an adventure that may not always be beautiful. Nevertheless, being prepared is key. Learn child delivery options and arrange for such cases. Shop for your child but be mindful of the essential things to buy. Expensive toys, equipment, and clothes are not necessarily the best. Moreover, be observant of your child’s health and development. Recognize signs of pain and learning delays to be able to address them early.
I’m a 20-something stay-at-home mother and wife. I have an amazing husband, a beautiful daughter, two loving dogs, and a lazy cat. I wouldn’t change my life for anything! I love to read, listen to music, cook and blog!
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