If you’re reading this, you’re probably becoming a new mom and we would like to congratulate you and your partner! Besides, our wishes, we’ve also provided some practical advice and ideas that you can implement to prepare for your new loved one.
You probably have lots of ideas in your head already. Nonetheless, when it comes to babies, and especially if you are a first-timer, you will need all the information. But here is the thing, you don’t need to read too many books to get started; we have done all the hard work for you. We compiled the most crucial information you will need to be an expectant mother.
For you to understand and utilise the information better, we have broken it into parts: pregnancy, birth, and after birth. Each is going to expose you to all that you need to know during these periods.
Pregnancy
While you are still heavy with your baby inside, you take note of these tips that will go a long way in making you the best mother you can be.
- Talk to experienced mums
Who’s a better person to talk about mom stuff with than with a mum? No one. Talk to mature mums. Dismiss the idea that your questions might be ridiculous. When it comes to becoming the best mom you can be, your questions can afford to be silly. Who cares? You will get first-hand knowledge about anything that you are confused about.
- Take care of yourself
The fact that you are pregnant makes you highly responsible. It is no longer about you. This situation is quite different from when you have given birth. As much as ugly, this sounds miscarriage is common in Singapore; 25% of pregnancies usually leads to miscarriage. This fact is why you must take extra care. How can you do this?
- Go to the doctor during your scheduled appointment
- Register for antenatal
- Drink lots of water – It is important to constantly be hydrated especially when you’re pregnant as it forms amniotic fluid, produce extra blood volume, build new tissue, carry nutrients, help indigestion and flushes out your wastes and toxins.
- Ensure you eat healthily, and balanced foods to keep your blood level up
- Buy clothes
Yes, you read that correctly. As soon as you know the sex of your child, start shopping. Babies usually require a lot of clothes for their health sake. You can change their clothes up to 3 times a day to keep them away from germs; they are highly susceptible to diseases. Get loose-fitting clothes, and clothes you can picture your baby being extra comfortable in it.
- Tell your boss
I know your boss probably saw your prodding belly, however, go to his office, and tell right in his face that you will be expecting your baby soon. This step will ensure your company finds a replacement in preparation for your temporary maternity leave.
Don’t wait for your boss to tell you it is time to pack up. He or she might be way too busy even to remember to do so. Nonetheless, since this is an essential business for you, talk to your boss.
Birth
In preparing for delivery, you need you to move up your plans. I refer to this period when you are months away from your due date to 1-2 weeks to go. Here, check some of these out:
- Arrange for more help or a support team
You need to look into support. You must do this. Don’t wait until you had given birth before you began arranging for more help. Do it before now, and your extra support will be available immediately after your child’s delivery.
You might think you do not need help or a support team, but trust me when I tell you that you do. One or two people might be enough. They do not have to everywhere. Let them be available for you, in any case, and you do need them.
You could go all out for local help, or tell any relative you trust to be ready. Try saying that beautifully; one of them will be there to see you through.
- Childbirth education
Read all you can on childbirth. Yes, I know being pregnant tells me that you are prepared for it already. However, that resolution is not enough. Ask questions, read books, and watch clips. Together, they will make you emotionally, physiologically, and physically ready for childbirth.
- Stock up nappies
Correctly as you have stacked up on clothes, go shopping for nappies. Your baby is going to need hundreds of those. No, I am not exaggerating. You can choose to buy them in bits and pieces; nonetheless, you need a lot to begin.
- Extra accessories to buy along with the necessary items
Along with the necessities which include, clothes, nappies, baby crib, baby vitamins, and other infant medicine, you need more. We made a list of some of the unobvious things most mothers do not think about until later. Here:
- Recommended baby safety car seat
- A stroller that is reclinable for your baby to relax
- A baby thermometer just in case
- Medicinal spoon and eyedropper
- Baby carrier or sling
- Baby bag
- One or two baby toys
- Diaper bag
- Scissors or nail clippers for your baby in any case you want to do more than merely a bit of the finger.
There are probably more; however, at the moment, this will do. Don’t feel weird that you are getting all this a bit early; one way or the other, you will certainly need them.
After birth
So now you got your baby in your arm and feel all giddy inside. To become the best mom you can be for your baby, take note of the following.
- Know what cluster feeding is and expect it
Yep, cluster feeding is one of the few weird encounters you are going to experience after your child’s delivery. Cluster feeding is when your baby needs to eat almost every single moment of the day and cry out when you do not feed them. Except that, this as it is widespread. Don’t get all freaked out that there is something wrong with your child. There is absolutely nothing wrong. Babies are just babies.
- Taking care of yourself takes care of your baby
Just as you’ve taken care of yourself during your pregnancy, you should do the same now and recoup your health back to it’s prime. There is no doubt that you will have little time on your hands, but taking care of your self ensures your baby has you to be there for him or her.
- Expect hectic first few months
Know that the first few months will be hectic and it is normal. You will sleep less, be confused at some point, and things might seem out of hand. Expect all of this. Most if not all mothers will go through this, you can reach out with mothers who have gone through this phase of life. If that does not help, we recommended that you arrange for a specialist or support group.
- You can’t be sure the kind of mum you would be
As much as this sounds pessimistic, know that you can’t be sure of the type of mother you will be. Do all that you are required to do for your baby and yourself. However, know that all the effort you put into your baby’s care won’t produce your expected outcome.
You are going to make many wrong turns at the same time a lot of right ones. Don’t beat up yourself when you didn’t know about something obvious concerning your baby. You are not Albert Einstein. All you need to do is try your very best.
Being a mom will mean you will have larger commitments, but it is a fantastic experience that you should be proud of every moment of the day. A new life has been placed in your position to protect and ensure their walk to adulthood. You can handle it, no pressure. All you have to do is make good use of all the information provided here, and acquire more. You can no doubt be the best mom you can be to your expected loved one.