Motherhood is a pretty amazing role, and you have a lot to think about as you get ready for this incredible experience.
Famous movie star Sophia Loren once reflected on the subject: “When you are a mother, you are never really alone in your thoughts. A mother always has to think twice, once for herself and once for her child.”
Our baby experts are sharing their favorite tips on things to prepare for as a new mom.
1. Catching Up On Sleep Time
Sleep deprivation is common when you welcome a newborn into the family. Catch those zzzs when you can, and even a 40-minute nap can have you feeling refreshed. Sleeping will feel like a luxury.
Try to wake up and go to bed at the same times each day to set a sleep ritual. If you take a bath every evening at 10 PM, for example, try to keep that schedule so that it becomes part of your nighttime routine.
Also, make sure that your bedroom is a dark and quiet place. The atmosphere is everything, and it helps to set the proper sleeping mood.
2. Being On The Breastfeeding Journey
Nursing your baby is natural, but even the experts admit that breastfeeding takes some practice and patience at the beginning. New moms want to give up because they feel overwhelmed and from the pain of sore nipples.
Breastfeeding offers multiple benefits, especially allowing for many beautiful bonding moments between a mother and her infant. In addition, breast milk provides important health outcomes for a baby’s development.
Don’t feel embarrassed about reaching out to lactation support and education online. These pros can get you on the right breastfeeding journey tailored for you.
3. Learning About Car Seat 101
Often, new moms become well-versed in changing diapers, breast pumping techniques. buying the perfect crib, stroller, etc., but many are not prepared for the future car seat. Keeping your precious little one safe is extremely important, and you want to ensure a safe ride home from the hospital.
For instance, all infants and toddlers should ride in a rear-facing seat until they reach the highest weight or height allowed by their car safety seat manufacturer.
Rear-facing only seats generally come with a base that can be left in the car. The seat conveniently clicks into and out of the base. That way, you don’t have to install the seat each time you use it.
A certified safety expert can help you with the proper installation of the car seat.
4. Preventing A SIDS Tragedy
SIDS stands for Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, and it happens when a baby 12 months or younger dies during sleep. It is heartbreaking because SIDS can occur with no warning signs or a clear reason.
There are things a new mom can do to prevent crib death from happening.
For example, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends putting a sleeping baby on its back on firm padding. Sharing a room and having the crib nearby has also been linked to preventing SIDS.
Another bit of advice is to always make sure your baby’s head is uncovered while they are sleeping. Also, pediatricians recommend not overheating. In other words, the temperature in your baby’s room should feel comfortable to you. Avoid over-dressing and over-bundling your baby.
5. Perfection Doesn’t Exist
As a new mom, you want everything to go smoothly and to become the perfect mother. Being a mom is one of the most rewarding experiences, but perfection doesn’t exist whether you’re a supermodel or the gal next door.
Trust your instincts, and don’t allow yourself to be caught up on social media, where people find it easy to judge others.
Don’t be discouraged if things don’t go the way you expect them every time. Brush yourself off, and start anew. You’ve got this. Remember to try and relax. Other new moms can help provide you with encouragement, support, and advice. We’re sure that some days will be tough, and you will no doubt be exhausted, but as a new mom, you will find your footing.
Consider our tips to prepare you for this remarkable journey called motherhood. Congratulations!
