by Calista Sprague
Bringing your first baby into the world is an awesome experience. Despite months of preparation, you will undoubtedly be surprised and amazed by the changes, challenges and wonderment your little one will bring. Although exciting, your first pregnancy may also elicit anxiety. Many moms fear the moment when they will leave the hospital with their newborn. What if I do something wrong? There is so much to know, what if I forget something important? And the ultimate: What if I’m not a good mother? Fear of the unknown is natural, but not necessary. Armed with these facts, most anyone can survive the first few months of first-time motherhood and hopefully, enjoy it.
Just focus on the basics. Mothering a newborn consists mainly of making your child safe, healthy and most of all, loved. A mother who cares about the quality of her parenting is sure to meet these basic needs. In the long run, nothing else matters.
The RIGHT way does not exist. Pick any topic, ask three experts and you will likely hear three different opinions. Inform yourself by consulting your pediatrician, trusted books or websites and of course, Valley Parent. But then, do what feels best to you and works best for your baby. Your inner wisdom, that little voice we too often tune out, is your best bet.
Baby picks up on your emotional state. RELAX! If you are stressed and harried, he is more likely to be fussy. Don’t try to be Superwoman. No one can do it all, so prioritize and let the less important tasks go.
The first three months are the most difficult By three months old, most likely your baby will have adjusted to the world and you and will have adjusted to her. No matter how difficult things get, just tell yourself: It WILL get better.
Take care of yourself. Your newborn has needs,but so do you. Designate an hour every night for daddy-baby bonding time. If breastfeeding, make sure she is well fed, then take a bath, read a book, listen to music or do a craft. You will have much more energy to offer your baby if you regularly fill yourself with simple pleasures like these.
Babies cry. New moms tend to jump at every peep, but sometimes babies are just fussy. If he’s not wet or hungry, give him a couple minutes before you reach for him. If the crying escalates, by all means pick him up! You CANNOT spoil an infant! But, don’t feel like you have to rush to his side for every little fuss.
Schedule date night. Your children depend on both parents, but your marriage cannot survive if you neglect your husband. Get a babysitter to give the two of you one night a week to get out of the house. And do NOT talk about the baby.
No parent is perfect. You will make mistakes, but babies possess surprising amounts of resiliency. Remember, our parents were not perfect, but we survived!
JUST FOR YOU
Check out these local events just for Mom.
Body Beautiful (Body Sculpting for Women)
Attain a healthy and beautiful figure using weights/resistance bands to
improve strength, have better posture with fewer back problems, stronger
bones, and increased energy. At the Bradley Turner Center at CSU Tuesdays
from Sept. 5 to Oct. 10 at 6 p.m. Cost: $69. Information: 706-568-2023
4th Annual Health Awareness for Today's Woman
Ladies, it's important to take care of yourself, and here's a great way to
do just that. Question and answer sessions, health screenings, and general
health information. Sept. 9 from 7:45 a.m.-1:30 p.m. at the St. Luke Ministry
Center, 301 11th St. Lunch provided. Space is limited, register by calling
706-561-5632. Free.
Hughston Healthy Lifestyles "If The Shoe Fits, Wear It"
Do your feet hurt? 90% of women wear shoes that are too small. Poorly fitted
shoes can cause discomfort, injury and even permanent deformity. Dr. Christopher Bowman explains common shoe mistakes, how to find the correct shoe and the prevention and treatment of common foot problems. Sept. 26 at 12 p.m. at the Hughston Foundation Auditorium. Lunch provided for $5. Call 706-494-2575 to register.
