15 Useful Tips for First-Time Moms

Keeping these tips for first-time moms in mind will make life a little easier.

Being a mom is not an easy job, by any means. Doing it for the first time is even harder.

When it comes to parenting, experience is the very best teacher. Little by little, we learn from our mistakes and repeat what works.

Hearing the news that you’re going to be a parent for the first time is always a scary experience. Being worried is completely natural. After all, this is a venture into the unknown.

All this means that it can be a good idea to read up on parenting advice. There are many tips for first-time moms out there that can help to clear matters up a little.

In the age of the internet, all the information you could need is at your fingertips.

If you’re a first-time mom, these hints just might help you. Keep in mind that they are guidelines, not strict rules.

The idea behind all good parenting advice is to give you the tools to make your own decisions.

Tips for first-time moms

1. As soon as you find out that you’re expecting, see your doctor.
2. Count the weeks from the first day of your last period. Sometimes, it’s difficult to determine how many weeks we’ve been pregnant. The standard measure is the first day of your last menstrual period.
3. You’ll begin to feel the baby between the 18th and 20th week of pregnancy. At first, this will feel like a tickle or tingle.
4. Pay attention to your body and learn to recognize unusual symptoms. If you’re bleeding heavily, have a fever over 38ºC (100.4ºF) or are suffering from severe abdominal pain, go to the doctor.

1. Contractions are a surefire sign that you’re about to give birth. These feel like an ache in the belly or back that grows stronger.
2. You’ll be able to travel if your pregnancy isn’t high-risk. Ask your doctor about it.
3. You can do exercise while you’re pregnant. There are certain physical activities that don’t pose any risk.
4. There is nothing wrong with having sexual intercourse during pregnancy, as long as your pregnancy isn’t high-risk.
5. Mood swings are normal during pregnancy. Remember that your body is going through enormous changes, and your hormone levels too.
6. Document your pregnancy. Photos and videos are invaluable. This is a unique experience, and one that you’ll want to remember later on.
7. Take the chance to learn as much as you can. Ask other mothers or check reliable sources online. This way, you’ll feel better prepared.
8. You’ll need support from your partner, family and friends. Surround yourself with people who you can trust and who will share what you’re going through.
9. Once your baby is born, try to sleep when they do. This way you’ll be able to recharge your batteries to care for your newborn while they’re awake.
10. Don’t be afraid to put your foot down. The first few days with a new baby can be very difficult. This is a radical change in your life, and you’ll be very tired. Feel free to say no to visitors and take things at your own pace.
11. Be kind to your body. It will be difficult to shed the extra pounds that you gained during pregnancy. A good start is to eat healthily and take a walk each morning.

The most common mistakes that first-time parents make

We all make mistakes, especially during moments of radical change. If you do something wrong, don’t get hung up on it.

Here are just a few of the mistakes that first-time parents tend to make:

• Wrapping the baby up too warmly. Newborn babies get cold easily, but if we wrap them up in too many clothes, they can sweat a lot. Excess clothing is something that you should avoid, as it has been linked to asphyxia and sudden infant death syndrome.
• Bathing your baby every day. Pediatricians recommend giving your baby a bath two to three times a week. This is more than enough.

• Letting your baby cry. Although there are some authors that advise parents to let their baby cry, most experts have moved away from this theory. When your baby cries, pick them up and comfort them.
• Not letting your baby drain your breast. Let your baby drain all the milk from your breast before you switch them from one to the other.
• Paying too much attention to grandma. Grandmothers have a wealth of experience in raising children. However, your pediatrician’s advice should take precedence.

Is it normal to feel frustrated when you make these mistakes as a first-time mom? Of course.

But what is really important is to reach out to other mothers who have more experience and can guide you along the way.

Remember that these moms made mistakes just like you the first time. Take advantage of the lessons they’ve learned to be the best parent you can.