Please enjoy the following guest post by Julia Merrill with useful tips on preparing for pregnancy as a new mom.
Julia Merrill is on a mission. She wants to use information to close the gap between medical providers and their patients. She started BefriendYourDoc.org to do just that.
Julia Merrill is on a mission. She wants to use information to close the gap between medical providers and their patients. She started BefriendYourDoc.org to do just that.
Many moms-to-be go through a nesting phase where they feel the urge to clean, cook, and get everything ready for baby’s arrival. Why is this urge so strong? It’s almost as if there’s something in our DNA telling us that life with a new baby requires this preparation. Having a baby is amazing — and it’s also exhausting! This is why all new moms, especially single moms, need the right tools and support to make life as a new parent easier.
The right supplies
Any mom-to-be knows that getting ready for a baby involves stocking up on plenty of essential gear. However, beyond the babycare essentials, how do you know what is really necessary? Of course, you don’t need every baby item ever invented. The ones that are worthwhile save you time, provide comfort, and generally make your life easier.
For any nursing mom, investing in a hands-free pumping bra is always smart. With a couple of these on hand, you can nurse and pump hands-free wherever you go. This is especially convenient when you go back to work because you’re always able to nurse or pump, wherever you are and whenever you need to, without having to change bras.
Another essential for staying hands-free is a good quality baby carrier. Some babies will chill in a swing or bouncy seat like a champ, but others want to be held and cuddled all the time, especially during those early days. There are several styles on the market, so it’s worth taking the time to find the right baby carrier for you.
For any nursing mom, investing in a hands-free pumping bra is always smart. With a couple of these on hand, you can nurse and pump hands-free wherever you go. This is especially convenient when you go back to work because you’re always able to nurse or pump, wherever you are and whenever you need to, without having to change bras.
Another essential for staying hands-free is a good quality baby carrier. Some babies will chill in a swing or bouncy seat like a champ, but others want to be held and cuddled all the time, especially during those early days. There are several styles on the market, so it’s worth taking the time to find the right baby carrier for you.
The right setup
Having the right gear is a start, but it doesn’t help much if you don’t have the right setup. When you’re arranging the nursery, Scary Mommy recommends thinking not just about how it looks but also how to set everything up for convenience. When you’re awoken in the middle of the night for a diaper change, is everything you need right at hand? The quicker you can take care of business, the quicker you’re back to bed! If you’re a single mom who will be handling nighttime duty solo, making the most of your slumber is even more important.
The same trick goes for feedings, outings, and everything else you do. Once you get the hang of things, you’ll be able to feed your baby anywhere, but in the early days, it’s nice to have a designated feeding spot that has everything you need. And to be prepared for outings, make sure you have a good diaper bag where all your necessities can be organized and ready to go.
The same trick goes for feedings, outings, and everything else you do. Once you get the hang of things, you’ll be able to feed your baby anywhere, but in the early days, it’s nice to have a designated feeding spot that has everything you need. And to be prepared for outings, make sure you have a good diaper bag where all your necessities can be organized and ready to go.
The right healthy habits
Pregnancy is a natural part of life, but it can take a toll on your body. Taking prenatal vitamins, eating right, and staying active are essential health tips for baby’s development, but these healthy habits can also make a huge difference in how easy (or hard) this process is on you. According to the Bump, exercising during pregnancy helps give you more stamina for labor and can even reduce the uncomfortable swelling that is common towards the end of pregnancy.
Along the same lines, the foods you choose during pregnancy and postpartum not only make for a healthier baby, but they also fuel you for optimal energy. To maximize your health and energy, focus on eating foods that deliver the key nutrients your body needs. Eating Well makes this easier with pregnancy meal plans. Pick a few that look appetizing, and then make a shopping list. If you find some new favorites, be sure to save these recipes for later.
Life is full of major changes, but few things can change your life in quite the same way that becoming a parent does. While you can never know 100 percent what to expect as a new parent, the best you can do is anticipate the crazy, beautiful, hectic life to come. Then, put these strategies in place to make it all go more smoothly!
Along the same lines, the foods you choose during pregnancy and postpartum not only make for a healthier baby, but they also fuel you for optimal energy. To maximize your health and energy, focus on eating foods that deliver the key nutrients your body needs. Eating Well makes this easier with pregnancy meal plans. Pick a few that look appetizing, and then make a shopping list. If you find some new favorites, be sure to save these recipes for later.
Life is full of major changes, but few things can change your life in quite the same way that becoming a parent does. While you can never know 100 percent what to expect as a new parent, the best you can do is anticipate the crazy, beautiful, hectic life to come. Then, put these strategies in place to make it all go more smoothly!
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If you haven’t already read the book, it’s a great place to start - Relationship Reboot: Break free from the bad habits in your relationship.
David B. Younger, Ph.D. is the creator of Love After Kids, for couples that have grown apart since having children. He is a clinical psychologist and couples therapist with a web-based private practice and lives in Austin, Texas with his wife, 14-year-old son, 5-year-old daughter and 7-year-old toy poodle.
If you haven’t already read the book, it’s a great place to start - Relationship Reboot: Break free from the bad habits in your relationship.
David B. Younger, Ph.D. is the creator of Love After Kids, for couples that have grown apart since having children. He is a clinical psychologist and couples therapist with a web-based private practice and lives in Austin, Texas with his wife, 14-year-old son, 5-year-old daughter and 7-year-old toy poodle.
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