What helpful hints would have made you feel more prepared for motherhood?

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I am writing a book about helpful hints for moms-to-be. I am looking for any ideas you might have ranging from all topics. Two examples are:
1. Wash all baby's clothes before putting them in the closet because they might shrink and you will miss the opportunity to put them on your baby.
2. Understand incontinence is as issue during pregnancy and up to a year after giving birth. If the issue remains there are ways of having it fixed via massage or surgery. You do not have to pee yourself for the rest of your life!

Can you think of anything that you would have liked to have known during your pregnancy and when you were a new mom?

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Permalink Reply by The Triumphant Child on September 2, 2009 at 2:35pm: Hi Catherine,
Wow, good for you - I have just finished a book about Caring for newborns. One of my tips would be to make a plan before you have the baby, for visitors/helpers in the first few weeks after birth. Talk to your partner about it and brainstorm some ideas for people who want to help. I think it helps to have some ideas before hand - some new parents are comfortable with lots of visitors helping and others find it overwhelming.
Good luck

www.thetriumphantchild.com; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by JOdy on September 2, 2009 at 4:47pm: As a mom of six, I think I would have liked to know more about what happens after having the baby and some tips on 'self-care'.
But here is one of my best tips for a soon to be mom "Music helps! soothing music while baby is in the womb truly works when they come out! Babies can 'hear' I think it's around mth 5 so playing soothing music and rubbing your tummy is great...then when they are born, they will recognize your voice and if soothing needs to happen play the same music and rub their backs. You will soon have a soothed and more calm baby!"; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Sarah Burnham on September 3, 2009 at 1:53pm: Thank you so much Jody. I appreciate that information! I love music and found it soothing for myself during my pregnancy and it probably indirectly calmed the baby too. Great idea.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Sarah Burnham on September 3, 2009 at 1:57pm: Thank you for the great advice. Is the book called the Triumphant Child? I will take a look at your website and add it as a favorite. I am always looking for way of making a new moms life easier.

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Permalink Reply by junewang on September 4, 2009 at 3:01am: Hi Catherine,
I am a new member here.Nice to know you.
I just want to share about myself when I was pregnant and delivered last year. I was so afraid about my pregnancy and worried about the foods.I avoided raw foods and only drink milk and mineral water. I also afraid to go outside..(I think I'm too paranoid)
When I became a mother, I know nothing about how to carry my baby,bathing him and how to breastfeeding .
I know only the theory from the books, but when I have to practice them..I'm too scared.
I hope your new book can answer all of the worries for mom-to-be.
Good luck on your writing.
Thanks.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Julie on September 4, 2009 at 8:15am: Don't feel guilty if you can't breastfeed...I had high hopes about doing this with all my kids...I stopped feeling guilty over it with my number 3 child.

Friends with kids are a great way to share clothes once the kids out grow them.
Also thoughts of labor for me changed from using drugs during labor to not wanting them during all of my pregnancies.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Deborah Hahnke on September 4, 2009 at 8:50am: Keep everything in perspective. Don't be your child's friend, be their parent. Say no and mean it, even if it means you go in your room and cry your eyes out in private because you can't stand the thought of your child feeling bad.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by ValueRays on September 4, 2009 at 8:57am: Here's a thought.....

Give your child three things throughout his/her life:
1. Love
2. Stability
3. Support; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Sarah Burnham on September 6, 2009 at 10:04am: Hello June,

I am looking at all of those issues.
As a matter of fact I am going to have a nutritionist guest blog on my website soon. I am hoping to help expectant moms with the questions they feel to embarrassed about asking anyone else. I am breaking it down to the basics and hopefully I can help women embrace motherhood and not be so paranoid or stressed. Thank you for taking the time to say hello.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Sarah Burnham on September 6, 2009 at 10:08am: Hey Julie,
Breast feeding is traumatic. I barely made it through to month five with both kids because my milk never fully came in and I had all sorts of help with lactation consultants and herbal remedies. I finally felt good when I made the decision to do half breast feeding and half formula. I continued to feel a little guilty but I was sure more relaxed after making that decision. This is certainly a topic I am writing about!; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Greenstew on September 19, 2009 at 7:27pm: Julie said:
Don't feel guilty if you can't breastfeed...I had high hopes about doing this with all my kids...I stopped feeling guilty over it with my number 3 child.

Friends with kids are a great way to share clothes once the kids out grow them.
Also thoughts of labor for me changed from using drugs during labor to not wanting them during all of my pregnancies.

I agree, I could not breast feed any of my children. Turns out I just don't get milk, don't go crazy about this issue. Just enjoy your baby.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Kathleen Hogg on September 24, 2009 at 11:10am: Here are a few that I wished I knew: 1. the first bowel movement after having a baby is probably worse than birth - no one tells you that. 2. That it is a huge overwhelming and amazing thing, when you bring the baby home and you are alone with this child and WOW, you are responsible for this person for forever. 3. That you, as the mother, will always intuitvely know your child better than anyone else, so although all of the advice is great, take what you want from advice given and delete what you don't like. You are the mother and you are in charge. 4. If your gut tells you something is wrong with your baby (sickness, dehydration, vision problems etc.) take your baby to the Dr. If the Dr. does not give you what you think is the right answer, do not be afraid to challenge him/her and/or get a second opinion. Do not feel afraid of asking questions about anything. 5. Realize that you now have absolutely no modesty left whatsoever, with everyone standing in a room looking at you in that situation, your perception of shyness has changed forever. 6. Don't be afraid that you won't hear your baby cry in the night,you will hear it sigh from down the hall!!!!; ▶ Reply to This