Over my journey in pregnancy and motherhood there are a few advice I would like to give those expecting mothers and those starting motherhood. Now I'm no expert and I'm still learning myself but if there's anything I've learn I don't mind sharing.
In pregnancy:
1. Stay hydrated- I know you hear it often but this truly makes a difference in the way you feel and your moods. Along with all the other benefits to you and baby.
2. Drink your prenatal vitamins- I know I know. They stink. They're big. You forget. But boy oh boy are they important.
3. Don't Stress- not too much anyways. You will always worry. About any little thing and everything. But have faith that things will work out as they should. Don't go to google every time you don't understand something or get worry because reading something unexpected will only make it worse. Instead stay healthy and happy for your baby. Remember that he or she feels everything you feel and can sense your stress level as well as it can affect him/her. So try your best to stay as happy and healthy as you can.
4. Take Maternity Pictures- whether they're professional or not take some pictures. Over the weeks. Over the months. Or even just once. You may say that you don't need them because you'll be pregnant again but remember that although that is true, you will only be pregnant with that child once. You want to remember that time and I'm sure your child would enjoy those pictures just as much when they are older. I would love to have a picture of my mother when she was pregnant with me.
5. Enjoy every minute of it- stay positive. Every pregnancy is different and full of surprises enjoy it. Every bit of it. Even the morning sickness because what your body is doing is beyond amazing. Nurturing a fetus that will one day be an adult just like you and me. Love your body, even the stretch marks that come with it because like I've heard before they are just the scars of a mother protecting her child for nine months. You should be proud of what you've done. Wear them proudly.
6. Get your read on- research research research. You can't never research too much. Educate yourself. Know what to expect. What's to come and how to handle it. Be ready, or at least as ready as can be. Read other stories. Find a support group of girls going through the same changes as you. And most importantly be open-minded. Don't get stuck in your own ways but rather be open to try other things.
In Motherhood:
1. Ask for help/Take the help offered- things can get overwhelming so don't be afraid to take a step back and as for help. Even better take the help when someone offers it. Whether is some cooking or cleaning or even watching the older kids. You need to ease into things. Don't just jump into your old life because that old life is no more. Now you have a precious bundle of joy that will change it all. For the better of course ;)
2. Rest- they say to sleep when the baby sleep and boy is this right on sanity. I'm sure the hubby won't mind that there are dishes on the sink or that you're running late with dinner. I'm pretty sure he'd rather see you happy and sane then have a clean kitchen. Do only as much as your body allows and take it easy. You just did something amazing. You deserve a break from house duties.
3. Take plenty of pictures- time will fly by in the blink of an eye and you'll be left wondering where did the time go. And as long as you have those pictures you'll be able to go back in time and remember where they went. Your baby's face will change way too fast, you'll want to have those pictures to think back on. Trust me.
4. Live in the moment- enjoy every minute with you sweet baby and your new family. Don't worry too much on when your maternity leave will be over, who will babysit the baby, how you're going to handle being separate from your baby. Just enjoy the time you have now, make those moments count because one thing that you can be certain of is that you'll never get them back.
5. Get out of the house- go out for a walk at a park or the mall. Go to a friends house. Out to dinner. Anywhere. Just get out of the house. It will do you good to get the fresh air.
6. Find time for yourself and your spouse- bringing a new baby home can bring on stress on a couple. Make sure you keep date nights going even if its for an hour or two, breakfast or lunch, inside or out just make time for yourselves to reconnect and keep the love growing. Certainly things will be different but don't forget how you got here in the first place.
Well. This got pretty lengthy. I hope you find my advice helpful in anyway.
At last though I'm caught up with this link up. :)
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