Hello From the Other Side
I’ve been a mom for close to three months now, which feels like a victory in an odd way. I learn something new each day, but just when I think I might have a handle on it all, there’s a new growing pain to deal with or a milestone on the horizon. That said, I realized the other day (after yet another friend announced her pregnancy) that I did conquer one part of motherhood: nine glorious months of being with child. I might be a first-time mom, but I can pass along whatever wisdom I picked up during that exciting/nerve wracking time. If you’re pregnant for the first time, here’s a few tips from someone on the other side:
Go on a Babymoon
Before Flynn was born, my husband and I opted to enjoy a weekend away at a beachside resort a little over an hour away from our home. From the fine dining to the prenatal massage at the hotel spa, the trip was totally indulgent and special. It was great to have some time to ourselves before we added a baby to our dynamic, and I definitely recommend connecting with your partner before your world is turned upside down. The only thing I would change is the timing. We opted to go when I was in the third trimester, which involved a lot of waddling around the resort grounds (and complaining on my part). Take your babymoon in the second trimester when you’re at your most radiant and least crankiest.
Close the Baby Books
With all the extra reading that comes with pregnancy, one would hope the baby would come with a degree as well. I flipped through stacks upon stacks of baby books before I decided I needed a break before I lost my mind (or went blind). There’s great information available for all things baby, but make sure to take it all in stride. Ultimately, you will be making most of your decisions once the baby is born and dictating his/her personal needs. Take a moment to settle into being pregnant before determining if you’ll be using the Ferber Method of sleep training.
Buy a Few Postpartum Threads
Sadly, I’m not one of those women who slips back into her pre-pregnancy wardrobe a mere weeks after the baby is born. Since most women aren’t, I suggest buying a few postpartum clothing items before your baby arrives. Think stretchy pants, button-down (nursing-friendly) shirts and comfy maxi dresses. Knowing you have non-maternity clothing that fits waiting for you sort of softens the blow of not losing the baby weight quite as quickly as you hoped.
Take a Bath
As the mother of a small infant, I have officially mastered the three-minute shower. I’m usually pretty proud I’ve managed to shower at all sadly. Pregnancy is a great time to pamper yourself with a nice long, hot (not too hot) bath. Not only will a bath help those aches and pains, but it’s a chance to enjoy some pre-baby silence (sweet, sweet silence).
Jillian Gordon is the Managing Editor of Mamapedia.com. A Los Angeles-based lifestyle writer and editor, her work has appeared in Beauty Launchpad, Nailpro Magazine, Saturday Night Magazine and Westside Today. She is also the former Content Manager of Mom.me. Jillian welcomed her son Flynn in November, 2016.
