new mom, pregnancy, tips

Tips for new moms. Image via Pexels/ Mart Production.

New mom alert! What to expect when you’re expecting

You are expecting your first little bundle of joy, but now what? Here are a few tips to help calm the nerves of a new mom.

new mom, pregnancy, tips

Tips for new moms. Image via Pexels/ Mart Production.

Preparing for birth and your role as a new mom can be exciting and frightening at the same time. Here are a few tips to help put your minds at ease.

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YOU’RE PREGNANT; NOW WHAT? HERE’S WHAT A NEW MOM CAN EXPECT 

Every second, four babies are born somewhere in the world. The most popular question usually precedes most births: Is it a boy or a girl?

In South Africa, 1 million births took place in 2021, with the most popular choice of birth names being Lethabo and Melokuhle, according to Statistics South Africa, both of which represent positive connotations of love and acceptance. And did you know that statistically, slightly more boys are born than girls, with the World Health Organisation stating that around 105 boys are born per 100 girls?

Whether you choose to find out the sex of your fetus at your 20-week ultrasound appointment and throw a celebratory baby naming ceremony with friends and family, or; you prefer to be surprised on the day of your delivery, it will undoubtedly be a watershed moment. No one forgets the day they became a bona fide parent responsible for building and strengthening the mother-father-and-child bond through everyday love and caring.

As a parent, you will want what is best for your baby from day one. Here are a few essential tips.

PREPARING FOR BIRTH

Not everyone is gifted with the opportunity to fall pregnant and deliver a child into the world. When you do fall pregnant, however, you also realize that your growing belly doesn’t come with a manual for life. Instead, you are the manual, and it is your responsibility to look after yourself first and then your child in the best conceivable way.

It is your turn now to step up to being the ‘Mom knows best’ in your life while gathering information along your journey, finding support, asking questions, and using the best tools for loving, nurturing, nourishing, and growing that new life inside of you which carries fifty percent of its DNA from Mom and the other half from Dad.

SELF-CARE IS IMPORTANT

When you test positive for a baby, your physical body immediately gets to work. You will notice changes such as weight gain, backache, and fluid retention as the pressure of your growing womb affects the blood flow in your legs.

Gestation is not only a time for your baby to grow and develop but for you to become more conscious and attentive to your and your body’s needs. Self-care means resting when you are tired, cutting out junk foods and food cravings, walking or stretching daily to strengthen your body in preparation for birth, and preparing your home nest to receive a new member who will seamlessly fit into your everyday routines as possible.

Mental health-pregnancy
How to safeguard your mental health during pregnancy. Image by Pexels

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IMPORTANT TRIMESTER CHECKLISTS

The first trimester is the most critical period of your baby’s development. This is when your baby’s structure and organs develop. Most miscarriages and birth defects occur during this uncertain period, and your body undergoes significant changes.

First Trimester Essentials: Week 1 – 13:

  • Start taking prenatal vitamins and avoid unsafe foods such as raw eggs, deli meat, and raw fish.
  •  Stop smoking and drinking alcohol, and reduce your caffeine intake.
  •  Stay hydrated and try to fit in at least 30 minutes of physical activity most days of the week.
  •  Settle on a gynecologist, midwife, or another prenatal care provider
  •  Check your medical aid insurance to see if it covers prenatal care and delivery
  •  Schedule your first prenatal appointment usually around the 8-week mark
  •  Talk to your doctor or midwife about prenatal testing to check for genetic defects and HIV.
  •  Check your finances, the costs of your baby, and how maternity leave will impact you. Start a budget and a savings plan.
  •  Discuss your parenting ideas with your partner and agree on how you want to raise your child, and research parenting and prenatal classes you can sign up for together.

YOU HAVE A BABY; NOW WHAT?

Following the birth, the first ten days with your newborn at home will prove to be as big a learning curve as it was on initially hearing you were pregnant. Don’t panic; this is where your instincts kick in and perform at their best. If you don’t have a mom, sister, or doula to support you, here are a few practical tips for your baby’s healthy development:

SKIN-TO-SKIN IS KEY

Your baby loves feeling, hearing, and smelling your presence, giving them a sense of protection and calm. Hug, touch, talk, and stroke your child as much as possible. Within a few days, your newborn can start smiling back when people smile at them.

BREASTMILK FOR THE WIN

Mother’s milk is a pure elixir to babies helping them to grow properly and develop their immune systems. Breast pumping is an easy and practical method for modern mums to bring in their milk and ensure they supply enough breast milk at every feed and for the two-year mandated breastfeeding period while juggling life and a career.

COMMUNICATION IS IMPORTANT

Talk to your child in soft tones and baby talk. You will notice they can hear and soon start memorizing and copying your words.

UNDERSTANDING THE TEARS

A newborn baby cannot look after itself and relies on you to meet its needs. A baby will cry when hungry if it has a soiled nappy, is tired, needs a cuddle, has wind, is too hot or cold, or is bored or overstimulated.

TIP: Babies suckle to calm themselves. For babies with a strong need to suck beyond feeding, a soother can help to relax your baby. All babies are unique and different. Of course, comfort is personal, so you will find a wide variety of soothers to suit your baby’s unique needs. From newborn to toddler, glow-in-the-dark to extra airflow, and endless cute designs, Philips Avent has a little bit of comfort for every baby’s needs.

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CLICK HERE TO READ MORE ARTICLES BY MARIETTE VAN NIEKERK