There’s nothing like becoming a first-time mom: the anticipation, joy, and excitement. Pregnancy and parenthood don’t come with a manual. Should I still have morning sickness at four months pregnant? How do I breastfeed—will I know what to do? And while lots of well-meaning family and friends will freely offer you an abundance of valuable tips, it all can be a little overwhelming. Here are some things to keep in mind as you navigate pregnancy and those first amazing few months of parenthood. 

Prepare the best you can, but also trust your gut

The more you learn about typical pregnancy and parenting experiences, the better you’ll understand what to expect. Ask your OB-GYN and pediatrician plenty of questions and read reputable books and health websites for insights that may provide you with additional peace of mind. 

Prenatal education

Whether you dive into pregnancy-related publications, podcasts, and social media or attend prenatal classes, education could be key to helping you feel more confident during your pregnancy journey. 

For example, did you know that you could still have morning sickness at four or five months pregnant? While the hormonally triggered nausea and vomiting often subsides after the first trimester, some women can have morning sickness throughout their pregnancy. Morning sickness doesn’t hurt the baby, but if it’s severe, it can make you very dehydrated and could indicate a more serious condition called hyperemesis gravidarum. Talk to your doctor about how you’re feeling.

As a first-time mom, you may also be surprised to learn that Braxton Hicks contractions, which can start as early as your sixth month of pregnancy, are typical. While uncomfortable, they usually last for only about 15 seconds and aren’t actual labor. Knowing how they differ from true contractions can help ease your concerns. 

And remember, while seasoned moms can be great sources of information and support, be sure to reach out to your OB-GYN for answers to your specific medical questions and to verify facts. 

Newborn know-how

Prepare for your little one’s arrival by understanding typical feeding and pooping patterns, the best sleeping position (always on their back), and expected newborn development. Do keep in mind that every baby is unique. Plus, you should always trust your instincts. If something doesn’t seem right or you have questions, ask your doctor. 

During pregnancy: Rest and take care of yourself

Self-care during pregnancy can help promote positive outcomes for both you and your baby. 

Focus on nutrition. During pregnancy, your diet not only impacts your well-being but also plays a crucial role in your little one’s growth and development. Support your nutritional needs with a healthy, well-balanced diet, a prenatal vitamin, and plenty of water. 

Get quality sleep. Everything from heartburn to your growing belly can make sleeping a challenge. Try to establish healthy sleep habits and strategies, such as:

• Creating a relaxing, dark, and distraction-free sleeping environment
• Keeping crackers by the side of your bed to help settle your stomach
• Increasing hydration during the day but reducing it before bedtime to minimize middle-of-the-night bathroom trips
• Avoiding spicy foods and caffeine that may contribute to heartburn, which could keep you awake
• Using pillows in later months to support your back and belly and get more comfortable

Stay active. Regular exercise can help you sleep better, manage weight gain, and give your mood a boost. Keep up your physical activity and talk to your doctor about pregnancy-safe exercises, such as walking, swimming, and stationary biking.

Leaving the hospital after birth can be a bit daunting

Ready to bring your baby from the hospital? You may be wondering, “Now what?”

The hospital may have given you a feeling of security. As you leave the safety net and return home, feeling nervous and overwhelmed can be expected. With barely any parenting experience, you’re now entrusted with a newborn. These tips can help with the transition:

• Accept help. Now is an excellent time to accept help with laundry, food shopping, cooking, and cleaning. 
• Limit guests. Everyone from cousins to co-workers will want to meet your new family member, but many can wait. Take time to rest and become acquainted with your new parenting role before welcoming too many visitors. 
• Prepare your pets. If you have a dog or cat, allow your pet to smell a blanket with your baby’s scent on it before coming home. 
• Stock up on diapers. Minimize the need to run out and get diapers during those first couple of weeks by having an ample supply on hand.
• Sleep when you can. Sleep can be easier said than done during these early days, but do catch as many Z’s as you can. Try to sleep when your baby sleeps. 
• Communicate. Talk to your partner, support network, and doctors as needed about your concerns or any feelings you have. 

Holding your baby “too much” won’t spoil them

You may have heard that holding your baby “too much” will spoil them. It’s one of those myths that is frequently passed down through generations. The fact is, physical contact between you and your little one is essential to your infant’s development. 

Studies show that touch in early infancy may be the most important sense. It is calming for babies and holding a baby helps parents and caregivers recognize hunger cues and other infant signals. Babies communicate by crying, so when you pick them up in response, they begin to build a sense of trust.

There can be a breastfeeding learning curve

Breastfeeding is a natural way for babies to feed, but it doesn’t always come naturally for you or your baby. Consider these strategies:

• Set the mood. Create a serene environment away from disturbances. 
• Get into a comfortable position. You may have to try several different breastfeeding positions to find the one that works best for you and your baby.
• Provide latching help. While babies have a natural sucking reflex, they might need assistance with latching. Ensure your little one’s mouth is wide open and covers as much of the areola as possible. A proper latch will help your baby receive enough nutrition with each feeding. It will also help you maintain your milk supply by increasing the removal of milk, which in turn stimulates more milk production.
• Pay attention to your baby’s cues. They might prefer feeding from one breast or both. If they doze off during the meal, consider switching to the other breast. 
• Massage for milk flow. Gently massage your breast towards the nipple to guide the milk flow into your baby’s mouth.
• Breastfeed as your baby demands it. Breast milk production works on supply and demand. Typically, the more you express from your breasts, the more your body will produce.

Getting the hang of breastfeeding can take some time and a bit of trial and error. If you have any questions or concerns, an excellent resource is your pediatrician or a lactation consultant. And remember, there’s no need to feel guilty if you can’t or choose not to breastfeed. As long as your baby is fed and nourished, there are many other ways to bond with your little one. 

Give yourself some grace 

Motherhood is filled with precious, life-changing moments, but remember—no new parent has everything perfectly figured out. Whether you’ve already given birth or are still waiting for your little one’s arrival, avoid comparing yourself to others. Practice self-care and stress-relieving strategies like meditation or journaling and ask for assistance when needed. Try to let go of expectations as you and your baby grow, develop, and discover your new world together. 

Thank you for reading.

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