Tips for Transitioning into Motherhood

By Guest Blogger Katie Moore

First time motherhood is a monumental experience that can be filled with anticipation, joy, and amazement. Luckily, the long nine months of pregnancy allow a mom-to-be to address several of her questions and concerns before the baby even arrives.

Some decisions should be made prior to the baby's arrival, including:

1. Cloth diapering versus disposable - For cloth diapering, there are some start up costs that should be noted, including different sized diaper covers and washable inserts; for disposable diapering, moms should have enough diapers and wipes for the first few weeks of baby's life, but remember that certain brands will work better for each baby so try not to stock up too far in advance in case baby needs a different diaper brand

2. Formula versus breast feeding - Every mother has the right to decide how to feed her baby. It has generally been believed that breastfeeding was better for a child, but formula feeding is just as healthy. For breastfeeding, there are several educational resources including lactation specialists at the hospital and breastfeeding classes a woman can take to learn the proper way to get her baby to latch on.

Baby formulas are available in several different varieties and the baby may prefer one type to another due to sensitivity, taste and even allergies; moms can contact formula companies and request different samples to have on hand when baby is here and ready to eat; many hospitals and doctor's offices can also provide formula samples until moms find the one that works best for their baby.

3. Cord blood banking – Planned for before delivery day with a private storage facility, umbilical cord blood banking is where the cord blood is collected after birth and stored for potential use in treating a possible future illnesses. The medical staff in the delivery room should be made aware that this option has been chosen by the parents so they can plan to perform the collection when the time comes.

The first few weeks of baby's life is an adjustment period for mom and baby. For a mother used to a full night's sleep, the interruptions at night to feed the baby can take its toll. Luckily, there are several things that a mom can do to regain her strength and avoid suffering from sleep deprivation:

1. Sleep when the baby sleeps! A new mother should relax and avoid the temptation to do housework or other chores when the baby naps. Mom can snuggle into bed and take a nap; even a short amount of time resting can do wonders for their energy level.

2. Proper Nutrition – A mom should make sure she is eating and drinking enough, especially if breastfeeding, to help keep her energy up. Making it a priority to have small meals throughout the day and always keep a water bottle handy are great ways for a mother to ensure her health is taken care of.

3. Accept offers of help – Many times, family and friends want to help a new mom take care of her home and newborn to help during post-delivery recovery. Some mothers may feel reluctant to accept the help either out of embarrassment or the feeling that, as the mother, she needs to be able to handle it all. For a new mother, recovery time is important and she can learn that her feelings of exhaustion will not be forever; accepting help with house chores or babysitting will allow a mother some time to rest and relax.

A new mom should know that it is normal to have some emotional ups and downs, known commonly as the “baby blues”. A mother has just gone through a major change and will need time to heal. However, if a mom ever feels like her moods are just too much to handle, she should feel comfortable asking her doctor about postpartum depression. With a great support system of family, friends and medical partners, a mother will transition into motherhood with ease.

This article was written by Katie Moore. Katie is an active writer within the blogging community who discusses maternity, motherhood, prenatal health, childbirth and other topics within this niche.  If you have any questions or would like to connect with Katie please contact by visiting her blog, Moore From Katie or her twitter @moorekm26.

Please don’t forget to stop by Katie’s blog and check out more of her wonderful posts.

Irene