Whether you just gave birth, just got the “positive” sign, or are just starting to think about starting a family, you probably have lots of questions, concerns, and misgivings.
Parenthood is an exciting chapter in your life that nothing else can quite compare to. No matter how many baby books you read or how much advice you get from other parents, it never feels like quite enough. Stumbling upon frightening internet articles full of false information doesn’t help much either. But just because you don’t feel ready to be a parent doesn’t mean you aren’t. Nobody really feels completely "ready," especially when it comes to the first child.
Local Support Groups
Find a local mother support group. You can connect with other mothers who have been in the same boat as you, and they can offer you solid advice on what worked or didn't work for them. Sometimes it is useful to vent out your frustrations and know that you are not alone. It is likely that you will find several mothers out there who are feeling the same way you are and, in the process, find solitude in knowing what you are going through is normal. What you will soon discover is the overwhelming knowledge a group of mothers can possess among themselves. This is information you will not be able to find just anywhere. First-hand experience comes from the experts themselves.
Online Communities of Support
Joining an online community for moms does not mean you are weak or unable to mother your child without outside assistance. It means that you have the strength to ask others for assistance when you need it and have a knowledge-rich social network to turn to for all issues, parenting or baby-related. You are setting a good example for your children by showing them that a community helps raise a child. Together we can help bring up our children in a positive light that is beneficial to both our children and the parents themselves. As a first-time mom, this kind of experience is very valuable and even necessary for a balanced life.
Topics to Discuss
Connect with other mothers. Let them know how your pregnancy is going and what questions and concerns you have before the baby is born. Best of all, if you join the community while you are still pregnant, you are allowing yourself plenty of time to become acquainted with various bits of information that can help prepare you for when the baby actually arrives. Other mothers can give you tips about what types of items to place on a baby registry, how to prepare for breastfeeding your baby, what types of questions to ask your midwife or OB/GYN, and so much more. Use their wealth of knowledge and compassion to help assist you with becoming a wonderful first-time mother.
Worries Are Normal
Becoming a new mother for the first time can definitely pose its own challenges. Use this time of uncertainty to gain knowledge when it comes to infants and the ability to connect with other mothers who can help guide you in the direction you need to go with your first child. With their encouragement, advice, and resource suggestions, you will be given the proper tools to be the best mother you can be. Being the best mom to your abilities does not mean you have to be perfect. It means you are doing things for your children that will better enhance their life. Surround yourself with adequate resources to turn to when you need correct information.
