New to motherhood

[cowgirl2116]

I am 24 weeks; 6 months pregnant and will be expecting my little princess on September 10. I'm new to motherhood and would appreciate any tips from experienced mothers whether its regarding tips for the labor, the rest of my pregnancy, or for when she's a newborn. Anything is greatly appreciated 

Make certain that you don't overheat the baby with blankets, hot clothes and a cap.  I don't know which state you live in and whether September is a warm state when your little princess will be born.  However, overheating a baby could make the baby ill.

[sabrynamaria]

Thank you all for the tips. I really do appreciate it. I will definitely purchase nail clippers for her the next time I'm out because I have heard that a lot. I knew a baby could get hot but I wasn't aware that can cause them to become ill, so thank you for that. I grow to love her more and more everyday as if she's already here. Only 2 more weeks until I hit the third trimester!

[Azanne07]

enjoy them being little they grow fast

[hvnlydevil]

A lot of the raising of baby will surprisingly come naturally to you, so I will offer advice on what to pack in your hospital bag.
Newborn outfit
At least 1 preemie outfit (sometimes they swim in the nb)
baby nail clippers
camera/memory card
phone charger
your change of clothes/pajamas. socks. (keep in mind you do not go back to pre-pregnancy weight right away. pack maternity pants from when you were roughly 5 months pregnant)
brush/toothbrush/shower stuff
change for the vending machine
and buy some big *bleep* pads (Poise) to have on hand when you get home. you'll be needing them

And since it's your first-definitely sleep when they sleep. When she is up all night crying, don't get frustrated and overwhelmed by it. Just think of it as extra moments your daughter is trying to sneak in to spend time with you.

[MEBecker53]

I am 24 weeks; 6 months pregnant and will be expecting my little princess on September 10. I'm new to motherhood and would appreciate any tips from experienced mothers whether its regarding tips for the labor, the rest of my pregnancy, or for when she's a newborn. Anything is greatly appreciated 

Make certain that you don't overheat the baby with blankets, hot clothes and a cap.  I don't know which state you live in and whether September is a warm state when your little princess will be born.  However, overheating a baby could make the baby ill.

Congratulations!!!  I am a family day care provider and I get to met new Moms all the time. Read all you can about new borns and children.  Humans don't instintively know how to care for young, we know what we were taught.  Sometimes we do things without even realizing why.  You will be the best Mom you can be when you are a thinking Mom.  Best of luck!

[jkhanson]

Congratulations sabrynamaria!

I had four babies.  I may be one of the lucky women in the world, but childbirth was easy for me. 

I believe the main reason for this was that I tried to be relaxed and let my body do the work of the
contractions rather than fight my body by tensing up as my body worked.  I learned this from a book
written by Dr. Grantly *bleep*-Read called Childbirth without Fear: The Principles and Practice of Natural Childbirth.

Good luck!

Enjoy your little one; they grow up very quickly.

[sabrynamaria]

Thanks for the tip on the bag to pack for the hospital. How heavy will I be after the pregnancy in terms of blood? and how long does it usually last?

[hvnlydevil]

Thanks for the tip on the bag to pack for the hospital. How heavy will I be after the pregnancy in terms of blood? and how long does it usually last?

Expect to be at least 15-20 pounds more than pre-pregnancy weight, if not more. Don't be alarmed or upset-your body just went through a lot. If you are breastfeeding, you will lose it faster. But considering you can't do any strenuous excersize for at least 6-8 weeks after birth, figure you'll have the extra weight for a few months.
I had a hard time losing it with my first-mainly because I missed the belly. I have since changed my view on that!

[ptfunds]

Congratulations!  I hope your are enjoying your pregnancy - I loved being pregnant and being a mom was the best job I ever had. 
I would only offer you this advice.  Be flexible and easy going about it all.  Enjoy being pregnant - it is a wonderful time of transition and is a wonderful time to get mentally ready for the changes that are coming.  Once the baby arrives let go of the "musts" that exist now and go with the flow. You will make many adjustments as you move into new parenthood.  Enjoy each day to the best of your ability. You will be amazed at how fast the years go by as your child is growing up.  Treasure each one!

[nickylanena]

I'm not sure I can help you, but I would like to say congratulations!!!

[sabrynamaria]

Thank you! I really appreciate it. I'm nearing my third trimester and I'm getting so excited! Time is going by so fast. Does anyone have advice for games at the babyshower? I've never been to one or planned one before and want it to turn out nice but have absolutely no clue where to start besides invitations and registering at stores.