How is it being a mother for the first time ?

When you are pregnant with your first child, becoming a mother for the first time can seem overwhelming. New, first time mom’s often have lots of questions about becoming a mom, here are just some of them:

How will I bond with my baby?

You might feel the bond instantly, as soon as the baby is born. If you don’t, its nothing to worry about, you’ll bond with your baby over time as you do things together, like feeding, bathing and comforting and you’ll soon feel the bonding instinct kick in.

When baby cries, how will I know what it wants?

It will be difficult at first, but after a while you will get to know the different tones of your baby’s sounds. At first, check that baby isn’t hungry, or uncomfortable in a wet nappy, or just tired out. Lots of cuddles and rocking to and fro will help to calm an anxious baby.

Is breast feeding the best way to feed my child?

Breastfeeding isn’t for everyone and if you can’t or you don’t want to, don’t feel guilty. Studies have shown that many claims made about the advantages of breast feeding aren’t always right. If you enjoy breast-feeding, then carry on and do it as long as you feel comfortable doing it. Some women enjoy the time they spend with their child as it feeds, but the same can be said for bottle fed babies, who are safe and content in your arms.
Breast of course is less fuss and it costs nothing, which is a big advantage. You have a good supply of free milk on tap. Bottle feeding means making up formula, warming it through and then cleaning and sterilizing equipment afterwards.
Saying that, working mom’s might find expressing breast milk inconvenient and tiring and will prefer to bottle feed. Another good thing about the bottle is that your partner or other family or friends can help you out, or become more involved in baby’s routine and baby gets attention from a range of people.

Should I give my baby a pacifier?

Studies have shown that the use of a pacifier lowers the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) Breast feeding moms should wait around 3 or 4 weeks until the feeding routine is established. A pacifier is said to be better than letting a baby suck his or her thumb. Although both things can damage baby’s teeth, thumb sucking is thought to be a more difficult habit to break, whereas you can remove a pacifier between 6 and 12 months.

Is it okay to hold my baby a lot?

Holding your baby has lots of benefits and all babies love being held. It’s a great way of bonding. You can carry baby around with you during the day in a baby sling, which keeps them calm and relaxed. If you read this article by Catherine Pearson in the The Incredible Benefits Of Simply Holding Your Baby Close, you’ll see there are a number of benefits to keeping baby close for baby, you and your partner.

Should I rock my baby to sleep?

Whilst it’s nice for  mom or dad, it probably isn’t a good idea for baby because they may get used to being rocked and then won’t be able to fall asleep on their own. Even when they are asleep and they wake up, they might find it hard to get back to sleep without feeling that rocking motion. The best way to put your baby to sleep is wait until he or she is drowsy and then put them in the cot whilst they are still awake. This way they will learn to fall asleep by themselves and life will be easier for you.