As I mentioned before I was asked to co-co-co-co-host a chat on TheMotherhood.com on the topic of parenting advice, namely new parents and expecting parents. Thanks to those of you who came in to chat and for those of you who weren’t able to make it but sent sweet words of support.
Here are some of the highlights from the chat originally posted on: http://beenthere.typepad.com/Advice for Expecting and New Moms
Today, in TheMotherhood.com, we hosted a virtual baby shower of new-mom wisdom for new and expecting moms. Dr. Jen Trachtenberg – pediatrician, author and AVENT spokesperson and 10 top mom bloggers (each of them either expecting or with a young baby at home) hosted the Talk.
From what to expect during pregnancy to preparing and caring for a brand-new baby, these “been-there” moms shed light on the process and shares the best tips they received from friends and family.
Pregnancy: Pearls of Wisdom
Rest. Rest. Rest. I took naps each chance I got with all three of my pregnancies, and it kept me sane. I also listened to my body more and more with each pregnancy after pushing myself into bed rest with the first one. (Victoria Mason)
If you’re barfing, it means something’s fighting in there, and that all is well. (Casey Mullins)
If you’re really worried about something, call the doctor; it’s better to be “that” pregnant lady than something going wrong. (MommyBKnowsBest)
Relax and don’t try to do everything! Let people help you when they offer! 
(Shannon M.)
It’s important to make sure you’re eating right and taking your prenatal vitamins – and make sure to get some sleep too! If you’re still feeling very tired, it may be worth checking in with your ob/gyn. (Dr. Jen)
This might not be what expecting moms want to hear, but I never realized how “hard” pregnancy was going to be. I had it rough, and I had to make sure that I allowed time to deal with illnesses and weak moments properly. So be prepared to take some sick days or not do as much. (onceamonthmom)
Be Prepared
The BEST advice that I never received was: take a mom with you when you register for your baby items. The list that they give you at most box baby stores has 90% of things you’ll never use. (AlainaFrederick)
When I was expecting my second baby, the best advice I got was to make and freeze meals beforehand. It was a lifesaver those first few weeks! (Jenna)
After the baby comes, there is a long adjustment period… sleeplessness is difficult on a mom. I would highly suggest having things as set up as possible for changing, night feedings, and help as you can get. Try a tiny refrigerator for milk/snacks/water in your room. Stock your diapers – buy them ahead while you are pregnant at each grocery trip… you’ll need it as easy as possible when baby comes. (Sprittibee)
I would also say to check out local mom groups before you have your child, mommy groups can offer advice, support and even meals when baby comes and you already have a built-in network, especially if family is far away. (MommyBKnowsBest)
Trust Yourself – and Your Partner
“Read your baby, not the books.” I found that I worried more when I focused on all that the books said could go wrong. (Sprittibee)
I wanted to start by sharing a nugget of advice that I wish someone had told me the first go around. To TRUST MY INSTINCTS. Yes, there is so much excellence in reading resources like those that Dr. Trachtenberg offers, AND there is something to be said for following your mama bear instincts. (Christine Koh)
One of my favorite pieces of advice to give mommies is listen to all the advice but only do what you feel is best for your family. (MommyBKnowsBest)
Oh, the one advice someone gave me is to not to take over with the whole baby process – let my husband in on the action. Husbands have their way with the babies and I have to be ok with it… letting some control go is not easy sometimes! (Joy)
Take Care of Yourself
“Every calorie is a successful calorie” when you’ve got super-bad morning sickness – that helped save my sanity and get rid of some early mommy guilt – I concentrated on eating healthy once I could actually keep food down! (Jenny Rapson)
The best advice I got was to take a little time for ME every day. It’s easy to get lost in the minutia of caring for someone else (and everyone else!). (RookieMomHeath)
Be clear about visitation parameters and if you need something, ask. We told people: a) we would love to see them; b) we probably weren’t good for more than an hour of visitation; c) it was highly likely they would see all or part of one of my boobs during the visit; and d) if they wanted to bring takeout we’d love them forever. (Christine Koh)
I really enjoyed co-hosting in this environment and love the forum that TheMotherhood.com provides. If you get a chance definitely sign up to chat with other like-minded or different-minded mommas, it may just broaden your horizons and you may make a friend or two. Check it out here: http://www.themotherhood.com
Where do you go for your parenting advice?
