first-time mom Archives | Sleeping Should Be Easy

Breastfeeding Secrets Every Mom Should Know

Jul 07, 2020

Want to make breastfeeding successful? Whether you're first time mom or a veteran, here are breastfeeding secrets that just might surprise you. I never would've thought breastfeeding would be hard—not once. But there I was, pulled between wanting to breastfeed and ready to call it quits. My nipples were cracked and blistered, I felt immobilized from the multiple feedings, and I could never seem to satisfy his hungry cries. I learned only later that many of us face these challenges. They're enough to make us question our ability to provide for your babies, or even whether we're doing … [Read more...]

Essential Things Your Body Needs After Giving Birth

Pregnancy

Jul 03, 2020

You've got your hospital bag packed, the nursery decorated. But what about the things your body needs after giving birth? These are your must have items. I had my hospital bag packed and the crib assembled. I'd bought the baby must-haves that'll make those newborn days easier. But then, I thought about... me. What would I need to help my body recover after giving birth? We spend so much time preparing for the baby that we forget our own physical needs after delivery. After all, should this be any other hospital procedure, you likely would dedicate time to nursing yourself back to normal. … [Read more...]

Are You Freaking Out about Having Twins? You’re Not Alone.

Pregnancy

Jun 07, 2020

Are you having twins and scared about it? Here's my honest journey about hearing the news that I was expecting twins and overcoming my fears and anxieties. I watched the monitor as my doctor performed the sonogram. "Well, I have good news..." she began, "...and even better news." Right away, I saw the two blobs on the screen. I knew before she even uttered the T-word that I was carrying two babies. She congratulated me on the surprising news. Meanwhile, I plastered on a fake smile because deep down, the news scared me out of my mind. My husband, on the other hand, was ecstatic. Even … [Read more...]

How to Actually Get Things Done with a Baby

Family Life

Mar 14, 2020

Doing chores, housework or running errands with a baby can be a challenge. Learn how to get things done with a baby, even if you're on your own. I'm going to do it today, I thought. My husband had just gone back to work, and I'd be alone with the baby. I could barely find time to load the dishwasher, much less take him out for an errand. Still... I'm going to drive to the library, I challenged myself. I had books to return, and I figured it's about time I learned how to run errands with a baby in tow. So, I drove to the library, parked the car and lugged the stroller out of the … [Read more...]

Surprising Differences Between Singleton and Twin Pregnancies

Pregnancy

Feb 01, 2020

Wondering how different a twin pregnancy is compared to a regular one? Read some of the most surprising differences between singleton and twin pregnancies. I thought I had pregnancy down pat after I had my singleton. I did the research, went through nine months of pregnancy and finally, delivered my baby in a predictable way. My second pregnancy will be just as simple, I figured, especially now that I'd already gone through it once. So imagine my surprise when the doctor announced I was having... twins. Let's just say I was not prepared for two babies. Suddenly I entered a new world … [Read more...]

11 Things Moms Do with the First Baby We Don’t Do with the Second

Infant

Mar 21, 2017

First-time moms have been known to go overboard with the eldest child. Take a look at 11 things moms do with the first baby we don't do with the second. I wanted to do everything right. Raising my eldest felt like a chance to start with a clean slate, to take all I'd been learning from observation or research and be the parent I wanted to be. After all, I had more time compared to moms with two or more kids. As crazy as it may be to suggest any parent has a lot of time, it's true. With only one child, I focused only on him, with no other children to worry about. I not only spent more … [Read more...]

12 Crucial Rules for Visiting a New Mom

Motherhood

Mar 15, 2017

As much as you want to meet your friend's new baby, could you also be making things harder for mom? Take a look at these 12 rules to follow when visiting a new mom. I could barely remember to shower, much less vacuum the carpet, prepare a meal or even manage the overwhelming change of becoming a new mom. No doubt, every mom could use help during those first few weeks and months of bringing home a baby. But what if help from others isn't so... helpful? Sometimes, having others over to your home becomes more of a burden. You need to make plans or you feel obligated to entertain and hold … [Read more...]

What I Wish People Told Me About Being a New Mom

Motherhood

Nov 24, 2016

Newborn moms often feel alone or wonder if they're the only ones who've experienced what they feel. Here's what I wish people told me about being a new mom. I thought I was prepared. Realistic, even. I read every baby book I could get my hands on, but overnight, new parenthood hit me hard. I must be the only one, I thought. My family and extended relatives with kids all seemed so... normal. I couldn't imagine how they could lead regular lives when mine felt turned upside down. "How did you get through it??" I asked them during one family gathering. I wanted to gauge how difficult … [Read more...]

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