First time pregnancy, hit me with your tips!

Anon Imperfect Mum

First time pregnancy, hit me with your tips!

I recently found out that I'm pregnant with my first! Still early days yet. I'm very excited but also nervous about what's to come.

What tips do you have i.e. things you wish you were told? What products do you think are must-haves and what wouldn't you waste your money on? Can you recommend any good books to read? Interested to hear any and all helpful tips!

Thanks ladies! :)

Posted in:  Pregnancy

13 Replies

Anon Imperfect Mum

My favourite tip is
Don't buy regular singlets! Hate them!

I only buy the singlets that button up between the legs so their tops don't ride up when you carry them.

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Anon Imperfect Mum

Good tip, thanks :) I find the shirt riding up to be really annoying when carrying other people's babies so will definitely do this.

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Anon Imperfect Mum

I wish I was told to ignore all parenting advice on the best way - especially the natural parenting stuff, and just do whats right for you. It wont be the best way all the time, and thats ok.
i wish I was told that its all about you, not what you do for the baby. Its about your health, you getting out, having support, doing things you like, getting sleep, bringing the baby into your life, not making your life all about the baby.
I liked reading the Kaz Cooke book and other birthing books, visit the library pregnancy section.

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Anon Imperfect Mum

Thanks :) that book has been recommended by a few others so will definitely check it out

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Anon Imperfect Mum

There's a book called Up the Duff and it's great! I'm also currently carrying my first. Congratulations!!!

So many changes happen within our bodies, I recommend using the Ovia app as it's been so helpful with food lookup and symptoms look up. I wasn't aware just how early milk starts coming in, around 20 weeks you start leaking a bit here and there! And there's an increase in discharge, I suggest finding some decent liners :)

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Anon Imperfect Mum

Thanks for the liners tip! I didn't realise milk came in that early either so glad you mentioned it!

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Anon Imperfect Mum

Beware the first poop!
Wind drops are a must have because when you need them most it'll be 2 or 3 in the morning and no where will be open to get them. Same goes for panadol.
Breastfeeding can be hard. And there's a chance it will hurt to start with as your nipples wouldn't be used to being sucked on. Don't let that put you off it though. Oh how I wished someone told me this. It's still a wonderful thing and at the end of the day, fed is best.

Pregnancy wise - if something doesn't feel right or you're concerned, call the midwife or go see them at the hospital. Don't ever feel 'silly' for worrying. They're used to dealing with concerned mothers-to-be.
I really wish I'd been told about pelvic floor exercises. They really are important. No one mentioned them to me until I was already late into my pregnancy (after I'd hit 35 weeks).

Congratulations and best of luck!

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Anon Imperfect Mum

Thank you :)

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Anon Imperfect Mum

People will feel the need to give you ridiculous advice, my neighbour told me that you need to cover baby's face outside because they can't breath through their noses haha (FYI that's definitely untrue lol) take it with a grain of salt, people mean well they're just really stupid sometimes lol.
As for things to buy...
Onsies in every size (you can never have too many)
Avoid cute outfits (think jeans, buttoned shirts and lacy dresses) they look adorable but they're uncomfortable on tiny babies.
Cot, bassinet, pram & car seat
A change table is handy but if space is limited I just used a change table mat on my kitchen table.
A baby carrier (I wouldn't spend a fortune on one though, they get heavy very quickly).
Bottles and a tin of formula (even if you plan to breast feed it's good to have just in case).

Also I bought a very expensive porta cot (total waste of money lol)

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Anon Imperfect Mum

Omg, the breathing advice is crazy! Thanks for the tips ;)

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Anon Imperfect Mum

Pregnancy and labour: listen to your body first. If it is telling you to rest then rest. If something feels not right get it checked out even if u think you are just being paranoid. Take everyones opinions with a grain of salt, take what feels right to you and ignore the rest. There is no right or wrong. Prepare to lose you dignity...when u are in labour u do not give 2 hoots about modesty u just want what u think at the time is the spawn of satan (obvisiously takes after the father lol)out!!! There is no right way or wrong way to labour and give birth. At the end of the day you have still created, nurtured and birthed a miracle (prepare for a whole new meaning of love.) Breastfeeding fcken hurts!!!! If you can do it well done if you cant do not feel bad....fed is best. At the end of the day do what you feel is right for you and and bub. I liked the book what to expect when expecting.

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Anon Imperfect Mum

Thanks ;)

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Anon Imperfect Mum

Do not eat a daily coffee scroll. Even though it stops your nausea momentarily, there are other (healthier) ways... ???

That was me, first time, 21 years ago. I gained 20 odd kilos first and second pregnancies, 3 years apart, then by the third, almost 4 years later, I was much healthier (and happier) and gained about 10kg.

My advice: eat healthy wholesome foods, remain active and get plenty of rest xx

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