Becoming a Mother

Let's face it, babies don't come out of the birth canal with an instruction manual. But if they did life would be so much easier. You would know why your baby is screaming at 3 in the morning, instead of desperately wondering what you are doing wrong. If you are a first time mother it is natural to be more than nervous about becoming a mom. When you found out you were pregnant you were most likely so excited, and now that you are almost due you are still excited but also scared. I'm here to tell you that's natural, all first time moms feel that way.

I didn't even hold a baby until I held my own. I also didn't ever change a diaper until I had my son, so the thought of being this responsible adult and having a baby depend on me, Freaked me out. Not to mention I am a single mom, so I was feeling pretty overwhelmed. But you can become at least a little prepared. So here are a few tips to help you prepare for motherhood.

Read some books about infants and children, but don't only go by the book. Some babies never do anything by the book. But studying and having some background can definitely help out when becoming a mother.

Listen to your mother or your family, or someone close to you. While some advice they give you, might not be the best advice possible. Your parents or your elders know a little something about babies. You may not agree on some things they tell you for instance putting some whiskey on your child's teething gums. Today that's called child abuse! But it is a great opportunity to learn the good things your mother knows, or your family or whoever is close to you. Also ask other parents and then you will have some idea about how to be a mother, after all they are parents.

When interviewing a pediatrician for your baby, which you should have done before your baby is born. Write down some questions to ask the pediatrician about your baby. They won't mind telling you in fact, most doctors would be glad to. There is also a nurses line or call the hospital where your baby is going to be born and ask questions.

Take a parenting class, some hospitals or doctors offices offer them locally. So does some local YMCA's or health clubs. They will teach you how to change a diaper, CPR, how to swaddle your baby, and all the basics you need to know to take care of a baby. This can be very helpful especially if you don't have much experience around infants.

Spend some time if possible with babies, if you have friends or there are babies at church. Ask the parents if you can hold them or change a diaper. Most parents will be grateful for the break and you will be getting baby experience.

Remember mothers are not born they are made. We all get better at something the more experience we have at it. We are going to make mistakes, we are only human. But your baby will hardly notice a small mistake, (they may notice a big thing like dropping them, so don't do that.) but your baby will love you even though you made a mistake. If you care about your baby and give your child everything he/she needs, then you will be a great mom.

Good Luck with motherhood. I hope you find out as I did that I would rather be a mom to my son then do anything else in the world. Having a son is so fulfilling. It is the greatest gift God could bless us with.