thebump

Shortly after learning of my pregnancy back in June, I registered online with thebump.com.  It has since become a weekly destination in my web-browsing.  They have endless articles written just for moms for every step of the way, from your first trimester all the way up to your 12 month old child.  I've really enjoyed going through the "pregnancy checklist" every week - it's made me think of things I didn't even know I needed to do!  Our doctor's appointments always seem so rushed (we see the doctor for about two minutes every time) so we forget to ask the questions we have while we are in her office.  It's amazing how many moms have my same questions, and it's all accessible from one website!

Lately I have been curious about how we are going to handle those first couple of weeks alone at home with our newborn.  Are we going to be able to make sure all of his needs are met?  Will he cry non-stop?  Will he like his new home?  Are Jonathan and I going to be calm and collected or on edge and cranky?  Today I got my weekly email from thebump.com and what do you know, the main article for this week was entitled, "12 Surprising Survival Tips For Baby's First Weeks."  It is a list of tips from real moms, and I've found it very helpful and reassuring!

“It’s okay to cry. You’re going to be emotional; most moms are.” -- Kristin B.

“Shower and get dressed immediately before doing anything else. It makes a huge difference in the way you act and feel.” -- threehautemamas

“Accept help -- friends and family really do mean it when they offer!” -- Cliona F.

“Keep reminding yourself that this is the hardest part and that you’re doing an amazing job. Also, keep visitors at bay for as long as you can!” -- ParentMaze

“Sleep when your baby sleeps, even if that means sleeping all day and being up all night for the first couple of weeks. It’s important to stay rested!” -- Mindy G.

“Trust your instincts. Quietly listen for them -- they’re there!” -- Joann W.

“Remember that this part goes by quickly, and before you know it, you’ll forget that they used to spit up all day.” -- Amanda M.

“Trust your partner and let him do as much as possible while you rest and heal. Take it one day at a time and stay positive.” -- Julie C.

“Snuggle with baby and take lots of pictures. Don’t let visitors distract you from enjoying it.” -- Liselotte

“Force yourself to slow down and enjoy sitting still. Enjoying a slower pace doesn’t come naturally to most people, but try!” -- Shevi

“Be patient, give your baby lots of love, and the housework can wait!” -- Tiffany C.

“Try to get outside with baby daily if possible -- it helps boost everyone’s mood and helps baby learn day and night.” -- Lisa Z.

If you're trying to conceive, are pregnant, or already have an infant, then this is the website for you! There are so many tools in one place and thousands of moms who are going through the exact same thing (at the same time) as you!  I originally found thebump.com because I used theknot.com through the entire wedding planning process and they are affiliated sites.