I have no less than five friends expecting a baby or snuggling up with a fresh sweet newborn at this very moment. Five beautiful mamas (and supportive papas) spreading baby fever far and wide.
In the past four years I have written some relevant posts for new parents that are a bit buried in the archives.
I thought it would be helpful to round them up and put them all in one place so that you can use them yourself or share them with friends.
Helpful Clean links for new parents:
New Baby Checklist A no-frills list of what you really need for baby.
Honoring Motherhood: The Blessingway A meaningful alternative to the ubiquitous baby shower.
What is a Meal Wheel? Get your best friend on the task of organizing a meal wheel for your family, or organize one in your own community. Meal wheels are transformational.
What I Did Not Know: Reflections on Motherhood This is the closest thing I ever had to a viral post. It clearly hit close to home for many parents.
Your Words: Thoughts for New Parents Your thoughts and advice to new parents. Thank you for what you shared.
Peaceful Parenting A series of posts to inspire more connection-based, non-violent parenting.
Child-Led Weaning One approach to weaning your child.
Safe Co-Sleeping My thoughts (and a few great links) to help you bed-share safely with your little ones.
Co-Sleeping, Night-Waking, and Growing-Up And this post – a bit of perspective when you haven't slept in days…
There is No Label for What You Do On rejecting labels and ebracing authenticity in parenting.
While I'm at it, here are a few of our favorite books for pregnancy, birth, and babyhood.
Ina Mae's Guide to Childbirth Ina Mae is an inspiration. This book is a must-read for expectant parents.
Birthing from Within Preparing you emotionally and spiritually for birth.
Your Best Birth This I have not read but I have bought it for friends hoping for VBAC births. Looks wonderful.
A Child is Born This book rocked our science-geek minds when we were expecting Sage. A photographic week-by-week view of developing baby. Amazing.
The Baby Book By Dr. Sears. I'm so grateful that I had this book when Sage was small.
The No-Cry Sleep Solution Another worthwhile read as you navigate night-time parenting.
Sign With Your Baby Simple baby signs reduce frustration and increases communication between you and your little one.
Diaper Free! The Gentle Wisdom of Natural Infant Hygiene We did it. We loved it. I can't imagine doing it any other way. Truly. It was life-changing.
How about you? What would you add to these lists? Links to other blogs, books, or websites are welcome!
Love,
Rachel
I recently did a post about bottlenursing my toddler and it has been very popular among the women who have struggled to breastfeed. I wish I could have read about it and known that it was still totally possible to have the breastfeeding relationship without breastfeeding, instead of spending months on end crying and hating myself for not being able to do it “right”. It’s comforting to know, for a fact, that your sweet baby still adores every moment spent nursing with you, even if it can’t be the breast.
http://mamaandbabylove.com/2012/06/18/bottlenursing-my-toddler
I admire the valuable information you offer in your articles. I will bookmark your blog and have my children check up here often. I am quite sure they will learn lots of new stuff here than anybody else!
I read so, so many of these when I was a brand-new mom two short years ago. They were invaluable to me, and I am certain that others will find them so, as well. There are many women out there who have blogs and have written honestly about the joys and difficulties of brand new mama/parenthood. It’s so important to know that we are not alone!
I thought I would know what to do so I actually did not read any books before my first baby was born – and then he was born by emergency c-section – I remember in an adrenalin driven haze sitting on my bed – there were books all over it -separating me and my two week old baby who was in an beautiful rocker cot at the foot of the bed. I was reading “Baby Wisdom” by Deborah Jackson. She has looked at the mother-lore from all over the world, as I read all these different cultures parenting ways two things occurred to me: I could do what I wanted to do, and I could love my baby as much as I wanted, and it was good! I picked him and put him on my breast, moved a sheepskin into my bed, and turned the cot into a laundry basket. Trust yourself trust your baby.
The more we simplify, the more stuff I realize we DON’T need! Especially with babies, people telling you all the must-have items, you feel pressured into thinking you really do need these things when in fact you don’t.
Since no one I know comes here, I can tell you… I’m expecting our third! I’m really excited, and the other day I was evaluating what we need. Nothing, really! There are some things that would be NICE, but that’s about it. I love trying new carriers and would love a woven wrap (in addition to my ERgo), I’d love a shawl that can double as a nursing cover, I might try and make some cloth diapers to add to my stash, then there are the simple necessities like baby wash, but that’s about it.
Oh – I do need a good bag for carrying stuff around; my previous two diaper bags got worn out. I hope to try EC from the start, rather than around 5 or 6 months, so that oughtta be fun.
I would recommend the Making Babies DVD series from Bulkherbstore.com. They are delightful and so full of info! They happen to be 40% off for the next 3 days I think. 🙂
Hubbs and I had 3 little ones in 4 years…it was a wild ride but we found our groove and love it! Do what’s right for you and don’t hesitate to ask for advice or help when you need it. But don’t beat yourself up if what works for them doesn’t work for you.
Don’t forget about your hubby or partner…their happiness is the trick to your and you baby’s! I found that lesson out the hard way, I’m ashamed to admit!
Blessings to you and your new baby!
For those new mums, up coming mums, you should one important thing how to raise a healthy baby. You should only breastfeed them. Your milk is lot healthier than those in the cans.
Wow…. how can I forget the precious moments when I rear my very first baby for 9 months.It was indeed heaven specially when I first carry the in my arms.
So precious were those moments. I agree to this beautiful documentation on the majestic road of womanhood.
So glad to be here. My son having so much fun upon looking at those wonderful photos above. Thanks for sharing.
Wow! Your post reminds me when I pregnant and how I raise my baby until he grown up. I have lots of difficulties when I labor him and raise him but its really a worth because he grown up more than what we expected for him to happen.
Thanks..
Great list!
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