ESL Blogs

Seeing the topic of the writing challenge of this month,I was very enthusiastic at first,but I have to admit,that later on I was pondering over a lot:what to write?

To tell the truth I don't really feel myself confident and experienced a lot,to give good advices to anyone.

As I am in my thirties now,looking back on my twenties at the moment,I wish I had done a lot of things differentely.

Of course there are a few things too,that I am satisfied with as it is presently,the most important of them is being a mother.

I'd like to point out one thing:all the things written below reflect my personal opinion,I don't want to be pushy or obtrusive,-as there are cultural differences between us,-if you see it otherwise,just supersede it,please.

My advices:

1)Prepare yourself thoroughly to parenthood,I think this is the most important first step toward it.

Now I mean it phisically and mentally too,that one should lead a healthy life:I think here to give up smoking and every addiction,especially if you are preparing to motherhood.

2)Read books about the preparation for parenthood.

The funniest book I've read in the subject was Vicki Iovine-The girlfriends' guide to pregnancy

Here is a little excerpt from the book:

http://www.kobobooks.com/content/Excerpt-From-The-Girlfriends-Guide/sc-4uu-pKfICU6vWgo0lhPRFg/page1.html#1

3)I advise to read more books,in order to have a wide range of knowledge about this new phenomenon,as what does it mean to become a parent...

I've read many on my language...but the most valuable ones were:

1st:

by Eisenberg,Murkoff and Hathaway

2nd:

The most famous book of an American pediatrician Dr.Spock:Baby and Child Care

3rd:

written by Ingeborg Stadelmann,who is a Deutch midwife and mother of three children as well.Unfortunately I don't know the English title of the book....

4)Lead a healthy lifestyle and take vitamin and mineral supplement for pregnancy-I took Elevit with Iodine

5)Buy a baby diary-It is very useful to buy a baby diary during the pregnancy,as we can record our feelings and moods before the arrival of our baby.

I had two diaries,and I'm happy I kept a log from the very start,it feels so good to wake those memories of the past.

My baby diary with my son:

My favourite page of it:

You can even have digital diaries nowadays:http://www.supershareware.com/info/baby-diary.html

6)Create a family nest(or simply rent a house or flat) of your own even before the arrival of your children,to have a calm and warm surrounding they can arrive to.Prepare his room with the little crib long before the arrival of your baby.

We constructed a house with my husband,before my first child was born.

http://my.englishclub.com/group/Experiences/forum/topics/construction-1

7)Do the birth of your child an unforgettable moment

I think after the mother-to-be is fully prepared to motherhood and has a lot of information,giving birth is not that horrible thing,what is more:it is a precious moment I cherish,personally.

In my country many father-to-be volunteers his help to the mother to assist-or simply just-be present on the big event at the hospital.

I know it might sound weird for certain members,but yes...:)My husband was there,in the hospital both times with me,and he said,those moments were the most special ones in his life....I believe him!

At least he took a lot of pictures from our newborn baby....

7)Enjoy your baby.....and read new books about parenting....