WHAT EVERY FIRST TIME MOM SHOULD KNOW (ALMOST)

It's never always easy knowing what to expect as a first time mom. From the moment you discover you're pregnant and share this with the person closest to you, most usually your husband, partner or sperm donor, your head inevitably seems to be in a tailspin. Mind you the revelation itself may pose its own set of questions but we'll leave that for another topic of discussion.

I myself recently became a mom for the first time. Despite the fact that it was a planned pregnancy, I found where I felt quite uncertain at the best of times. You realise that now it's happened what's next. You question the future of your job if employed, your lifestyle, how it'll change your current situation and it goes on. This much is true, having a baby undoubtedly changes the dynamic of everything in your life and it does so most usually for the better.

If employed you ask yourself, when is the best time to tell your boss the 'good news'. If you're like most women out there you may have discovered you're pregnant well into your search for a new job. It's stressful enough trying to impress the interviewer. The added pressure of knowing that you're four months pregnant, not yet showing and trying really hard to convince your potential employer of your commitment to start working without any foreseeable reason to be off work anytime within the next year is enough to make you cry, which you do immediately after the interview in the bathroom stall.

There is also the million dollar question of when to return to work. Obviously your individual circumstance would dictate what would be best. If you happen to be a single parent, you may find that 'the sooner the better' is the available option. Not surprisingly married couples discuss whether the main earners salary or wage can support a family of three or more while the wife is off work during the first few months. Babies in the initial stages or months don't demand that much other than food be it breastmilk or formula, nappies, clothing and suitable travel when out and about. I have to stress the added bonus of breastfeeding, as no money needs to be spent on bottles, sterilisers, and a breast pump. Despite all this, you do have to be guided on how to latch the baby on tot he breast properly. To be aware that there is no milk in the first few days, but colostrum and that your nipples will get sore at some stage or other. To be quite honest it is a challenging couple of days when trying to establish breastfeeding, but it usually gets better as time passes.

What is most rewarding is witnessing your little one being nourished purely by your milk. The convenience of breastfeeding is highly endorsed by doctors, nurses and midwives. You are also encouraged to feed the baby on demand. Which simply means to feed him whenever he appears hungry or is 'rooting' or searching for your breast. In doing this there is no need for preparation of any sort. The most you may need is a comfortable nursing bra and breast pads, the rest you leave to your suckling little bundle of joy.

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