First Time Mom - New Mom Parenting Diary

Author: Tong Meiling
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-03-01
Features: A baby's every smile and frown, every cry and tantrum, can only be finely felt and moved by a mother. "Being a First-Time Mom—New Mom's Parenting Diary" is a record of a baby's growth journey written with pen and love by mothers, a refuge for new moms' emotions, and a close-up portrayal of parenting in Chinese families. Here, you can experience the joys and sorrows of motherhood. If you plan to have a baby or are already pregnant, this book can help you understand the details of parenting, allowing you to preview the ups and downs of motherhood and prepare mentally so you won’t be overwhelmed or emotionally low when your dear baby arrives. If you are a new mom, you can draw inspiration from other mothers' parenting experiences and release your tension through reading. A baby’s healthy growth is a mother’s sweetest wish. May babies grow up healthy and happy, and may expectant mothers, pregnant women, and new moms be happy and fulfilled! "Being a First-Time Mom—New Mom's Parenting Diary" is a record of a baby’s growth journey written with pen and love by mothers, a refuge for new moms’ emotions. Here, you can experience the joys and sorrows of motherhood; you can also draw inspiration from other mothers’ parenting experiences and release your tension through reading... The content of this book is trendy and practical, offering strong guidance for new parents just stepping into the role. Heavy with joy～A Joyful Pregnancy
In late August 2002, learning that a little life was growing within me, my mood was as clear as the sky. Both my husband and I came from places outside our hometown, and he often worked long hours, coming home only in the evenings. Many times, I had to take care of myself, which was quite tough, but with hope filling my heart, I felt okay. Severe morning sickness made me vomit for two whole months, and even the slightest hint of grease would send me into a frenzy. I ate with a good friend every day, and her boiled cabbage was my favorite (though I later couldn’t stand it anymore). Fruits I once loved also caused severe stomach cramps. Yet, I forced myself to eat more—each day, one egg, a large glass of milk, some fruits and nuts, and once a week, fish or shrimp. I ate after brushing my teeth after vomiting, believing I had the willpower to overcome morning sickness—everything for the child!
At exactly three months pregnant, the symptoms suddenly disappeared. The sign was that one day, when leaving school, I saw a delivery boy bringing braised pork home, and I couldn’t resist it. I immediately went into the restaurant and ordered a plate. It was truly delicious! In the following months, my appetite returned, and I often craved something to eat. My bag, office drawer, and living room coffee table were always filled with nuts like peanuts and walnuts and seasonal fruits, ensuring I had something to snack on when hungry. I often went grocery shopping myself—fresh vegetables, fruits, whole grains, high-nutrient tofu, pork leg bones, ribs, chicken, and fish frequently appeared on our dining table. My friend who cooked with me said she saw me waddling like a fat penguin while carrying two bags, which was quite funny. I started to enjoy cooking so much that after we feasted together, she always regretted it, saying, “Your cooking skills have improved, and your infectious appetite is too strong! If you keep eating like this, I’ll have to lose weight!” I smiled contentedly, rubbing my swollen belly, seeing myself as a satisfied little pig basking in the sun. I continued to eat whatever I wanted! The result was a sudden weight gain from 100 pounds to 146 pounds by the time of delivery. I had always avoided sweets and hoped for a natural birth, fearing a large baby due to my weight. In the last month, I had to reduce my carbohydrate intake to control the weight gain.
I became more sleepy during pregnancy, needing over an hour of sleep at noon, or I’d doze off at my desk in the office in the afternoon. My nighttime sleep increased by about two hours, and I felt constantly tired, often falling asleep while watching TV. In the early and later stages of pregnancy, my bladder was pressed by the uterus, causing nighttime urination. Unaccustomed to getting up, I was often disturbed by these occasional trips to the bathroom, making it hard to fall asleep. The more I couldn’t sleep, the more I had to stay calm. I listened to music and English lessons with headphones, often falling asleep without realizing it.
I lost a lot of hair during pregnancy, and my mood was also quite irritable. I knew it was due to hormonal imbalance. But I reminded myself: don’t get angry—since I was about to be a mom, my calmness would surely lead to my child’s healthy growth. My optimistic personality made me...