First Time Mom: A New Mom's

Author: Tong Meiling
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-03-01
Features: A baby's every smile, every frown, every cry, every tantrum is something only a mother can truly appreciate and feel deeply. "Being a First-Time Mom – New Mom’s Parenting Diary" is a record of a baby’s growth 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’re planning 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 precious baby arrives. If you’re 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 find happiness and fulfillment! "Being a First-Time Mom – New Mom’s Parenting Diary" is a record of a baby’s growth 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, when I learned that a little life was growing inside me, my mood was as bright as the sky. Both my husband and I came from places outside the city, and he often worked long hours, coming home only for dinner. Many times, I had to take care of myself, which was tough, but with hope in my heart, it 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 at the time (though I later couldn’t stand it anymore). The fruits I used to love also caused severe stomach cramps. But 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 to recover from the 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. I immediately went into the restaurant and ordered a plate. It was so delicious! In the following months, my appetite returned, and I craved food often. 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 eat when hungry. I often went grocery shopping myself—fresh vegetables, fruits, whole grains, high-nutrient tofu, pork legs, ribs, chicken, and fish frequently appeared on our 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 you’re so infectious when eating—this much more, and I’ll have to lose weight!” I smiled happily, rubbing my round belly, thinking of myself as a contented 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, but after learning my weight, I feared giving birth to a large baby. In the last month, I had to cut back on staple foods to control the weight gain.
I became more sleepier during pregnancy, needing over an hour of sleep at noon, or I’d feel drowsy even sitting in my office chair in the afternoon. My nighttime sleep increased by about two hours, and I felt sluggish all day, often falling asleep while watching TV. In the early and later stages of pregnancy, my bladder was compressed by the uterus, causing nighttime urination. Since I wasn’t used to getting up at night, these occasional trips kept me awake. The more I couldn’t sleep, the more I had to stay calm. I listened to music and English with headphones, and often fell asleep without realizing it. During pregnancy, I lost a lot of hair and felt quite irritable. I knew it was due to hormonal imbalance. But I told myself: don’t get angry—since I’m about to be a mom, my calmness will surely lead to my child’s healthy growth. My optimistic personality made me...