Ask HN: Books/Resources to read for parents to be
What are some recommended books or resources to read for parents?
I would like to know also why are you recommending a specific book (or what can I learn from it)?
I would like to know also why are you recommending a specific book (or what can I learn from it)?
Looking back though we didn't really gain anything from books, it really was all on the job training. It's scary as shit and you'll reach limits of stress you never knew existed but even with all of that it is still awesome.
With a newborn the routine is pretty basic: eat, poop, sleep. If you are having issues ask your pediatrician. If your child is unhappy think about why that might be. Things are very simple in their world so don't over complicate things and think as if they were an adult (we were guilty of that).
Good luck and enjoy the snuggles while you can!
The big one is sleep. A book on sleeping routines usually always help everyone. The contented baby handbook is a good one.
The problem with reading books before hand is that a lot preach to an unrealistic ideal. You will find what works best for you, your partner and baby afterwards. It's the only way.
Having now accepted that I also accept that I'm not in fact a failure of a parent if all he wants to eat today is chicken nuggets and chips, and that we're making progress in helping him to try new things.
Don't subject yourself to ridiculous expectations, learn the basics, and then take solace that at least for the first few months if everyone is fed, clean, and clothed then you're winning.
The other thing you will sweat is the newborn stage. You will try your hardest to get them to sleep only to panic because they are quiet, waking them up in your efforts to make sure.
One thing I do know: I changed the day my first child was born. What used to matter to me, things at work that bothered me, do not matter as much anymore. How can it? The most precious and beautiful thing is your child and all the damn hair they make you tear out!
Turns out for me it worked perfectly, maybe because I was more in listening mode rather than trying to apply things I read in books.
In any case, I would advise to just trust your guts. If you feel like you want to know a lot, just read! Congrats in advance, and enjoy the first months as much as you can! Becoming a parent is the best thing that can happen to you :)
At end of the day its simple stuff, but during those first few months when you're in survival mode simple is what you need. Would highly recommend grabbing the DVD and going through it a couple of times before your little one comes.