Pregnancy signifies a time of surprise and joy. Having a baby is a joyous experience but the nine months leading up to childbirth can be worrisome for a first time mom. First-time pregnancies also bring with them lots of questions, sometimes a little confusion, and a few fears.

Every first time mother speculate what giving birth is like, what it will be like to be looking after a baby 24 hours a day, whether they will be able to cope, scary possibility of post natal depression and worried whether they can be the kind of parent they want to be. Once your precious newborn has arrived you will probably begin wondering what to do now! However the reality is that you are going to face challenges.

• You will feel very lonely when you're feeding and burping at 4 AM
• You will eventually run out of your nappies and wipes. They won't last as long as you think.
• You won't look the same as you used to be. It will be like your whole body has shifted around and clothes that used to look good will not fit right anymore. Upside: you get a new wardrobe! Downside: your breasts may sag, even if you don't breastfeed.
• In the first few weeks of life, your baby's umbilical cord will need to be exposed to air to help it dry out and not become infected. The one piece body suit can irritate the cord and prevent drying. Cited: Hubpages, 2011.

Nevertheless, getting informed is your first step in keeping yourself and your baby healthy. Read on to find out about 5 easy pregnancy tips for first time moms to prepare themselves for the challenges of the next phase.

1. Home remedies

You should always have some medicines at home to help your baby with certain illnesses. You should have some syrup to lower their temperature, stop a runny nose or help dry up a cough (e.g. Panado syrup). Medicines like Scotch Emulsion or Junglevites to keep them healthy or Vicks and Puma Balm to help with coughs and runny noses and Gripe Water for winds. It is also important to have a thermometer to test your baby's temperature. Most importantly, find out from your doctor or chemist which medicines are best to keep in your medicine cupboard for your baby. Cited: Spice4life, 2011.

2. Feeding tools

If breastfeeding, you have to buy the following things for yourself: 2 or more feeding bras, breast pads (disposable or reusable) nipple cream and a breast pump.

For your baby you will need: bottles, bottle sterilizers, bottle holders, warmers, brush and cleaning kits. When buying a bottle for your baby, buy one or two different kinds (especially the teats) and test it out on your baby first to see if they like it. You can also buy a dummy. For later feeding, should you want to buy it now, you will need a feeding spoon, a plate bowl and a cup with handles and don't forget some bibs and colorful placemats.

3. Buy Second Hand

Most young mothers are on low incomes and learning how to manage your money is one of the skills you will master over time. One way to radically reduce your costs is to buy second hand equipment, clothes and toys where ever possible. Some items your baby will only need for a short while (such as a pram) so unless you are loaded with money, there is no point in spending hundreds of rands on them, if you can't afford it.

4. Traveling with a baby

You should get a good well packed travelling bag. The bag should always include nappies, baby wipes, medicine, some extra clothes, bottles, bibs and toiletries. If you are going to a public place, it's good to have something to lay your baby down when you change them.

5. Sleeping and feeding schedule

You will need to get your baby on a feeding and sleeping schedule as soon as possible. The nurses at the hospital should start this process, but try to stick with it once you're home. (i.e. Feed every three to four hours, etc.) It will help you and your baby become more comfortable and allows you to know what to expect if you have a routine.You won't do everything right the first time, but what is more important? Give your new baby all the love and attention you have and you will get more in return!

Sources:

• Spice4life
• Nicetopics
• Hubpages
• Ehow

 Page Created: 16 February 2011