Top 10 Parenting Resources Every New Mom Should Know About
Introduction
Being a new mom can be both exciting and challenging. With so many resources available to help you navigate the joys and stresses of motherhood, it’s hard to know where to start. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of the top 10 parenting resources every new mom should know about. These resources cover a wide range of topics, from breastfeeding and sleep training to mental health and self-care. Whether you’re a first-time mom or a seasoned pro, these resources are sure to make your life a little easier.
1. La Leche League International
Breastfeeding can be difficult, especially if you’re a first-time mom. La Leche League International is a non-profit organization that provides support, education, and advocacy for breastfeeding mothers around the world. They offer in-person and online meetings, as well as a helpline for breastfeeding questions and concerns. They also provide resources on the benefits of breastfeeding, how to overcome common challenges, and how to connect with other breastfeeding mothers in your community.
2. The Happiest Baby on the Block
Every new parent wants their baby to be happy and content. The Happiest Baby on the Block is a book and DVD series by pediatrician Dr. Harvey Karp that teaches parents how to calm fussy babies and help them sleep through the night. The book and DVD provide step-by-step instructions for the “5 S’s” (swaddling, side/stomach position, shushing, swinging, and sucking) that can soothe even the most colicky baby.
3. Moms on Call
Getting your baby on a sleep schedule can be a challenge, but Moms on Call can help. Moms on Call is a website, book series, and app that provides practical advice on sleep training, feeding schedules, and other parenting topics. Their methods are based on over 20 years of experience working with thousands of families, and are designed to be simple, effective, and customizable.
4. Postpartum Support International
Postpartum depression and anxiety are common among new mothers, but they are often misunderstood and underdiagnosed. Postpartum Support International is a non-profit organization that provides information, support, and resources for women experiencing perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMADs). They offer a helpline, online support groups, and a directory of local providers who specialize in PMADs. They also provide education and advocacy to improve awareness and access to care.
5. The Wonder Weeks
Babies go through a series of developmental leaps in their first year of life. The Wonder Weeks is a book and app that helps parents understand these leaps and how they can affect their baby’s mood, sleep, and behavior. The book and app provide a week-by-week guide to your baby’s mental development, along with tips and activities to help support their growth and development.
6. BabyCenter
BabyCenter is a comprehensive online resource for new and expectant parents. They offer articles, videos, forums, and tools on everything from pregnancy and childbirth to baby development and parenting. Their resources are evidence-based and reviewed by medical professionals, and their community of parents provides a supportive and informative space for sharing experiences and advice.
7. The Honest Company
Finding safe, eco-friendly products for your baby can be a challenge. The Honest Company is a line of baby care products that are free from harmful chemicals and made from sustainable materials. Their products include diapers, wipes, bath and body care, and home cleaning products. They also offer a monthly subscription service that delivers essential items directly to your door.
8. Sleepy Planet Parenting
Sleepy Planet Parenting is a sleep consulting service that helps families establish healthy sleep habits for their babies and toddlers. Their methods are gentle, personalized, and evidence-based. They offer phone and in-person consultations, as well as sleep classes and workshops. They also have a book, The Sleepy Planet Guide to Sleep, that provides a step-by-step guide to sleep training for infants and toddlers.
9. The Bump
The Bump is an online resource for all things pregnancy and parenting. They offer articles, advice, and tools on everything from fertility and conception to baby gear and child care. They also have a community of expectant and new parents who share their experiences and advice.
10. Self-Care for Moms
As a new mom, it’s easy to put your own needs last. But taking care of yourself is essential for your own well-being and for the well-being of your family. Self-Care for Moms is a book by Sara Robinson that provides practical tips and strategies for taking care of yourself while also taking care of your baby. From nutrition and exercise to mindfulness and sleep, the book offers a holistic approach to self-care that can help you feel more energized, focused, and fulfilled.
Conclusion
Becoming a new mom is a journey that is both rewarding and challenging. With the help of these top 10 parenting resources, you can feel more confident, informed, and supported in your parenting journey. From breastfeeding and sleep training to mental health and self-care, these resources cover a wide range of topics to help you navigate the joys and stresses of motherhood.
