Motherhood is a beautiful journey, but the first year can be overwhelming. “Oh Baby! A Mom’s Self-Care Survival Guide for the First Year” by Maria Lianos-Carbone offers practical tips to help new moms care for themselves while caring for their little ones. This guide emphasizes that self-care is not selfish; it’s essential for a happy and healthy family.
Amidst the challenges of sleep training my 6-month-old and trying to potty train my nearly 3-year-old, I recently had the joy of diving into Maria-Lianos Carbone’s book, ‘Oh Baby! A Mom’s Self-Care Survival Guide for the First Year.’ It truly brought back a flood of emotions and memories from my journey as a first-time mom.
When I was expecting my first child, I spent countless hours absorbed in parenting blogs and websites aimed at pregnant women. I was on a mission to gather every bit of information I could about pregnancy, labor, and caring for a newborn. However, once I experienced labor firsthand and welcomed my little one home, I couldn’t help but think, ‘WHY DIDN’T ANYONE WARN ME ABOUT THIS?’
It became clear that while many were eager to share their excitement and offer encouragement about caring for a newborn, they often left out the not-so-pleasant realities of labor and postpartum recovery. Thankfully, Maria-Lianos Carbone isn’t shy about including those gritty details in her book.
If you’re seeking a candid perspective on what to expect during childbirth and the early days with your baby, this book is a must-read. It’s an excellent resource for first-time and expecting mothers. Carbone delivers a wealth of information in a reader-friendly format, covering topics that you might not hear from your friends and family.
For instance, every new mom-to-be has likely heard about the wonderful benefits of breastfeeding. It’s great for the baby, helps moms shed some pounds, and has been the traditional way to feed infants for centuries. Sounds lovely, right? What many expecting moms might not realize is that breastfeeding can be quite challenging and painful.
When I had my first child, I found myself pumping and using a medicine dropper to feed him in the hospital because he just wouldn’t latch on. It was incredibly tiring and frustrating. It wasn’t until I consulted with two lactation specialists that I finally learned how to feed him properly. With my second baby, I assumed breastfeeding would be much easier since I had successfully nursed my first for nearly a year. However, that wasn’t the case. In the first two weeks after my second child was born, I dealt with cracked and bleeding nipples, and just thinking about it still makes me wince.
Carbone bravely addresses the not-so-glamorous challenges that new mothers face, sharing her own experiences along the way. She opens up about her struggles with postpartum depression and anxiety, including a poignant excerpt from her journal that captures her feelings during that tough time. Her words are sure to resonate with many mothers:
“I’m completely and utterly exhausted. I don’t know if I can handle this. Will I be a good mother? Will I be able to give him the best life? This is the most important job in my entire life. I can’t screw it up.”
Carbone’s candidness about the ups and downs of parenting isn’t just relevant for new moms; I believe nearly every mother has felt these emotions at some point in their journey.
‘Oh Baby! Mom’s Self-Care Survival Guide’ is an excellent resource for expectant mothers, preparing them for the realities of bringing a baby home. Carbone touches on everything from the first diaper change to the initial doctor visit, as well as the anxiety that can come with venturing out of the house. She includes stories from other women about their challenges during the first year of motherhood, which can be comforting for new moms, especially those who may not have a support network. Additionally, she offers practical tips, lists, and recipes to help navigate the first year with a baby, making this book a fantastic guide.
I absolutely recommend this book for first time moms-to-be. ‘Oh Baby! A Mom’s Self Care Survival Guide for the First Year’ is simple and easy to read while still packing in tons of solid information. It would make a great shower gift or gift to mom at any time during her first year of parenting.
About the Author
Maria Lianos-Carbone is publisher of http://amotherworld.com, a leading lifestyle and parenting blog for women.
Raincoast Books is an award-winning Canadian book distributor based in Vancouver, British Columbia.
Website:http://www.raincoast.com
Great info thanks for sharing , i will pass this article on to my Daughter Inlaw 🙂