|
No doubt you have been bombarded with information regarding motherhood and babycare. Instead of throwing a lot more information at you, I include here those resources that may be the most helpful. The resources included here are books, websites and messageboards.
The truth is a new mom does not have a lot of time to read a book start to finish. She must pick and choose wisely, for her time is limited. The resources I include here are in three distinct categories. First, there are the resources that are so helpful as a new mom you just don't want to miss them. Second, the books that you want to take some time with that are provocative relating specifically to motherhood. And third the books that are great to read for fun.
Don't Miss These:
Doctor Spock's Baby and Childcare, Benjamin Spock and Michael Rothenberg, 6th Edition
This is the "baby bible." I know you've seen this one on your mother's bookshelf and maybe felt it didn't apply to you. Take another look. If Mr. Rogers was the ultimate in child support, Dr. Spock is the ultimate in New Mom support. In this book you will find answer the answers regarding baby and childcare succinctly and with the kindness that a new mother needs, absolutely no guilt to be found here. The book is wonderfully indexed for ease of topic finding as a reference book. Amazingly, it can also be read cover to cover.
The Mask of Motherhood , Susan Maushart
This is my favorite "motherhood" book. Feeling a little uneasy in your new role as a mother? Susan Maushart has felt it at one time or another, too, and tells you all about it in this book. If you are looking for honesty, you've found it. This is a book you can read by topic as you are experiencing the different stages of motherhood.
Siblings Without Rivalry, Adele Faber and Elaine Mazlish
This is THE parenting book, hands down.You may not ever need to read another parenting book – ok, so I'm exaggerating a bit. Truly great insights on the how the child's mind works. This book is easy to read, simple, and makes sense with practical applications. A dental hygienist in Los Altos, CA told me about this book while cleaning my teeth. I had asked her how she raised such nice college-aged kids, and she told me about this book!
www.pantley.com – Elizabeth Pantley's website –
Ms Pantley is a mom like us. She has written several books on the topics near and dear to each new mom. (baby sleep, potty training, discipline, etc) Her website has some great accessible and downloadable advice.
www.drspock.com – Dr. Spock's Website
I am obviously a big Dr. Spock fan.This website has a great section called "ask the experts" which is indexed by topic.It makes it easy to get advice on a particular topic without spending too much time doing surfing.
www.parents.com – Parents Magazine Website
While there are so many websites out there geared to Moms, this website tends to focus on the issues of a new mom. It's a great website for a new mom to get started looking at "mom websites" because it has the elements that most "mom" websites have and it is easy to navigate. The site has the essential elements of a new mom site – articles on new mom topics, active messageboard, mom bloggers, ads, etc.
www.spacetoshare.com - Organizing ideas for your home and your life.
Deb Lillard is the Author of Absolutely Organized: A Mom's Guide to a No Stress Schedule and a Clutter-free Home. No only does she offer organizer consulting services where she comes to your house and helps you she also has website with lots of tips to help destress your life right now! Check it some of her organizing tips here - http://www.spacetospare.com/tips.html
Messageboards
Messageboarding is the "instant messaging" or the "my space" for moms. There are countless messageboards out there. A new mom can join many messageboards or just one at a time. Each has a different flavor, so it might be a good idea to check in with a few to see which messageboard fits your personality and needs.
Here are just a few that I have joined and that I like:
www.grumpymoms.com - Grumpymoms.com is a great place for new moms to meet other moms, learn some great parenting tips, or just try some fun stuff. Find out that you are not alone and check it out.
www.babyspot.com - Babyspot.com is another great website where you can hook up with other moms and learn some valuable, down to earth new moms tips. You can also download your baby photos so that they can be viewed by family and friends. Their system is easy to use and free of hassle. Check it out.
www.justmommies.com - Has a great message board with a nice group of women. You can join and contribute or just read on all topics baby and new mommy related. The website also has a system in their messageboarding where you are notified via email when a topic that you are interested in has a new hit. You can click right on the topic in the email to be part of the action right away if the subject matter interests you. It's a great timesaver for a new mom.
www.cafemom.com – This messageboarding site is pretty slick. It has what some out there are calling the latest trend in messageboarding or "social networking." In addition to "traditional messageboarding" it has the ability for you to create your own "network" of friends to "get together" separately (from the rest of the site) and "chat". What a great way to bring together friends on a regular basis you may not live near you to discuss baby and motherhood issues!
www.centraljerseymoms.com and www.BuxMontMommies.com
These messageboards are also terrific but have the added bonus of being regional sites, meaning that you may actually get to meet some of the participants of the sites because they may live near to you. Also, the sites are full of regional programs and information that may be related to your state or area. To find a regional website, do a little googling with "messageboard" or "forum" and the name of your county, city and/or state. Many of the local newspapers are sponsoring regional messageboards as well.
| 
