How to Build a Parenting Blog
How to build a parenting blog starts with a bud of hope. Hope that my parenting wins and fails will entertain you. Hope that my expertise in pregnancy, birth, breastfeeding, and newborns will be enough to guide you on your unique journey. Most of all, hope that you will NOT feel judged but instead protected to find your inner voice. Emotions Used to Build a Blog It amazes me how much time, reflection, and planning I’ve put into this blogging venture. Many questions were swirling in my head about the goals and direction I’d like this platform to take for months before putting pen to paper (yes, I started with a pen). Not to mention the always nagging speculation on my self-confidence: could I, should I, what makes mine different from other bloggers? From learning the techno garb, finding the right name & logo to investing in the company, it’s been a whirlwind of inner growth. However, when I thought about it, this was not much different from the planning involved to start a family. That is, for those of you who PLAN baby-making. There’s the inception or theory, conception, or act of, pregnancy or growing, labor or grunt work and birth or game day (with blood, sweat, and tears). Building a Blog or Baby? Ironically, I did not put that much thought into baby-making. Maybe I should have, but it never crossed my mind. There wasn’t any doubt that having a child was the right thing for ME. So I just did what came naturally and reveled in the results. Never once was there any regret or concern. I assumed that this process was perfected many times before for thousands of years. No need to reinvent the wheel. Starting a business has been around for eons as well but not on the internet front. Blogging, especially, has only had maybe a full 25 years to develop into the good, bad, and the ugly it is today. So, while I’m not reinventing anything, I do feel the same jitters you feel when you’re pregnant for the first time. As with pregnancy, building a baby or a business for 40 weeks feels like an eternity. The prospect of seeing your hard work come to fruition can be all-consuming. The third trimester brings on a sense of final preparation with a tad of worry. How am I going to get this baby out of me? OR How am I going to “go live” with my blog? It’s one thing to write it all down, but to share your thoughts (or baby) is another. While I may not be feeling the same physical discomforts as a pregnant woman, I indeed have manifested a few correlations. Worth the Work to Blog When all is said and done, the outcome is gratifying; baby or business. There is a time to feel immersed in the baby cocoon that I won’t necessarily experience with my blog, but will enjoy the feeling of accomplishment. Albeit, a brand new mother, would prefer to keep her baby to herself, but I will delight in sharing my knowledge with you. Comparisons *How to build a parenting blog comes with many emotions, but in no way am I minimizing the creation of a human being or the tough grind one must go through to bring forth life. I did have seven babies come from my body and could never downplay the process. I’m merely showing how various life stages may take a similar path.
What you Need to Know About the Second Trimester
What you need to know about the second trimester will give you the confidence to enjoy the rest of your pregnancy and prepare you for the arrival of your progeny. This period gives you an eagerness to learn about your changing body and find a way to embrace it. It’s the time you’ll relish the comfortability you feel in comparison to the rest of the pregnancy. By this time, you’ve accepted the pregnancy and put some semblance of order back into your life. You have more energy, feel hungrier, more clear-headed than you’ve been, and may even have a lighter mood. At some point between 16-21 weeks, you will no longer be “guessing” if you felt a kick and will likely cherish these odd sensations. Maybe you’ve even announced your pregnancy or perhaps had a gender reveal party at some point in this stage. These weeks feel most awkward since you aren’t quite showing until the end of this trimester. Only you and your partner are fully aware of the changes your body is going through. Second Trimester Tips: Now is the time to re-evaluate your prenatal care decisions. Sometimes when we find out we are pregnant, there isn’t much thought put into where to get the best care. We want someone to confirm the pregnancy and tell us it’s healthy. So consider these; Who are you going to pay for their expertise in maternity care? Physician or midwife? Have the first few visits with your caregiver been helpful, accepting, informative, supportive, friendly, and comfortable? Will they teach you what you need to know about your second trimester or any trimester? Or will you have to learn on your own? How about the office? Nurses, secretaries, and medical assistants can give off good or bad vibes as well. Have you had to sit in the waiting room for extended periods? Are you more than a number in their practice? Have they called you the wrong name or had the wrong chart information? Do you feel like you could ask your attendant anything that is on your mind? Have you checked out the birthplace or taken a tour? Will you deliver at home, birth center, or hospital? It’s your prerogative to chose whomever and wherever to have your baby, even if you change your mind a few times. This decision will probably be the most critical step in preparing for a less stressful delivery. 2. An obstetrician or midwife is not the only specialist needed. Start putting feelers out for an expert that you’d like to bring baby to, a pediatrician, or family doctor. It could take weeks to interview a few prospects and make a decision. You’ll likely ask fundamental questions like these; What insurance they accept The days & times they’re open Whether they have separate rooms for sick children What emergency plans they have in place If they have privileges at the facility you are delivering Consider bringing a list of far-reaching questions and take notes. Examine the parenting philosophies that you and your partner have discussed. Decide how vital those key points are and talk to the prospective pediatrician. You’re paying their salary, so be critical. Start with some of these; How do they help with breastfeeding questions or problems Talk about the circumcision decision Vaccination schedule and the pros and cons What procedures are a necessary part of this practices routine Whether they do bloodwork in the office Educate Yourself 3. Take time to research a quality prenatal birthing class. Ask around for recommendations. While online courses, videos, and chat groups can give useful information, you’ll have a clearer picture of labor & birth in a class “off” your couch. For one thing, when we pay for a class that forces us to attend at a specific time and day, we listen and absorb the content and get our money’s worth. Secondly, having tangible props and physical exercises to practice together can be a game-changer. Be honest, are you and your partner going to practice breathing and squatting at home? Third, there is something to be said for meeting other couples and sharing the same journey. Creating long-lasting friendships on your break at the water cooler during a birth class can make your transition into parenthood even more fulfilling. In a world full of technology, let’s keep birth at the old fashioned level. 4. If you haven’t started a pregnancy exercise program, now is the time. With more energy, you can gain more benefits. A specific prenatal exercise class will have an instructor who is able to teach you what you need to know in the second trimester and all of the trimesters. If a class is not your thing, try swimming, dancing, walking, hiking, yoga, etc. Make sure to build your quads for birthing and upper body for munchkin holding. By creating your stamina and muscles, the third trimester should be a breeze, and recovering from childbirth will be even smoother. 5. Kegel, kegel, kegel: if you’re not aware of this exercise, practice stopping the flow of urine the next time you’re in the bathroom. Get familiar with this muscle and make it stronger by holding it longer and longer. Compose a habit of doing 100 per day. By making a conscious effort to keep this part of you healthy, you secure a quicker postpartum recovery. Try my favorite 10 rule to live by; ten in the shower ten on your way to work ten at break time ten at lunch, ten at break time ten on your way home from work ten while exercising ten at dinner ten while lounging ten before bed. Teamwork in the Second Trimester 6. Consider who you’d like on your birth team, outside of the birth attendant. How do you picture your birth? Is your partner squeamish? Do you want another family or friend there when you’re delivering? It’s essential to have an advocate with you every step of the way. Your partner or family can be too emotionally involved to be objective in decision making, so start looking
Third Trimester Planning
Third-trimester planning takes the pressure off when you are busy learning your new role- MOM! It’s not essential for you to do everything on the list before the baby, but it can improve your recovery from birth. You will become an awesome mother whether you’re prepared or not; after all, babies don’t require much more than diapers, clothes, breasts, and shelter. It’ll be ok! To-Do List Employer conversation: Know the federal, state, and office policies on FMLA-pregnancy-maternity leave and the pumping at work laws before you broach the subject with your boss. Be well versed in your rights and start that conversation now about your plans to return even if you’re not sure or think you may not go back. Get a tentative return to work date agreed upon and explain that you’d like to ease back in. Potentially work from home before going into the office or go back on a Thursday instead of a Monday or possibly start with half days etc. shorten your first weeks back. Get creative and don’t be afraid to explain what you’re thinking. Most bosses want to work it out so that you can be successful when you return, not distracted. Don’t forget to discuss your breastfeeding plans and the need to pump. Find a place that you can safely, effectively pump 3-4 times per day until you get settled (it’ll be less frequent after the first month). Ask your seasoned coworkers where they pumped and how they made it work successfully. Be committed to doing what it takes to feed your baby organic, straight from the source, unprocessed food! Educate Yourself Class: If you haven’t had a birth-breastfeeding-newborn care class, do it now! Each class has valuable perks with the right teacher. Preferably, you’ve been working with a doula that has been teaching you throughout the pregnancy. Still, it’s never too late to find one. If a doula is not in your plan, get into a class ASAP. While I’m all for online learning, I do believe there are many more benefits to an in-person class or 2 when it comes to pregnancy. You will gain a lot from the questions asked in the room as well as likely make a few mom/dad friends. Plus, there is no comparison to having tangible props and a live expert to connect with. Especially if she is local. Support in the Third Trimester Build your tribe! Find local mom friends who can help you navigate new parenthood. People who have similar philosophies, backgrounds, and plans as you are preparing. You should be looking for the least judgy, always ready to help, and most supportive of kin to add to your village. She will be who you call/text late at night with what seems like silly questions or to cry on her shoulder. If you happen to be the first in your friends to be entering motherhood, it’s ok-you’ll have to look further than your close circle. There are thousands of women in your area who would love to connect and share. Find all the experts! Know who your community resources are ahead of time. You want to be familiar with those that can help in a variety of ways. Professionals who can help with baby questions/care, nannies or daycares, breastfeeding experts, alternative caregivers like a prenatal-newborn chiropractor-craniosacral therapist-naturopath-pediatric dentist or ENT-prenatal/postpartum yoga teacher-pelvic floor specialist, etc. Keeping a list of the most highly regarded experts can save you time later if you experience any setbacks or health conditions. Visitor preparations Prepare your visitors: Sounds frivolous and straightforward, but it’s worth the extra planning. You and your partner need to have a discussion, right now, about the people allowed in the labor/birth room. Be sure to include who will be allowed to visit in the days and weeks beyond that as well. Don’t leave it to family and friends to decide. Agree to what is most important to you both and stick with a well thought out plan. Share this arrangement with your over-exuberant folk, and don’t let them talk you out of it. It’s ok, it’s your right-your baby, and they can all wait. Have a meal plan: Every time you prepare a meal in the last trimester, make extra and freeze it. Even if it’s a small amount, these meals can quickly help you maneuver through the first few weeks. Honestly, it doesn’t take much to apply the same concept in a well-meaning friends’ kitchen. Just ask a few BFF’s to help out. Stock up on non-perishable, easy to grab, quick snacks to leave by your “nursing corner.” Always have fresh water by your side. You will be very thirsty in the fourth trimester. Most of your pregnancy is spent dreaming about what your baby will look like and dealing with the ailments that come with growing a human while the end slowly sneaks up on you. If you handle most of the “business” part of the 3rd and 4th trimester now, you’ll find yourself relaxing and enjoying your baby later. Third-trimester planning is a win-win for everyone!
