Links for New Moms

It seems like a lot of people have been getting knocked-up lately. A couple friends of mine are expecting babies over the next few weeks and one of them is a first-time mom. I recently sent her an email with a list of links that I found myself turning to time and time again. Of course, nothing beats following your own gut instincts on many matters (or a call to your ped), but when you want some quick answers here are some links that get the job done:

http://www.babycenter.com
http://parenting.ivillage.com/  (the message boards are great)
http://www.askdrsears.com
http://www.kellymom.com (awesome breastfeeding resource)
http://www.preschoolrainbow.org/animal-rhymes.htm
http://www.parenthacks.com/
http://www.preschoolexpress.com/
http://www.hipgirlclips.com/forums/  (if you're having a girl you may enjoy making her hairclips yourself)
http://www.oompa.com/  (when Toys R Us just ain't cutting it: "NO BATTERIES. NO BLINKING LIGHTS. NO CARTOON-THEMED TOYS. PERIOD")

And in case you're considering using cloth  ;)
http://www.diapersafari.com/diaperinfo/newtoclothdiapers/
http://www.cottonbabies.com/index.php
http://messageboards.ivillage.com/iv-ppdiapers
http://www.diaperpin.com/home.asp

 

Ok...Did I leave any out? Tell me which sites or blogs about parenting you have found helpful. I don't have anything to give away, but I will be very appreciative!

10 Things I Hate About Breastfeeding

I know, breastfeeding is best, but do I always have to like it? These are things I'd rather do without:

1. That weird tingly feeling I get whenever the baby cries, or I think about the baby crying, or feeding time is getting near, or I think about the weird tingly feeling.
2. Leaky boobs. Especially when I'm out in public and only realize that I've forgotten to don my nursing pads once the milk starts flowing.
3. Spending countless hours in my car because I can't find an inconspicuous place to nurse wherever it is that I've gone. (Please don't hate me Lactivists!)
4. Pumping. True, I don't have to pump. But that would mean not being able to leave my baby for more than two hours or so on any given day.
5. Saggy breasts. (Although some would argue this point.)
6. Sharp little baby nails clawing into my sensitive areola.
7. Nursing Bras. They're ugly and I can never seem to find the right size.
8. Knowing that once my little nursling is latched on, I'm in it for the long haul, be it a ten minute "snack" or a nearly hour long nursing session with a tired baby sleepily sucking on and off.
9. Lopsidedness. This happens when the baby prefers one breast more than the other.
10. Baby teeth. Enough said.

And one thing I love:

1. The look of horror on my brother's face as I take my baby from my breast and only then does he realize that I've been nursing during our entire conversation!