Chat | Things Moms Should Know

Becoming a mom is a big deal. A new life will heavily rely on you, especially for the next 15 years. This child will become an integral part of your life, bringing laughter, tears, longing, worries, and proud. While many aspects of motherhood are beyond your control, one thing you can do is educate yourself.

Being a mom requires a wealth of knowledge. In this space, we gather valuable insights and share tips for mothers, drawing on our own experiences.

Pregnancy (-1) marks the start the motherhood journey. You’re about to nurturing another life.​ During this time, it’s important to care for your body and create a safe and peaceful environment.

1. Stay a clean and healthy means avoiding exposure to viruses which leads to limiting big social gatherings and unnecessary travels.
2. Gentle walks and exercises are great. Be sure to get plenty of rest and avoid falling.
3. Spend time with supportive friends listen to music, stay relaxed, and enjoy the beauty of preparing for your baby’s arrival. This is a special time — slow down, listen to your body, and take it all in. “Two of my friends were pregnant around the same time, so three of us did everything together—shopping, dining out, watching movies, and just gathering to chat. It made the journey so much more joyful and memorable. Out husbands also took turns for long distance shoppings. The best part? Our sons were all born within a month of each other!”
4. Work is less of a focus. If your baby’s arrival is unexpected, don’t worry about how it might affect your career. Take time to rest. You may be eligible for maternity leave benefits from both your company and your state — use them fully. ​“My two friends and I were pregnant at the same time. One of them and I embraced the moment: we rested, did less work, and made sure to take full advantage of our maternity leave benefits. Another friend, though, was very career-focused. She worked hard through her pregnancy and barely took any time off after giving birth. But when a company layoff happened, she was let go. A few years later, all our careers picked up again. That experience taught me that success isn’t about how many hours you put in, but how well you fit the role and take care of yourself along the way.”
5. Choose a trusted doctor and a reputable hospital. It’s important to find a reputable hospital, not just an experience doctor — because when the time comes, your doctor might not be the one delivering your baby, especially in emergencies. “In my case, my son was born unexpectedly after a sudden accident. There was no time to wait for my regular doctor — the hospital staff had to take over immediately. That experience taught me that choosing the right hospital is just as important as choosing the right doctor. You need a place you can trust, no matter what happens.”
6. Be prepare for delivery. If labor isn’t progressing safely, don’t hesitate to choose a C-section. Sometimes a smooth, natural delivery isn’t possible — and that’s okay. The most important thing is keeping both mom and baby safe.
   “One of my friends went through a difficult labor. Her baby’s ear got stuck, and the doctors waited for four hours before switching to a C-section. Sadly, the delay caused complications, and the child now lives with lasting challenges. It was a heartbreaking situation that might have been avoided with quicker medical action.”
7. Don’t hesitate to ask for pain relief during labor. Getting an epidural (labor pain relief injection) can make the childbirth experience much more manageable, both physically and emotionally. If necessary, additional medications can also be used to help speed up the delivery process. There’s no need to suffer through unnecessary pain — modern medicine is here to support you. A smoother, shorter, and safer birth is better for both mom and baby.

Baby Stage (0–12 Months) requires knowing the importance skin-to-skin contact, hug the baby, give warm and pleasant bath, kiss for bed, and touch for comforting.

1. How to properly breastfeed. Breastfeeding can be tiring, so we can use breast pump to speed up the process. However,  still warmly cuddle baby in arms so the newborn can enjoy the comfort and nourishment.  It’s important to take the time to bond with your child during this special moment. A nurse usually will teach you how to latch correctly. Learn it attentively. 
2. How to properly burp a baby: ​When a baby swallow air, which can lead to discomfort. It’s important to burp the baby to release that gas after feeding, otherwise, they might spit up the milk later. Follow these instructions to ensure the baby feels comfortable while burping.
3. How to change diapers: ​It's important to remember that a baby's skin is very delicate, so be gentle when using wipes during a diaper change. Check for any rashes as well. Consider using clean, warm water and cotton balls to gently clean the area. After that, you can use hair dryer to bring some warm air (test the heat first!), similar to what an electric toilet does. This can make the experience more enjoyable for the baby.
4. Safe sleep practices (e.g., ABCs – Alone, on their Back, in a Crib).
5. How to soothe a crying baby. To soothe a crying baby, first determine the reason for the cry, then take appropriate action. Typically, a baby may need a diaper change, feel hungary, or might be uncomfortable.
6. Basics of infant CPR and choking response.
7. Recognizing signs of postpartum depression.
8. Understanding baby growth spurts.
9. Bonding through eye contact and talking.
10. Understanding and tracking developmental milestones.
11. How to bathe a newborn safely.
12. Recognizing signs of illness in a baby.
13. Knowing when to call the pediatrician.
14. Understanding sleep regression.
15. How to introduce solids (usually around 6 months).
16. Importance of immunizations and vaccine schedules.
17. Choose safe baby gear and make your home baby-friendly. Safety starts with the right essentials. Invest in well-reviewed baby gear like car seats, cribs, and sturdy strollers. Around the house, install electrical socket covers, avoid glass-top furniture, and watch out for sharp corners, especially on low furniture like coffee tables or TV stands. Soft edge bumpers can make a big difference.
18. Managing your own sleep and mental health.

Toddler Stage (1–3 Years) Dealing with tantrums and emotional regulation. Focus in hygiene, safety, and health. 

1. How to encourage language development.
2. Potty training readiness and methods.
3. Importance of routine and structure.
4. Fostering independence safely.
5. Safe exploration and childproofing.
6. Nutritional needs of toddlers.
7. Managing screen time effectively.
8. Early socialization through playdates or preschool.
9. Recognizing and managing food allergies.
10. Encouraging motor skill development.
11. Using positive discipline techniques.
12. Understanding separation anxiety.
13. Modeling good behavior.
14. The value of reading daily.
15. Limiting sugar and junk food.
16. Encouraging self-feeding.
17. The importance of naps and consistent sleep.
18. Identifying early signs of developmental delays.
19. Teaching empathy and sharing.

Preschool to Early School Age (4–7 Years) School readiness skills.

1. Encouraging curiosity and learning. 
2. Balancing praise and constructive feedback.
3. Teaching responsibility through simple chores.
4. Recognizing early learning disorders (e.g., dyslexia).
5. How to talk about emotions.
6. The importance of play in development.
7. Managing childhood fears and anxieties.
8. Reinforcing respectful communication.
9. Introducing concepts of fairness and kindness.
10. Establishing a consistent bedtime routine.
11. Creating a calm morning routine.
12. Understanding sibling rivalry and managing it.
13. Encouraging problem-solving skills.
14. Promoting good hygiene habits.
15. Limiting overstimulation and busy schedules.
16. Modeling healthy relationships.
17. Setting screen time limits and quality control.
18. Fostering creativity (art, music, imagination).
19. Involving children in daily decisions.

Middle Childhood (8–12 Years) Supporting academic progress without pressure. Remember no comparison. 

1. Encourage extracurricular involvement by helping your child explore different interests through activities such as sports, music, art, or clubs. These activities are a great way for them to build confidence, develop new skills, and make friends. Create a positive and open learning environment at home where curiosity is welcomed and trying new things is encouraged. This approach helps them grow into well-rounded, engaged learners, both in and out of the classroom. "I started a non-profit organization to arrange visits to factories, workshops, museums, and parks for my sons during this time. It takes a lot of effort, though. If I could go back in time, would I do this again? Probably yes, but in a more relaxed way and in short time."
2. Teaching digital safety and online etiquette.
3. Talking about puberty before it begins.
4. Building self-esteem through achievements and effort. “Confidence is about feeling good about yourself.”
5. Reinforcing consistency in rules and consequences.
6. Understanding peer influence and how to address it.
7. Encouraging open conversations.
8. Teaching money skills (saving, allowance).
9. Helping kids manage disappointment.
10. Instilling time management habits.
11. Fostering empathy and inclusion.
12. Supporting transitions like school changes.
13. Being involved in their friendships and social life.
14. Teaching about consent and personal boundaries.
15. Establishing family traditions and rituals.
16. Teaching nutrition and the importance of exercise.
17. Helping children navigate media and advertisements.
18. Encouraging volunteerism and giving back.
19. Preparing for middle school and academic pressures.”You will hear a lot about this be prepared for Middle School pressure but they really doesn’t matter. So listing this is just to tell you don’t listen to this advice. Give the children three more years to freely explore all different options.​​

Teen Stage (13–18 Years) Respecting independence while setting boundaries.

1. Being a trusted source of information about sex, drugs, and peer pressure.
2. Recognizing signs of mental health issues.
3. Supporting identity and self-expression.
4. Encouraging healthy romantic relationships.
5. Teaching driving safety and responsibility.
6. Supporting academic and career planning.
7. Managing screen time and social media wisely.
8. Modeling respectful disagreement.
9. Discussing values and ethical decision-making.
10. Teaching emotional regulation and stress management.
11. Involving teens in family decision-making.
12. Recognizing and celebrating achievements.
13. Understanding and supporting learning styles.
14. Encouraging part-time work and responsibility.
15. Preparing them for college or independence.
16. Having discussions about financial literacy (banking, budgeting, credit).
17. Helping them find mentors or role models.
18. Supporting goal-setting and perseverance. If you can offer help, help them. If you can provide emotional support, support them. If you have resources, offer them. If you have time to listen, lend an ear. If you have the patience to understand, do so.
19. Maintaining connection and open communication with your children as they grow can be challenging. Your interests may not align with theirs, and there might be a generational gap that affects understanding. To foster good communication, it's essential to go beyond daily greetings and weekly family updates. Additionally, taking the time to read, learn new things, and be an interesting person is equally important.

Young Adult (18+ Before Marriage) Considering transitioning from authority figure to trusted advisor, offering help rather than directions.

1. Respect their autonomy and adult identity. It’s important to know your kid growing up and are independent person now. They need to make their own decisions, choose their own friends, and picked his own lifestyle. They want to and have to, don’t interfere in the process.
2. Offer advice only when invited. Yes, only invited. 
3. Allow space for mistakes — they’re learning through experience.
4. Support emotional growth, mental health, and life skills (budgeting, time management, self-care).
5. Don’t take distance personally — they’re building their own life.
6. Stay open and available without being overbearing.
7. Encourage resilience over rescue.

Young (After Marriage — Before Children) Leave distance for communication 

1. Respect and support their relationship as primary.
2. Build a relationship with the spouse — without overstepping.
3. Avoid giving opinions on their marriage unless asked.
4. Don’t expect traditions or routines to stay the same.
5. Offer support during life stress (job changes, housing, infertility, etc.).
6. Maintain boundaries and allow them to create their own family dynamic.
7. Celebrate their growth as a couple without comparison to your own path.

Adult (After Marriage — With Children) From parent to supportive grandparent

1. Let them parent their way — parenting styles evolve. Follow their rules about feeding, routines, discipline, screen time, etc.
2. Be dependable, but not intrusive.
3. Avoid criticism or “back in my day” comparisons.
4. Offer emotional support for the challenges of parenting (especially postpartum).
5. Ask how you can help — don’t assume your presence is needed.
6. Support their relationship as a couple. One great option is open for babysitting so they can reconnect. This makes your help in need and supportive. 
7. Love your grandkids without undermining the parents.
8. Help them enjoy life and relax with family eat out, vacation or fun activities.

With all of these discussions, we summarize our suggestions: 

• Always lead with respect, grace, and non-judgment.
• Prioritize emotional availability over control.
• Maintain healthy boundaries while remaining present.
• Be a safe haven, not a source of pressure.
• Focus on connection over correction.
• Continue to grow your own life — your happiness inspires theirs.​

May you have a wonderful journey.