The First-time Mom Syndrome

Not sure that’s the official name for it, but I’ve come to the realization that becoming a mom wasn’t the ultimate “stop” in motherhood.

Until you’ve had two, you’re a rookie. (Spoiler warning: If you’re a rookie, or not even a mom quite yet, maybe come back to this post later, I’d hate to burst your bubble)

And rookies — the so called first-time moms — supposedly overdo it all the freaking’ time, often irritating or amusing many of the veteran moms:

- they eat only what’s best during their first pregnancy and take pictures of their growing belly every week

- they read everything they can get their hands on regarding how big baby is getting, what to do to improve his IQ while in utero (I bet some do!) and how to prepare for painless & effortless childbirth (dream on!)

- they attend a worthless birthing class and prepare a (mostly) useless hospital bag based upon internet articles and girlfriends’ best advice (I only used my snacks, my pillow, basic toiletries and the going- home outfit for baby — everything else could have stayed home: magazines, cute clothes, pyjamas, towels, …)

- they over-buy and stack the latest gadgets and accessories because nothing is too good for the little one (most rookie also fall into 2 categories: those whose husbands support and encourage them; and those whose husbands cringe at the sight of all that “junk”)

- then, when he’s finally here, they take a million pictures of their first born

- finally, they worry over everything: they cannot do enough to protect him, such as from the sun — at least not until the next child is born — and try to shield him from all the other forms of roughness out there.

And this is where I’m going.

I am proud to be a rookie, because I take safety very seriously.

Rookie or veteran, please read on with me for these few tips might save a life. And please share the knowledge with your friends so they too can protect their loved ones.

- Summer is loads of fun, especially when kids first learn about the water. In the US, the second cause of accidental death in children is downing. I wish everyone took  a moment to read this: Drowning does NOT look like drowning. This post was created last month and nearly 60,000 people have “liked” it on Facebook. Including me.

- We all know children must be closely supervised while eating, because the risk of choking is always present. But one snack favorite should be on your black list: babies and toddlers should not be given pop corn. Not because of a “simple” choking hazard, but due to the risk of inhalation — when the pieces of fluff pop corn reach your baby’s (or toddler’s) lungs, it’s often too late. Read this story and form your own judgment.

- When you are out in a crowded place and you let your child roam around, say at the fair or at the zoo, do NOT let your eyes off your child. Under no circumstances. If you are curious to read what it feels like to lose your child, read Minutes Worth An Eternity. You will not regret the wake up call.

Here is to keeping our children safe!

(This post was edited on 9/20/2010 to make reference to the last tip, after a troubling day at the fair)

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