Married, Pregnant at 22

[jazzy0710]

Be there for your wife as much as you can. Help her out around the house. Cook some meals. Rub her back and her feet. Attend the ultrasounds and the pre natal classes as well as doctors appointments. Don’t ever be afraid to ask the doctor any questions.

 

[Zoltan_Cobalt]

This thread is GREAT…

I would hope that someone compiles these fantastic words of wisdom, advice and loving support for future reference.

This would make a terrific Parenting Book.

 

[Allegra]

People are always trying to give parenting advice and really, you have to live and learn what works for you and your own kid. This is a piece of advice that I think everyone can use, however. Make sure that you don’t buy a stroller that is too big to put in your car.

 

[Captain_America]

Hello everyone,
My wife and I are pregnant at the young age of 22. We are so happy about our baby, and we are looking for advice. Please provide any suggestions you might have about to be a good parent to our first child

Hey, congrats. It is impossible to say what new depths of human feelings you will reach! I know having a kid instantly made me a better person! Some babies ask for a lot of attention, some don’t at all, and most need some. Go with what works. . . I think any parent will tell you that’s the operative principle----this is why there has yet to be one definitive book on parenting written!

22’s not so young if you know what you want to be doing. Waiting until later has some negatives, you know.

 

[Captain_America]

Be there for your wife as much as you can. Help her out around the house. Cook some meals. Rub her back and her feet. Attend the ultrasounds and the pre natal classes as well as doctors appointments. Don’t ever be afraid to ask the doctor any questions.

This is good. “Care of The Wife” is important, too.

 

[MJJean]

I had my first at 18 and my 2nd by 23 with my 3rd making an appearance at 25. You aren’t that young, really

People will tell you that you need a ton of baby gear up to and including wipie warmers. You don’t need half of it. If you want to stay sane just get and keep what you actually do need. Also, prepare for lots of laundry. I was stunned by how much laundry one small human made daily. If you don’t have a washer and dryer in your place try to get one even if you have to use the stackable kind.

 

[CatholicRaven]

Congrats!

I love the posts I’ve read so far. Good advice!

My husband was 23 and I was 19 when we had our first child (almost 10 months from our wedding date). We are expecting #7 in August.

I think the best bits of advice I ever got were:

1. Love is an action and a choice. Spend time with your child and let them know you love them through your words and your actions.
2. Don’t forget to love each other, too. Make time for each other. This will not only make life better and easier for you both, but will also benefit your child.
3. Trust your instincts. If an “expert’s” words make sense to you and give you a sense of calm, great, take their advice. If you are uneasy and unsure about their advice, get a second opinion. That goes for doctors, teachers, specialists, Grandma, whomever.
4. Spend time in prayer regularly. Alone, as a couple, and as a family.

HTH!

 

[Bklynguy]

Congratulations to you and your wife!

My advice is to always remember that nothing is forever-- meaning, you won’t lose sleep forever, or need to run out for diapers forever, or drive them to activities when they are older forever.

There will be many phases in your baby’s life, as in your marriage. As long as you embrace them, and know that the “bad” ones won’t last forever, you will be just fine.

Oh, how this is true. When you are going through it, the newborn stage feels like forever, but it will go by fast.

Congratulations!