Online things that really helped me

Pregnancy and motherhood has been a trip. There is just so much that I didn't know, and while I was pregnant I was overwhelmed by how much information there was out there. Similarly when I had the baby, the information overload did not stop. So here are my six go-to online finds when I have a question.

1. Solid Starts

Solid Starts is my source for all things weaning and food related. I usually visit their Instagram page for some information and recipe inspiration and know-how on feeding my little one with different kinds of foods at his different stages. If you want more than that, they have online tutorials/packages you can buy that range from 50 first foods for babies to how to reverse the habits of a picky eater. I also downloaded their app where you can log different foods your baby eats and under each ingredient, they have an age suggestion, nutrition rating, how to serve and a recipe.

2. Influencer: Lindsey Gurk

Sometimes Mama just needs a laugh. And this influencer definitely makes me chuckle quite a bit. Especially with her reels of convos between her toddler and baby. If you need something to brighten up your tired day, I would suggest watching a little of her reels for a few minutes: www.instagram.com/lindseygurk

3. FIIT application

I struggled getting my body back after pushing baby out. Both on the losing the extra chubs but also just getting my core strength back. I had earned my eight month mama chip and I still had weird lower back pain if I lay down in the wrong position and every now and then I would need help getting up if I was laying down and my lower back clicked and locked in a weird position. Then, another Shmum said I should try this app as they had a post natal program on their fitness app. There were four postnatal fitness plans at 6 weeks a plan that you worked though and to be honest, I felt silly doing the first month because it seemed unbelievably easy and felt like I was taking a step back as it was mostly breathing and gentle stretches. But by week 4, I realized I no longer had those weird back spasms.

4. Book: How to Grow a Baby and Push It Out.

This book simplified the whole pregnancy. I tried to read What to Expect When You're Expecting and it was just too much information. Way too much. This is your book. Simple. It covers more practical knowledge too like what to pack to the hospital. Only caveat was that it was based on birthing practices common to the UK which sadly, Thailand does not always have e.g. birthing centers and midwives. But in terms for making me be ready for the baby, this was so helpful.

5. What to Expect App (Not the Book)

image from https://moreappslike.com/app/com.wte.view

This app was informative, fun and really helped me through my first pregnancy. It was exciting to see what size my baby was each week and they had fun comparisons, not just fruit but also 90s gadgets / items.

Each week there was an update on what stage your baby was likely to be going through, what symptoms you were likely to encounter and some remedies to them. They also had little articles that went more in-depth and also gave you a heads up on what you were likely to encounter at the next doctors visit. And if you weren't a fan of reading they would have 3-6 minute video summaries of all the highlights for that week.

And once baby is out, they also tell you what to expect with your baby with helpful insight on sleep regressions and developmental stages they might pass.

6. 15 Minute Beauty Website

https://www.15minutebeauty.com/

As a first time mum, I was all about doing everything right, including making sure I wasn't putting anything on my skin that could be even a little bit harmful. If you're struggling in that department and want to follow that (and it's not for all mums - and to be honest, would be less stressful if you didn't), this website was a saver.

Google " [brand name / product ] pregnancy safe" and more often than not, the 15 minute beauty page that list all products of that brand that are safe for pregnancy, safe for breastfeeding or not safe at all will come up.

And bonus number 7.

Facebook Mummy Groups.

I cannot put down a specific one, because I joined ones specific to Thailand and I know my friends joined ones specific to their locations. But they have been a great source of information, and other mum's are always so quick to offer up recommendations and tips when you send in a question.

Sign up to one quick.