Dear parents to be, please read books!

What books to read:

1. Good books, written by professionals 

2. Baby and mother care books

3. Books about labor and birth giving 

4. Books about baby/toddler nutrition

5. Books for fathers to be 

Why you must read: 

1. Get yourself educated to have your own opinion. It is your baby, you are the one who will decide what approach to take.  

2. Acquiring baby care knowledge shows your level of responsibility, independence and desire to provide the best care for you and your baby.

3. You must know what professionals suggest to do. There are many books written by different well know pediatricians and psychologists and their opinions are different, sometimes even completely opposite from each other. By knowing all your options you can decide what you feel comfortable with and what will be the best for your baby. Some strategies do not work simply because they don't accommodate your baby's needs. You need to know all your options to be able to decide and adjust in situation when needed.
4. Do not completely rely on your parents or in-laws help and knowledge. You must have your own opinion and decide what is best for your baby and your family. Once baby is born you won't have time to read, review and decide what you want. Be smart, read now and decide what route you will take. 

5. Majority of mothers have very strong opinion about baby/toddler care. They have a very clear view on motherhood. Their confidence is due to two things: 1: they are knowledgeable; 2: they have a very strong intuition and mother instinct given by Mother Nature. Their intuition is backed up by knowledge which gives them lots of confidence. 

6. Do not hope that just like one of your friends who never read anything knew what to do when baby was born. Lots of mothers that I know do not have strong mother instinct or intuition and on top of that they do not have the knowledge. At least you will know what do to and will be able to rely on your books in case the instinct comes later than expected. 

7. Your mom knows a lot, but do not forget that she was dealing with babies over 20 years ago and thing have drastically changed since then. Soon you will also find out how fast you will forget those little infant things you knew just few months back. Yes, your mom is the best help, but do not fully rely on her experience and knowledge. 

8. Read so you won't become like these moms who due to lack of knowledge start trying everything everyone tells them which in the ends confuses them and the baby. 

9. Read to avoid panic attacks. Read to know what should raise a red flag in your babies behavior and what is considered to be normal. (In case your intuition and instinct won't help at least you will have the knowledge.) 

10. Reading baby care books will also help you find a good pediatrician. You will know what questions to ask and see her response and personal opinion about things that worry you the most. Knowing what famous pediatricians and psychologist recommend will you decide which doctor to trust your baby's health.

FYI: Do not over think. My advice is to read and see what methods work for you. Do not over analyze it. When reading look for two answers: is it really the best for your baby (what you feel) and will you be able to do it by yourself and feel 100% good about it.