When you've made the decision to get pregnant, do you do things by the book or do you play it by ear? Do you read all the books on how to set up the nursery to nutrition or do you talk to others?

seeker

I know that there are couples that plan by the book and to me that takes all the fun out of getting pregnant.

If you go by the book and then discover that you don't get pregnant right away, then what? Are you going to forgo everything for as long as it takes? Are you going to not have any caffeine, alcohol, medicines, anything else that might be dangerous, for the six years or more it takes you to get pregnant? And what if you never get pregnant?

If you go by the book and then discover that you don't get pregnant right away, then what? Are you going to forgo everything for as long as it takes? Are you going to not have any caffeine, alcohol, medicines, anything else that might be dangerous, for the six years or more it takes you to get pregnant? And what if you never get pregnant?

Some couples will go through all that. I think it's kind of funny for the wife to call the hubby and say."It's time! Come home now!" Poor guy. Performance on demand.

seeker

I did everything by ear nothing from books except what I just picked up while reading.I think most of mothering is instinct.Listen to your heart.:o

I did everything by ear nothing from books except what I just picked up while reading.I think most of mothering is instinct.Listen to your heart.:o

I agree with this statement. It is an instinct. But of course I also do read some just for the basic knowledge. And I also get some points thru my parents and friends.

I think it would depend on the type of knowledge. Letting your toddler not finish a meal because they don't want to is fine to play by ear, a baby that hasn't stopped fussing all day for no apparent reason is something you probably want outside help with.

Many try to go ahead and get some stuff before hand, but any parent can tell you, no matter how much you stock up on or what you get, you will always need more. I have yet to meet a parent (first timer or not) that was fully prepared top to bottom. :)