Are you a new mom seeking guidance amidst the beautiful chaos of motherhood?
After having 2 girls of my own, I’ve got plenty of advice for new moms to help you prepare yourself before your baby comes and tackle life with a newborn.
From nurturing your support network to managing sleepless nights, I’m here to help you thrive in your new role.
Key Takeaways
- Build a strong support network, and don’t hesitate to delegate tasks and get help while you focus on resting, showering, or bonding with your baby.
- Prepare in advance for the baby’s arrival, prioritize self-care, and ensure proper nutrition to aid postpartum recovery.
- Forget perfection- supermom doesn’t exist! If you try your hardest, your child will know you love them and want to do right by them.
- Recognize the difference between ‘baby blues’ vs. postpartum depression, and seek professional help if intense feelings of sadness persist beyond the initial postpartum period.
- Use my pregnancy checklists to get ready one trimester at a time!
Advice For New Moms
The journey of motherhood is unique to each woman, filled with joy and anxiety, where we feel such love and overwhelm at times.
Dealing with these emotions and situations with a new baby is a learning curve, and navigating it becomes easier with time, patience, and a little guidance.
There’s no handbook to being a perfect mom, but I can show you what I learned about being a good mom with my own experience.
Create A Support Network
Yes, raising a child does take a village, and you’re never truly alone, Mama!
It’s important to surround yourself with people who can help, offer advice, or simply listen when times are tough.
Sharing experiences, exchanging baby care tips, and even swapping babysitting duties can ease your stress and make the journey more enjoyable.
I received so much help from our church members, and our family was very involved in getting both of our girls ready.
Ask For Help If You Need It!
Becoming a new parent is a major life transition, and it’s totally normal to feel overwhelmed at times, even before the baby comes. Don’t hesitate to ask for help when you need it.
I asked friends and family to help put furniture together in the girls’ rooms, babysit after they were born, help prep meals, and provide other help that I was so grateful for.
Needing help is never a sign of weakness- seeking help from your partner, family, or even healthcare services is a sign of strength and dedication to your well-being.
There’s No Such Thing As Super Mom
In the era of social media #goals, it’s easy to get trapped in scrolling and play the comparison game with the so-called ‘perfect’ moms you notice online. Here’s a little secret – ‘super mom’ is a myth.
No mom is perfect; mistakes will happen, and your child will have ups and downs like any normal person.
Instead, strive to be a mom who is understanding, supportive, and present in her child’s life.
Prep Before The Baby Arrives
Setting up the nursery and stocking up on baby essentials can ensure that you’re well-prepared when the baby arrives.
You can do a little grocery shopping, get diapers, formula, and some other basics, but it takes more than the supplies to make a new mom feel ready.
For a first-time mom, I suggest getting into parenting classes ASAP so you can learn some of the basics of swaddling, first aid, and more.
Read Up On Child Development
Understanding your baby’s development stages can be like having a roadmap to your baby’s changes.
It helps you understand their needs, behavior, and milestones, enabling you to provide appropriate care and stimulation.
You can talk to your baby’s doctor for their recommendations on books and resources.
I looked online to learn about developmental stages and found the CHOC list of milestones very helpful in learning what to expect. Same with the CDC!
Stock Up On Meals Before Giving Birth
The first few weeks after giving birth are often hectic, with your attention divided between caring for your newborn and recovering from childbirth.
Having a stockpile of meals prepared and frozen beforehand can be a lifesaver during this time. Who wants to chop stuff and then stand at the stove for an hour when exhausted?
I used slow cooker recipes that I could throw in a freezer bag to have ready later. Then Kelan or I could take the bag out the night before to thaw and pop the food into the crock pot come morning.
Plan & Share Your Visitor Policy
The arrival of a new baby is a joyous occasion, and friends and family are often eager to visit. But we all know that sometimes we need to set boundaries so our house isn’t overrun with people.
Plan your visitor policy in advance and share it with your loved ones so everyone knows to give you and your new family time to adjust.
Whether it’s designating visiting hours, requesting advance notice, or asking visitors not to come when sick, clear communication can help manage the influx of visitors and give you peace of mind.
Start Vitamins Now & Keep Taking Them
Maintaining good nutrition is vital during pregnancy while your bun is in the oven and remains equally significant post-childbirth.
Prenatal and postnatal vitamins are an excellent way to ensure that you’re getting the essential nutrients needed for recovery and breastfeeding.
Just ask your doctor about vitamins or supplements pre- and postpartum to ensure they meet your specific health needs.
Talk To A Lactation Specialist
Breastfeeding is a beautiful way to bond with your newborn baby, but it can also be challenging for many first-time moms.
Consulting a lactation specialist can provide valuable support and advice, helping you navigate any difficulties you may encounter.
Whether you’re learning about different breastfeeding positions or understanding how to maintain a good milk supply, they’re the pros and can walk you through what to do.
And, Mama, if breastfeeding just doesn’t seem like it’s in the cards for you, that’s okay!! Don’t pressure yourself- formula has come a long way and will provide nutrition for your kiddo.
Make Sure To Have Personal Time
Despite newborn care being a full-time job, it’s vital to not neglect your own needs. Make sure to carve out some personal time every day, even if it’s just a few minutes.
This could be enjoying a cup of coffee in silence, reading a book, or simply taking a few deep breaths.
Keep in mind that self-care isn’t selfish- it’s a necessity to prevent mom burnout! Recharging helps reduce stress and can make you a better mom.
So, go ahead and put yourself on the priority list. You deserve it!
Is It The Weepies Or Postpartum Depression?
Welcoming a new life into the world is a profound experience that naturally brings about a whirlwind of emotions, including some sad feels we struggle with.
But we’ve got to talk about the ‘baby blues,’ which is a normal postpartum emotional state, versus postpartum depression, which is a more serious condition that requires medical attention.
If intense feelings of sadness persist for more than two weeks postpartum or worsen, it’s crucial to reach out to a healthcare provider.
You need to prioritize your mental health so you can be there for your child for many years to come.
Learn To Be Flexible
One of the greatest life lessons that parenthood teaches us is the art of flexibility and letting your family create their own pace each day.
Babies often have their own schedules, and being flexible allows you to adapt to your baby’s changing needs and routines.
Embrace flexibility and keep in mind that each stage is temporary, just a phase that unfolds a new chapter in your parenting journey.
Hold Your Baby When You Want
There’s no such thing as holding your baby too much. Hearing that always upsets me so much!
Holding your baby not only strengthens the bond between you but also aids in their emotional and overall development.
Whether it’s during feedings, while putting them to sleep, or just to cuddle, feel free to hold your baby whenever you want.
Pack Your Hospital Bag
As your due date looms ahead, pack your hospital bag so you have one less thing to worry about when you head to the hospital.
Make sure to pack essentials for both you and your baby, like:
- Comfortable clothing and a robe
- Toiletries, hair brush, and hair ties
- Insurance/license for paperwork
- Snacks
- A birth plan for yourself
- Small, soft pillows (or stuffed animals, for you!!)
- Nipple cream
- Bluetooth speaker/birthing playlist
- Feeding supplies for your baby
And don’t forget to get the car seat installed and ready ahead of time, too!
Stay Healthy- Feed Yourself
Just as you take care of your baby, it’s important to take care of yourself, too. Sustaining a healthy diet during your recovery is essential for your well-being.
As a new mom, you should consume plenty of nutrients and calories, especially if you’re breastfeeding.
Have a little bit of everything, and don’t worry about having too many carbs or dessert. Whether you’re pregnant or not, it’s all in moderation.
Do NOT Co-Sleep!
While it might be tempting to co-sleep with your newborn for the sake of convenience or bonding, it is important to understand that co-sleeping can pose serious risks to your baby.
At the top of the list is an increased risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).
For their safety, doctors recommend that your baby sleeps alone in their crib/room or a bassinet in your bedroom near your bed.
Walk Or Get Outside Every Day (Exercise A Lil)
A breath of fresh air and a change in surroundings can significantly uplift your mood and overall well-being.
Make it a point to get outside and go for walks regularly.
Not only does it provide a much-needed break from the indoor routine, but getting some exercise also helps reduce stress and increases your energy levels.
Keep The Spark Alive With Date Night
Maintaining a strong connection with your partner should always be important, even more so when a new baby enters the picture and pressure is high.
Scheduling regular date nights can help keep your relationship vibrant and intimate. It doesn’t have to be elaborate; it’s about quality time and keeping the lines of communication open.
Whether it’s a romantic dinner after the baby is asleep or a movie night at home, what matters is that you’re both taking a break from your parental duties to focus on each other.
A Hard Lesson- Babies May Cry For No Reason
Babies cry – it’s their way of communicating with the world. And sometimes, they cry for no apparent reason.
It can be frustrating and disheartening when you’re unable to soothe your baby’s cries, but remember, it’s not a reflection of your parenting.
Like adults, babies experience growth spurts, developmental leaps, and simple bad days. When their crying gets tough, take a deep breath and find new ways to soothe them.
FAQs
What’s the best advice for a new mom?
The best advice I have for a new mom is to:
- Trust your instincts
- Read and learn about parenting and child development
- Seek support and help when needed
- Remember to take care of her well-being
- Set realistic expectations
- Talk to your doctor about anything- ask questions and bring up concerns
- Be patient with yourself and your partner
- Understand that every day is a learning experience
How can I be a good mother?
Being a good mother encompasses understanding your child’s needs, offering emotional support, and nurturing a loving relationship.
It’s about being present, patient, and understanding even when times are tough or busy.
It’s also about taking care of your own well-being because a happy and healthy mom leads to a happy and healthy child.
What needs to be done before the baby comes?
Before the baby comes, it’s important to prepare both physically and mentally. This includes:
- Attending childbirth classes
- Setting up the nursery
- Stocking up on baby essentials
- Packing your hospital bag
- Looking after your health and well-being during pregnancy
- Creating your birth plan with your healthcare provider
- Setting boundaries on when people can start visiting the baby
What do we need to do during the first few weeks when the baby comes home?
In the initial few weeks when the baby is home, concentrate on:
- Bonding with your baby
- Attending to their basic needs, such as feeding, diapering, and sleeping
- Maintaining cleanliness around the newborn
- Handling them gently, providing ample physical contact and interaction
- Making sure everybody is getting sleep and nutrition!
It’s also important to take care of your own health and well-being during this time.
Final Thoughts
Being a new mom is a breathtaking journey filled with love, challenges, and the occasional sleep-deprived haze.
I’ve been there, twice, and I know the struggles all too well – the love, the worry, and the overwhelming desire to do everything right for your little one.
But I’ve learned so many mom tips to share. By leaning on each other, sharing our experiences, and embracing the learning curve, we can navigate motherhood together.
I hope reading my tips helps you feel more ready and excited about becoming a new parent, and please let me know if you have questions about pregnancy and parenting down below!
