Being a mom is a wonderful and life-changing experience. However, as a new mother, it is natural to have concerns about your new responsibilities and the challenges that come with them. To help ease this transition, we have gathered some valuable advice for new moms that you may find helpful and relatable.
While guidance from your mother, mother-in-law, family members, or close friends can be incredibly valuable, you may also want to explore advice that resonates with you personally. Every parenting journey is unique, and not all advice applies to everyone, so take what feels right for you and your baby.
1. Get Sleep Whenever You Can
Many new moms are advised to sleep when their baby sleeps, but this may not work for everyone. Instead, rest when you feel tired and seek help from family members to watch over your baby while you nap. Adequate rest is crucial, especially during the postpartum period when sleep patterns are disrupted due to hormonal changes.
2. Nurse Your Baby Only on Demand
Feeding your baby frequently in hopes of making them sleep longer is not always the best approach. Instead, follow your baby’s hunger cues and nurse them on demand. Trust your instincts to determine when your baby needs to be fed.
3. Carry Your Newborn for as Long as You Want
The idea that holding your baby too much will spoil them is a myth. Carrying your newborn fosters a strong bond and provides them with comfort. Babies naturally become more independent as they grow, so enjoy these precious moments while they last.
4. Ask and Accept Help
Caring for a newborn can be exhausting, and it is perfectly okay to seek help. Whether it’s family members, friends, or a trusted caregiver, allowing others to assist you can ease the burden and provide you with much-needed breaks.
5. Take Time for Yourself
While your baby depends on you for everything, it is essential to carve out time for yourself. Whether it’s a relaxing bath, a favorite meal, a spa session, or a quiet walk, self-care is vital. Also, nurture your relationship with your partner to maintain emotional balance during this new phase.
6. Trust Your Instincts
It is natural to feel uncertain as a new mom, especially with the abundance of parenting advice available. However, remember that you know your baby best. Trust your instincts when making decisions about your child’s well-being.
7. Don’t Be Alarmed by Baby Cries
Babies cry for various reasons, and it does not mean you are doing something wrong. Experiment with different soothing methods like singing, holding them close, or talking gently. Over time, you will learn to understand your baby’s unique cues.
8. Find Support in Your Tribe
Connecting with other new moms who share similar experiences can be incredibly helpful. A supportive community allows you to seek advice, share concerns, and offer encouragement to one another.
9. Remember, This is Just a Phase
Motherhood can feel overwhelming at times, but remember that this phase will pass. As you and your baby settle into a routine, things will become easier. Before you know it, your child will grow, and you may even look back and miss these early days.
Embrace your journey as a new mom with patience and self-compassion. Each day brings new challenges and joys, but with time, confidence, and support, you will find your rhythm in motherhood.
10. Remember, You’ve Got This
Motherhood can feel overwhelming at times, especially when you’re constantly tending to your baby’s needs. If exhaustion makes you doubt yourself, remind yourself that you are doing an amazing job. Connecting with other new moms can help you realize that you are not alone in this journey. Believe in yourself—you’ve got this!
11. Disconnect Nursing from Sleeping
It is commonly believed that babies need to be fed before bedtime to fall asleep, but this can create a habit that may be hard to break later. Additionally, milk residue around their gums can lead to oral hygiene issues as their teeth start to emerge. Instead, try creating a bedtime routine that does not rely on nursing to help your baby sleep.
12. Ignoring Advice is Okay
You will receive an abundance of advice—both solicited and unsolicited—about raising your baby. While it is good to listen, you do not have to follow everything you hear. Trust your instincts and choose what works best for you and your baby.
13. Get Back to Your Fitness Routine
After childbirth, your body needs time to heal and recover. Once your doctor clears you for exercise, start with light workouts and gradually build up your fitness routine. Exercise not only helps you stay in shape but also improves your mental well-being. Set small, achievable fitness goals to keep yourself motivated.
14. Take Pictures, Make Memories
Your little one will grow up faster than you realize. Amidst the busy days of caring for your baby, don’t forget to capture those precious moments. Take photos and create beautiful memories that you can cherish for a lifetime.
15. Don’t Try to Be a Perfect Mother
Every mother wants to do the best for her child, but perfection is an unrealistic expectation. The early days of motherhood come with challenges, learning curves, and adjustments. Give yourself grace and remember that there is no such thing as a ‘perfect’ mother. Just do your best, and that will always be enough.
Motherhood is a beautiful journey filled with love, challenges, and growth. While advice from others can be helpful, trust your instincts and parent in a way that feels right for you. Most importantly, embrace each moment with your little one and enjoy the precious bond you share.