Recently, I was asked what advice I would give to a new mommy. It took me back for a minute. My first thought was, why are you asking me? I have no idea! Well, I have two kids of my own now, so that makes me an expert, right? HA!! It seems like just yesterday I was struggling to find as much information as possible to prepare for becoming a mom. Here are my tips for new moms.

“Mothers are all slightly insane.” -J. D. Salinger, The Catcher in the Rye

Tips For New Moms

Listen and Smile

You will be given A LOT of advice, and it usually comes from a good place, but some of what you hear from different people will be contradicting. For example, breastfeeding vs. formula. Listen to the advice you are given, smile and be kind, but remember YOU get the final say. Bottom line, do what is best for you and your baby/family.

It Will Be Ok

There will be moments where you don’t feel like it will be ok. But it will. And I also want to point out that when you are exhausted a lot of things feel impossible. Exhaustion plays tricks with your emotions and your logical thinking. But what I would have loved to be told when I was a newbie is that whatever you are feeling, just FEEL it. It is OK to be tired or scared. It is OK to cry and to make mistakes because we all do. Let me also be adamant, if you feel like what you are feeling is more than just a few new mom baby blues than please reach out for help. Talk to your doctor. Postpartum Depression is not to be taken lightly. Here is a helpful link for PPD.

Don’t Fret Over Toddler Eating Habits

Expect to see odd food habits. My oldest when through a couple of weeks where he only wanted to eat green food. Don’t panic. You can offer them choices, but don’t overwhelm yourself because they will eat when they are hungry.

Breathe and Take In Every Moment (Even the Crazy Ones!)

Take LOTS of pictures. Babies change so quickly. With both of my boys, the “newborn” phase seemed to go so quickly. They didn’t stay teeny tiny very long. Sometimes I feel like if I didn’t have pictures I wouldn’t remember that they were ever that little! Try to cherish each new moment. The new sound. The new smile. The first giggle. All these phases are temporary, even the hard ones, and one day you will look back and realize it all went by so fast, even if you didn’t feel like it in the heat of the “battle.” I truly agree with the statement that “the days are long and the years are quick.”

Motherhood Is a Job

It is a job and you might not “love” it every day. And that is completely OK. However, being a mom has been the most rewarding job I have ever had and I know that nothing will ever top it. Eventually, it will get easier and sometimes you have to learn to just LET IT GO. I think that is something that I might not have learned with my first, but it has definitely been learned with my second. Don’t compare yourself to other mothers. Don’t get fired up over the small things. Choose your battles. If I cried every time something was spilled or broken I would be crying all day long. Sometimes you just have to LET IT GO. And remember, if you are deep in the trenches and need a lifeline…just call your Mom.

There Will Come a Time

When you must choose to either sleep when your baby is sleeping or

• shower
• eat
• wash clothes
• clean house
• etc…

It really is ok to choose to sleep. Honestly, choose what you need the most. If it is sleep, then it is ok to let the dishes or the clothes sit a little longer than normal. In fact, find your new normal. Learn that it is ok to ask for help.

“Supermom wasn’t a bad job description. The pay was lousy if you were talking about real money. But the payoff was priceless in so many other ways.” -Roxanne Henke

Last Little Tid Bits…

Have fun! It really does happen all too fast. Get all the cuddles you can get. Pray. A LOT. Journal and write down dates. One day you will love looking back and remembering.

Just remember that all new moms are nervous. Honestly, I was nervous with my second born too. Having a child is all about change, and change tends to bring about nerves in most people. However, just remember to enjoy every minute of it. I hope these tips for new moms help you along your journey.

Related Posts:
The Importance of Fathers
15 Tips for New Parents
9 Tips for Step-Parents

“But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” Isaiah 40:31