5 Things Every New Mom Should Tell Herself

Today I’m linking up with Kelly at Kelly’s Korner and the Show Us Your Life topic for today is Advice for New Moms.  Part of me feels a little odd linking up because I feel like I am so not qualified, but here goes anyway.  🙂

1.  Breastfeeding is hard.
As a new mom, one of the things I was most surprised about was how challenging breastfeeding was.  When attending all the baby classes, it sounded like such a natural thing that would come easy.  Yes, it is a natural thing, but it is also a learned skill and can take time…and be painful…oh, can it be painful in those first few weeks.  But, once we got through that learning curve, it was so much better.

2.  Every challenging phase is a season.
In the midst of the difficult moments,  you might feel like it will never end.  Especially in those early weeks when baby is eating numerous time in the middle of the night, you might feel like you will never get a full night’s sleep ever again.  Not true.  I found that just when I thought my patience {and energy} was completely gone, things would get better.  I have found this to be true with numerous tough phases of parenting young children, not just with feeding and sleeping.  Hang in there because it WILL get better…eventually.  And then it will probably be time to move on to another challenging phase.  {Can we say, teenage years?}

3.  Give yourself lots of grace.
We moms are way too hard on ourselves.  We are often told we are born with “mother’s intuition,” which might be true, but we tend to think we should know how to be a mom from day one.  Some things do come naturally, but I found that it took me at least 6 months to feel like I had some sort of idea what I was doing.  I still feel like I am clueless about each and every new phase we embark on, but we manage to get through them and learn as we go.  You will make mistakes, but don’t beat yourself up.  If you are a mom who loves your baby, then you will be just fine.

 4.  Make time for yourself.
One of the things that helped me make it through those early months of being a new mom was getting out.  My life was consumed with taking care of my newborn {which I loved}, but there were days when I felt like I was going to go stir crazy if I didn’t get out with other adults or take time out for myself.  Depending on your situation, it might be something as simple as taking a long shower without interruptions or getting out to grocery shop by yourself.  Or, it could be getting out for a girl’s night with friends.  I firmly believe that you will be a better mom if you take care of yourself. 

5.  Don’t play the comparison game.
Women tend to play the comparison game no matter what and motherhood only adds to the temptation.  While it might be fun to compare what other people’s babies are doing to what yours is, remember that each baby is different.  However, if you are genuinely concerned, by all means contact your pediatrician.  Remember, that just as each baby is different, so is every mother.  You will mother differently than others and it will take you time to figure out what works best for you and your baby.  Don’t feel bad if you see a mom out and about with four children in tow when you feel like you are exhausted after a quick errand with one.  Just be the best mom that YOU can be and don’t worry about what everyone else is doing.

Being a new mom is such an exciting time, but it can also be extremely tough.  Don’t be afraid to ask for help as you learn the ropes and “get in your groove.”  Even on those hard days, ENJOY IT.  I know it’s so cliche, but it flies by so quickly!