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Being a first-time mom is an exciting and rewarding time in your life. However, it may make you feel nervous or unsure of yourself as a parent and as you take on your new role.
All of your mixed feelings and emotions are normal to have. What will be in your best interest is to give yourself grace and take in as much advice and information as you can as you adjust to bringing home a newborn and parenting. Here are some tips every new mother needs to know that can help you in your parenting journey.
Patience is Key to Your Success
One tip every mother needs to know is that patience is key to your success and that sometimes you’ll be challenged in this area. Not all will go smoothly or as planned and you need to remain flexible as a new parent instead of trying to predict or control what will happen next. Trust your gut and do your best and let that be enough. Be patient with yourself as you learn and educate yourself on taking care of a child. Don’t rush your recovery either and make sure you attend to your health needs in the process of caring for your newborn.
Health Matters May Need to be Addressed
The reality is that you or your child may face health issues after giving birth and as your child grows. For instance, breastfeeding isn’t always easy so you may be a bit caught off guard if you were expecting it to go seamlessly and instead your baby’s growth is being impacted. You can read more here about what may be the cause and how to best address this matter. What you can do is make sure you take your child to their doctor’s appointments and see a dentist when it’s time. Stay on top of health matters that arise and address them head-on for the best outcome.
Some Babies Don’t Sleep Well
You may also come to find that your baby doesn’t sleep well or as well as you had hoped. This may also cause you to get less sleep and rest. Every mother needs to be ready for this reality and have a plan for how to handle a colicky baby or lack of sleep. Some babies cry for no reason, some want to be held or fed constantly, or maybe it’s that your baby prefers a pacifier. Consider napping when your baby naps and putting off household chores for another time so you don’t stress yourself out. Enlist help from your partner when you can and ask your doctor what they recommend for you.
You’ll Need to Determine Your Schedule
A new baby will take up a lot of your time and energy. You’ll need to determine your schedule in advance and how your days will play out. Figure out in advance of having the baby how much time off of work you’ll need and think about if you’ll return at a later date. If you will need child care then get that organized and worked out in advance as well. You may feel strapped for time and tired so make sure you find ways to reduce and manage your stress as you adjust to your new way of life.
Take Care of Yourself
One of the most important pieces of advice and tips for new moms is to take good care of yourself. This way you can be the best mother possible and react to situations in a calm and logical manner. You may want to consider taking your baby for walks in the stroller to get some exercise and rest when your baby takes a nap. Practice self-care at home by showering and grooming yourself and getting dressed so that you start to feel like yourself again soon. Take note if you start to feel sad or low and discuss your mental health with your doctor so you can be well.
You Shouldn’t Hesitate to Ask for Help
Another tip every new mother needs to know is that you shouldn’t ever hesitate to ask for help. You may try to be a supermom and do it all yourself but you’ll feel burned out and exhausted with this approach. Talk to your partner about how you two can share household and baby duties and reach out to extended family and friends for help and support. There are also likely local resources you can use and mom groups you can join online or in your community. You want to make sure you have support around you and people you can turn to with questions and concerns and for assistance.
Go Easy on Yourself & Enjoy Every Moment
Give yourself grace as a new mom as you’re adjusting to your new role. Go easy on yourself as you learn and make mistakes. Use mistakes as opportunities to learn and grow and do better in the future. Also, remind yourself the time will fly by fast and kids grow up quickly. Therefore, make it a point to enjoy every moment and truly take pleasure in the little moments when your baby reaches milestones at each age such as smiles or begins cooing at you or they begin to roll over or crawl. You can boost your mood and happiness when you slow down and allow yourself to connect with your baby. Avoid judging yourself and negative self-talk and be proud of yourself for what you are doing right.
Conclusion
These are some tips every new mother needs to know that will help ensure you have a smooth transition into motherhood and when you bring your baby home. Your days will be long but there will also be moments you’ll experience that you’ll cherish forever. Most importantly, take care of yourself and your wellbeing so you can put your best foot forward and have as much energy as possible to do so. Don’t hesitate to ask for help when you need it and to rest when you can so you stay well and happy and truly enjoy your new role.
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