A Little Help for New Moms

One year ago today I was two days away from being a mom for the first time ever.  I was counting contractions and walking every mall within a 20 mile radius.  When people asked me when my baby was due they were actually saying, oh my goodness, when are you going to pop! 

Now a year later I’m a little older, a little wiser, and I can look back with a sense of understanding that every new mom grows into with time.  Here’s some advice I would go back and share with my one-year-younger self … and with other new moms.  If you are a new mom, or know someone who is, perhaps this would be helpful for you/them as well.  These are in no particular order.

1. Don’t be afraid to go outside in that first month.  As long as your health allows it, take short walks with your newborn, or just sit on the patio for 10 minutes.  Breathe deeply the fresh air.
2. Your newborn can’t be spoiled.  If he/she is crying in the middle of the night, there’s a reason (at least at this young stage of life).  Don’t feel guilty for checking on them.
3. Savor the moments with your son/daughter.  It’s true what they say, time does go by too fast.
4. Take advantage of your little one’s crying to cry out to God.  Seek Him in those most difficult moments and allow him to wash you with comfort.
5. Journal about your little one’s birth story (I did this while still in the hospital).  The days will pass quickly and you’ll soon forget the details you want to remember forever.
6. Pray Scripture over your son/daughter.
7. You and your husband are a team, act like it.  Share how you are feeling with him, and allow him to share with you.  Do you want to throw your kid out the window if they cry one more time?  Tell him about it.  You probably just need a break, which is something he (or a friend or loved one) can provide.
8. Ask for help.  Often.
9. Take pictures and videos of those little toes, fingers, yawns, snoozes and blinking eyes. 
10. Make time for God every day.  Even if it’s only 5 minutes here or there.  Even if its while you’re nursing or while you’re up in the middle of the night rocking a little one back to sleep.  Include Him in your daily life.
11. Celebrate every milestone, even the small ones.
12. Take more photos and videos.
13. Stress less about the state of the house and more about the state of your relationships with your spouse and child.
14.  It’s ok if the dishes don’t get done.
15. Dusting, vacuuming and cleaning can wait.  Time with your baby while he/she is still a baby can’t wait.
16. Every parent has a different way of doing things.  Respect their ways, and keep quiet when they don’t mirror your own. 
17. You don’t have to listen to everyone’s advice.  Follow where God is leading you and find the path that works for you. 
18. Think before you speak when talking with other new moms.  Try to keep your opinion to yourself unless your advice is requested.
19.  Find a group of new moms you can build relationships with.  If you can’t find any in your hometown, there are lots of new moms seeking community online.  Don’t be afraid to join in.
20. Give yourself a break.  You don’t have to be perfect.  Your baby loves you just as you are.

What is some advice you’d share with new (or not so new) moms?  Let’s encourage one another as only new moms can!