During your pregnancy and after, everyone will offer advice. Parents, friends, in-laws, co-workers, and even strangers. We asked ”seasoned” moms (and dads) what advice they would give a new mom, and here’s what they had to say!
Daily Care:
“Don’t wake the baby up to feed unless the doctor says so. They will let you know when they are hungry.”
“Let them enjoy the germs! Let them play in the dirt and fill their pockets with stones and worms.”
“You can tell by the screams if they need a Band-Aid or just love.”
“Everyone gets frustrated sometimes, and it’s ok to let a baby soothe themselves. Sometimes it works, and sometimes it doesn’t.”
“Don’t listen to people telling you not to hold your baby too much; they are only small for a very short time. It’s a great bonding time! “
“Try not to compare your child to other children. Everyone grows at their own pace.“
“‘Comparison is the thief of joy.’ Don’t be overly concerned about measuring up.”
“If breastfeeding doesn’t go well, supplement with formula until you get it figured out.”
“Rock the baby. They grow up way too fast.“
Self Care:
“Nap when the baby is napping.”
“Be good to yourself. Don’t put too much pressure on yourself to be perfect.”
“Sometimes you need YOU time.”
“Take things one day at a time. Don’t be hard on yourself.”
“Never turn down help.“
“Be kind to yourself. Breathe and know it’s going to be fine.”
“Ask for help. Refuel each day with self-care. Embrace opportunities to rest.“
“If you feel depressed and overwhelmed, ask for help!”
“Make time for yourself and your relationship.”
“Give yourself grace.“
“Be prepared for postpartum.”
“Buy adult diapers. You won’t regret it!”
“Spend at least ten days home. Let yourself heal and bond with your baby. Remember, you just had a baby, you don’t have to entertain when people come over. Your house will be messy. That’s OK!“
“It’s ok to put the baby down and take a breather.“
Some Creative Ideas:
“Enjoy each season and journal even if it’s once a month. I have a 28- year old son reading back on it now, and he is amazed.”
“I created an email for my son and send him pictures and letters, so when he’s older, I can share it with him.”
“Take photos. Get a box and keep your favorite things in there.“
Overall:
“Enjoy it! The easy and the difficult. Times goes by faster than you know.“
“Little ones take in EVERYTHING you say and do. Make a good impression.“
“The days are long, but the years go fast.”
“Never be afraid to learn your own way. Many people will have their opinion on how your child should be raised, but it’s your child, so it’s your call.“
“Follow your momma intuition. If you feel right about something, don’t go against it.“
“Love on that baby as much as you can. They will never be as small as they are in the moment ever again. “
“Be merciful and gracious to yourself, so they learn to be kind to themself and others.”
“Don’t allow negativity to stress you out and ruin time with your blessing.”
“Listen to your instincts and raise them in the knowledge of the Lord. Pray always”.
“There’s no such thing as too much love.“
“Take in the simple moments with your baby. People will tell you it goes by fast, but you don’t really feel that way until one day you notice your baby is no longer a baby.”
A common theme among all of the comments was that it goes by so quickly and takes in those moments with love. Sometimes advice can be conflicting, so be sure to check with your physician and ask questions so that you can make the best decision for you and your baby.
