Top Ten Tuesday: Advice for a New Mom/Mom-To-Be

My Top Ten Six Pieces of Advice For a New Mom

Or Mom-To-Be

1. TRUST. Trust your body to do what it's designed to do. That goes for labor and delivery as well as breastfeeding. Our bodies were made to give birth. Our breasts were made to nourish our babies. Love your body and trust your body to do its job. Also, trust your baby. Your baby knows when its hungry. Don't worry about the clock, just feed your baby when they tell you to. This builds a healthy, trusting relationship.

2. EDUCATE YOURSELF. Educate yourself about all things pregnancy, labor, birth, and baby. Educate yourself more than you think you need. Then make informed decisions based on all of the facts, not just the ones that are handed to you. Don't be afraid to go against "the norm" if it feels right to you and your baby. Not every baby is "textbook." In fact, most are not. So don't be surprised when things don't go according to plan.

3. SLEEP. Sleep when the baby sleeps. It's a total cliche but it's true for those early days. Take advantage of that time. Even if you aren't tired, you will fall asleep. And you never know what the night holds - it might be your last chance for sleep for awhile. The housework can wait. You will be much more capable of coping with life's challenges if you've gotten some rest.

4. THE DIAPER BAG. Always pack more diapers than you think you'll need and at least one extra change of clothes. After having to drive home with your newborn baby in just a diaper in the middle of winter, you'll never forget this. (Guilty!)

5. SEEK HELP. It's okay to need to help. Accept all offers for help. Reach out if you aren't being offered. If you need a nap, ask someone to watch the baby/kids. If you need a break, again, ask someone to watch them. Take turns with your husband if you don't have any outside/family help. If you're feeling like something isn't right, seek help with your physician. This is something I did not do the first time but did the second time and it's made a world of difference.

6. SNUGGLE. Hold and snuggle and love up on that baby as much as humanly possible. Even when it seems like you just want a break from holding them. It's a fleeting moment. Believe it or not, some day those babies no longer want to be held and snuggled. And you WILL miss those moments. So take full advantage of them while they are here. Don't worry about "spoiling" a baby. Nobody was ever "spoiled" by being loved and cared for.


Okay so that's all I can think of right now. I'm sure I'll have a part two post some day! What advice would you give to a new mom/ mom-to-be?


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