Let’s start this off with the obvious: Mom’s have one of the toughest jobs on the planet. Period.
If that wasn’t obvious to you, then I’m sorry but you need to go watch your sister’s kids for like 3 hours and a day and then come back to read this post. But candidly, before becoming a mom myself, I knew motherhood would be challenging but I just didn’t quite understand how or what about it would be so hard.
The truth is, everyone’s journey through motherhood is different. After 2 years of riding this mama wave, I have experienced the good, the bad and the ugly (and I know, it’s only getting started!). My daughter’s birth was traumatic and I’m only now ready to start entertaining the idea of baby number 2. But being a mom is TOUGH. It’s tough on your body, on your mind and on your soul. When you enter motherhood, your whole life changes as does your perception of the world.
Looking back on my postpartum days, I remember how scared I was at times and I now understand that it’s OK to be afraid of the unknown, have feelings of uncertainty and of plain vulnerability. I’ve been reflecting back on the early days of motherhood and have put together a list of 5 things all new moms need to hear. Hopefully these words will offer some comfort and encouragement to other new moms as they start their journey through parenthood.
5 Things All New Moms Need to Hear
You are doing a great job
Plain and simple and above all, true. Yes, mama, you are doing a great job and don’t let yourself think otherwise even if for a minute. Some days you’ll be filled with self-doubt questioning your every decision and this is okay. It’s normal. You are learning and growing with every new day and experience just like your baby. It’s normal to question yourself, but remember to remind yourself of the great job you are doing too.
You are strong and beautiful
You’re more beautiful and stronger than you’ve ever been. Your body may feel or look different, but just know it is the most beautiful version of yourself you’ve ever seen. This body did WORK and gave birth to a tiny human being and that’s an amazing accomplishment to be proud of.
Your health and well-being is important too (new moms, accepting help is not a sign of failure!)
Grandma and Grandpa reaching out to help? Take them up on it! Lean on your support system when you need to. Self-care is critical during the weeks of postpartum. If a helping hand comes knocking, accept it and use the free time to catch up on taking care of you.
Take a nap, run an errand, enjoy a hot shower or get a pedicure. Accepting or asking for help is not a sign of failure any mom. Everyone needs a break for sanity’s sake, especially new, sleep deprived and hormonal moms.
Do what works for you and your family
Babies come in all different shapes and sizes. What may work for one parent might not work for another. New moms tend to hear it from everyone: the best products to buy, the best way to get your baby to sleep at night, how to feed your baby, ways to wear your baby, what stroller to use, why co-sleeping is bad, why co-sleeping is okay, etc. The list of advice (solicited or not) just goes on and on and on. These are really just “words of wisdom” if you will of some ways to care for your baby. They are not the WAY it has to be done.
Now don’t get me wrong, I love advice and hearing about other parents experiences. These stories helped me through some tough times. I also love to offer my experience in hopes it may help another mom out. Having a community of mothers to lean on is crucial and SO important. The point I am really trying to make though is that this advice is not the end all be all. Listen and absorb the words of wisdom that come your way as you see fit and at the end of the day, remember to do whatever works best for you and your family.
This baby is already so lucky to have you for a mommy
This may be the most important thing for all new moms to hear. I hope this goes without saying but in case it doesn’t, know that your baby is already so lucky to have you for a mom! There is no mother more perfect than you for this sweet little baby.
What words of encouragement or advice would you give to new moms?
New to the blog? Welcome! Here’s a few posts you might like:
The best compliment that I’ve received was when my mom (who was an awesome mama) told me that she thought I was such a good mom. That meant so much to me and I’ll cherish that forever.
Aww, that is the best compliment. Thank you so much for reading and sharing this Emily!
Great article, will share with my friends who are new moms 😊
Thank you! I hope it is helpful for them!
Such a good post mama.
Thanks, Erin!
Lovely! Yes as a new mom it’s okay to accept a help.
I 100% agree.
Doing what works for you and your family is a big one, especially during this time of uncertainty. Great reminders as being a mother is the most important job in the world!
Thanks so much and I couldn’t agree more. Everyone needs to do what is best for their families now more than ever. Thanks for reading!
nothing is a mistake…. everything is a learning step..
great post..