You spend months planning for the birth of your first child. Reading books, following mommy bloggers, and hearing advice from the experienced mommies you know will set you up for success when it comes to weathering pregnancy and delivery. But what about once your little one is born? Advice for new moms is a bit more scarce, and when you find it, it can be contradictory. We're here to help you get the most of your first few months of motherhood while staying happy, healthy, and enjoying the process.
1. Accept Help From Friends and Family
Right after your baby is born, friends and family may offer help in the form of babysitting or delivering meals. Don't hold onto your pride at your own expense. It can be exhausting dealing with a newborn, so lighten your load but accepting everyone's help. Your added sleep will thank you.
2. Stop to Appreciate the Now
Your first few months can feel like nothing but nightly feeding times, changing diapers, and getting naps in whenever you can. Don't let the schedule get in the way of appreciating your new status as a mom. Before you know it, your baby will be a toddler, and you don't want to feel like you missed their time as a newborn.
3. Connect With Other New Moms
It's always helpful to be a part of a community of people who are going through the same things as you. Connect with other new moms through Facebook groups or through people you may know. It's a great way to get tips from others as well as a safe place to let out a bit of your anxiety.
4. Don't Get Hung Up on Conflicting Advice
The one downside to knowing a lot of moms is that you'll likely run into people who feel like they're doing parenting "the right way," and everyone else is wrong. Remember that there are so many ways to be a good parent. You're not a failure if you don't do everything exactly the same way as the Mommy Blogger of the moment.
5. Take Lots of Pictures
Like we said earlier, these first few months are going to go fast! Make sure to keep your phone on hand so you can get pictures of little moments with your newborn. Whether you share them on social media or not, you won't regret having these snapshots of your new motherhood. And don't forget to back them up!
6. Don't Suffer in Silence
Postpartum depression is real and common, as are the other physical symptoms you might feel after childbirth. It's nothing to be ashamed of. Don't hold these problems in and "suffer in silence." Talk to your partner and your doctor to get help so you can be as happy and healthy as possible in the months after childbirth. You'll be glad you did.
Featured photo from: kelleynan on Instagram
