My best friend is due with her first baby in just about a month. When thinking of what to get her for her baby shower, aside from things on her registry, I wanted to put something together that offered comfort & advice. What I thought I knew when my son was born is nothing compared to what I wish I knew & what I know now. I want to offer expectant/new moms this advice, with the hopes that their minds are put to ease, even if just a little bit.
*Know that you have a support system around you- there ARE people around you who love you. Don’t be afraid to ask for help, with anything. If you need help with doing laundry, call someone. Need your dishes done but you’re exhausted? Call someone. Need a nap or a shower? Call someone. It’s hard to admit you need help because you don’t want to feel bad or like I did, like a failure (which is absolutely not the case), but it’s so important to take time for yourself & just accept the help. You will be hormonal, emotional, etc. but if at any time you feel like you’re slipping out of control, make sure you tell your SO, a friend, or a family member. I promise, someone will drop what they’re doing to help you.
*Breastfeeding is hard. HARD. However, the bond you create with your baby is unlike any other and those moments are so special & so worth it. But if it gets to be too much and you need to switch to formula, don’t beat yourself up. I didn’t have a choice & had to switch to formula when my son was 10 weeks old. And you know what? He’s a smart, happy, & healthy 4 year old.
*Seeing as how you have a precious little boy, prepare for the diaper changes before you take off the dirty diaper. Trust me. You can thank me later.
*Don’t feel bad if you don’t love every minute of motherhood. You don’t have to.
*It’s okay to cry. It’s actually scientifically proven to make you feel better.
*You’re going to mistakes. You’re a human, we all do. Mistakes do NOT mean you’re a bad mother.
*Trust your instincts. Go with your gut. If you think something is wrong, push until you get answers. No one knows your child like you will.
*Do what’s best for you and your family. Don’t compare yourself to other moms {easier said than done, I know}. Don’t compare your son to other children his age. Every child is different & they all grow/develop at a different pace. Again, see above point about trusting instincts.
*When you’re having a rough day, remember the phrase “This too shall pass.” Because it will, I promise.
*Take time for YOU. Happy mom=happy baby. Take time for you & your significant other. Happy parents = happy baby.
*The love you feel for your son is going to be OVERWHELMING, but in such a good way. It still takes my breath away sometimes, the love I have for my sweet boy. He is honestly my heart beating outside of my body. Your little man will be, too. You will love him more than anything that could ever be described.
*He is going to be Momma’s little boy. He is going to steal your heart & walk away with it. He is going to love you fiercely & unconditionally, no matter what. You will be the most beautiful woman in the world in his eyes. You will be his first love. He will be your best friend.
*The days will seem long, but I promise the years are so short. Enjoy every single moment, no matter how big or small. Write milestones down, take TONS of pictures & videos, just live in the moment. Time is truly your enemy during these years because before you know it, your little boy is going to be a little man who is walking, talking, going to preschool, & being sassy.
Laugh with him, cry with him. Play with him, go get ice cream with him. Play in the puddles with him, slide down the slide with him. Have mommy & son dates. Kiss & hug him as much as you can. And most importantly, show him & tell him how much you love him & that you will always love him, no matter what.
*Please know that you have someone in your corner, every step of the way. Whatever you need; advice, help, a shoulder to cry on, etc. And you know, to make sure car seat safety is being enforced. ?
*YOU are going to be an AMAZING Momma!!
What is something you wish you knew before you became a parent?? Comment below!!
