Dear first time mom,
Congratulations! You’re about to embark on one of the most extraordinary journeys of your life. Feeling nervous? Scared? Wondering if you can do this? Well, let me tell you, you were made for this moment. Here’s a little listicle of love, laughter, and reassurance just for you.
Trust Your Instincts – They’re There for a Reason
Remember when you chose the perfect shade for the nursery on the first try? That’s your mom instinct kicking in early. Your instincts are going to be your superpower. When in doubt, listen to that little voice inside you (not the one that demands chocolate at 3 AM, though that’s important too). Your instincts will guide you, but if you don’t feel any instincts at first, give it time – you’re normal!
Perfection is Overrated – Embrace the Beautiful Mess
Your house is going to look a little messy in the newborn stage and well into the first several months. When the baby is finally on a routine, and you have the energy to clean the house again, it will be about time for the baby to start crawling and have toys everywhere!
As your baby gets older, your home will look like a scene from a toddler’s rave party, and that’s okay. Perfection is a myth perpetuated by glossy magazines and untouched Instagram feeds. Embrace the mess; it’s where the best memories are made.
Diaper Diaries – From First Time Mom To Change Master
You might be nervous about changing diapers now, but give it a week or two. You’ll be able to change a diaper in the dark, half-asleep, with one hand tied behind your back. It’s a skill that might not look great on a resume, but it’s certainly something to be proud of.
A Photo of a mother
The Cry-Decode – A New Language
Babies cry, and at first, it might all sound like Greek. But soon, you’ll be fluent in Baby Cry. Hunger cries, tired cries, “I dropped my pacifier” cries – you’ll know them all. It’s the most adorable, frustrating, and rewarding language you’ll ever learn. Your partner might even look at you in awe and wonder how you knew just what baby needed. It’s mama magic.
Sleep Is A Luxury For A First Time Mom (Or Any Moms)
The rumors are true; sleep becomes a luxury. But don’t worry, the human body is amazing. You’ll discover a new level of functioning on less sleep than you ever thought possible. Coffee helps. So does the sight of your baby’s peaceful face in dreamland.
Even though you are able to cope much better on less sleep than you were before your baby was born, it doesn’t mean you shouldn’t take advantage of napping when you’re able to. You can’t always sleep when the baby sleeps, but with the first baby, this is the most possible that advice will ever be. Let the chores wait, take a nap mama.
The Feeding Frenzy – Trust That You’re Doing Great
Breastfeeding, bottle-feeding, doing a mix of both – there are many options and opinions. Remember, the right choice is what works best for you and your baby. Fed is best, full stop.
You’re doing great, mama. If you are struggling with breastfeeding, check into lactation consultants in your area who can help you get over the hurdles. If you find you’re not able to breastfeed your baby for whatever reason and you wanted to, allow yourself to grieve that loss. But trust it will get easier. You won’t want to cry every time you make a bottle of formula, I promise.
Support Squad – Lean on Them
Your support squad is there for a reason. Partners, family, friends, online communities – lean on them. Accept help, ask for advice, and then feel free to ignore it because, remember tip #1? Trust your instincts.
The Unbreakable Bond – It’s Instant (or Not, and That’s Okay)
Some moms feel an instant bond; for others, it grows over time. Both are perfectly normal. Don’t stress about how or when; the love you have for your child is unique and will unfold beautifully in its own time. And yes, if in the future you decide to have another baby, you will love him or her just the same. Your heart has room for multiple littles and you will love them each in a special way that was meant just for them.
Laughter is Essential – Find Humor in the Chaos
A sense of humor will be your best companion. When you find yourself putting the car keys in the fridge or forgetting basic words, just laugh. This journey is crazy, beautiful, and sometimes downright comical.
Some Days Are Going to SUCK – You’ll Make it Through
The best thing we can any mom can tell you as a new mom is simple: some days are going to be HARD. You’re going to feel like you’re failing, like everything possible has gone wrong, and there’s nothing you can do to fix it. That feeling will pass, the sun will shine again, and you’ll realize hey I’m not too bad at this after all. But if you find yourself feeling like this often, please talk to your doctor or a trusted friend to evaluate if something more serious is going on. Postpartum depression is very real and can impact moms long after the newborn stage.
You Were Made for This – Believe It
In those quiet moments, when it’s just you and your baby, remember this: you were made to be this child’s mother. With every cuddle, every tired smile, every midnight soothing – you’re exactly where you’re meant to be.
Navigating motherhood for the first time is a wild ride, filled with uncertainties and endless Google searches. But trust me, you’ve got this. With a little love, a dash of humor, and a lot of grace for yourself, you’re going to be amazing.
Welcome to the club, mama. It’s a wonderful life.
