Things I’d Tell A First-Time Mom

A few months ago, my husband and I welcomed our second child into the world, and we’ve said many times that we are more relaxed this time around. There’s something about having had one child that gives you perspective for another. You can look back at how things went the first time and reflect on how you might do things differently. You can see what was a big deal and what really wasn’t. It’s a gift to reflect and to have the opportunity to try new ways of doing things. As a parent, you have so much opportunity to grow and there’s so much grace to change your mind on things. You can see what worked and what didn’t, and you can accept God’s grace for your mistakes.

But we can also learn from each other. Perhaps my experiences and the lessons I’ve learned can be helpful to you! Here are some Things I’d Tell a First-Time Mom.

Relax and enjoy your baby. During my son’s first year of life, I was anxious a lot. I worried about his eating and his sleeping, and I lacked confidence about my choices. This is really understandable. As a first-time Mom, I didn’t know what I was doing. I had a lot of expectations and a lot of hard reality checks. My main goal for my second baby was to relax more. I wanted to enjoy this first year, and I knew that a lot of things would just sort themselves out, as they had with my son.
Prioritize Sleep. New Moms are tired a lot. That’s normal. BUT, I think there are ways to prioritize sleep when you’re able to. Whether that be going to bed a little earlier or taking a nap when your baby sleeps, these are things that will really pay off. Being rested makes everything better.
Keep that baby on the boob. Along with relaxing and getting sleep, I would encourage new Moms to focus on breastfeeding. In my sister’s words, “Keep that baby on the boob.” 😀 Your milk supply is based on supply and demand, so the more you nurse, the more you’ll produce.
Don’t stress about sleep training right now. There will come a day when your child will sleep in their crib or in their bed, and instead of stressing about all of that and comparing your sleep situation to others, I would encourage young Moms to resist worry and trust the process. You have a long time to figure this out, and you do not need to lose sleep over theirs.
Beware Google. While it might seem convenient to be able to look up any question or concern you have, in my experience Googling things does more harm than good. It can often lead to more fear and questions. I will sometimes even ask my husband to look something up, because I know it will produce more anxiety in me. While there are times to Google, do so wisely.
Ask God for wisdom. God promises to give wisdom to those who ask (James 1:5), and we mothers need a lot of it! We are faced with so many decisions every day, and God is ready and waiting to lead us. When you are faced with a question, pause, get quiet, and ask God for wisdom.
Trust your intuition and your husband’s. I have heard people say that moms need to trust their gut. If you or your husband don’t feel good about something or think you should do something, pay attention. You don’t need a thousand opinions. You and your husband need to make united decisions together, and God has given this child to you both specifically. He has equipped you both for this high calling.
Let others help. You don’t have to do this alone, Mama. In fact, it’s better for you AND your kids if you don’t. Let Grandma and Grandpa help. Let your husband help. You don’t have to get burned out, for it really does take a village.