-
Take care of yourself: As a new mom, it's easy to get caught up in taking care of your newborn and forget about your own needs. Remember to prioritize self-care by getting enough sleep, eating well, and taking breaks when you need them.
-
Don't be afraid to ask for help: It's okay to admit that you need help, whether it's with childcare, housework, or just some emotional support. Don't be afraid to reach out to friends, family, or even a professional for assistance. A good response to an offering of help would be, "I'm going to take you up on that offer, could you possible grab xyz from the store?"
-
Accept that things won't always go as planned: As a new mom, you may have certain expectations about how things will go, but the reality is that parenting is full of surprises. Give yourself enough time to be able to be flexible and try to go with the flow as much as possible. (Don't overbook yourself with family visits!)
-
Trust your instincts: As a new mom, you may feel overwhelmed by all the advice and information out there. But ultimately, you are the best judge of what is right for you and your baby. Trust your instincts and don't be afraid to do things your own way. A good response to this unsolicited advice would be: "I know it comes from a place of love; however, it is overwhelming to hear. I will ask for advice as I need it."
-
Find support**: Being a new mom can be isolating, so it's important to find a support network of other moms who can understand what you're going through. Whether it's online communities, mom groups, or individual friends, having someone to talk to and share your experiences with can be invaluable. Advice: Don't break play date plans! You may think its stressful to get ready and meet up, but kids often entertain each other, and parents are able to co-parent in the moments of need. ** See bottom for new mom resource apps that you can use to connect!
-
Take time for yourself: It's important to make time for things that bring you joy and help you relax. Whether it's a hobby, exercise, or just some quiet time alone, finding activities that nourish you will help you be a better mom. We often find that we need these breaks when it's too late and we are already overstimulated. Build these breaks into your schedule. Sit down with your significant other and say, "I will need 60 minutes to read my book or watch my favorite show on these days"
-
Get to know your baby: Every baby is different, and it's important to get to know your own child's unique personality and needs. Pay attention to your baby's cues and try to understand what they are trying to communicate. Simply learning them will help you figure out future cues. Paying close attention helps our minds build more and more context clues that lead to quicker responses to needs. I think the most frustrating part of parenting a newborn was staring at them while they are crying and thinking "What do you need!!???"
-
Don't be afraid to say no: As a new mom, you may feel pressure to do everything and be everything for your baby. But it's okay to set boundaries and say no when you need to. It's better to take care of yourself and be able to give your best to your baby than to try to do too much. Remember, "No" is a completed sentence. Get comfortable saying it, even to the people you love the most!
-
Don't compare yourself to others: It's easy to fall into the trap of comparing yourself to other moms, but every family is different and what works for one may not work for another. Focus on what is best for you and your baby, and don't worry about what others are doing.
-
Don't be afraid to seek professional help: If you are struggling with anxiety, depression, or other mental health issues, it's important to seek help from a professional. There is no shame in seeking support and taking care of your mental health as a new mom. The Postpartum Support International Warmline (1-800-944-4PPD) is also available for new moms struggling with mental health support.
New Mom Connection Apps
-
Peanut: This app is specifically for connecting mothers with other mothers. It has a user-friendly interface and allows you to search for other mothers based on location, parenting style, and interests.
-
Mom Life: This app is focused on connecting mothers with other mothers in their local area. It allows you to create a profile, join groups, and participate in discussions with other mothers.
-
Moms on Call: This app is designed to help mothers connect with other mothers in their local area and find support, advice, and resources.
Diaper Dust New Mom Discount Code: NEWMOM10