6 Little White Lies We Share with New Moms to Help Them Thrive in the First Year

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When a new mom cradles her newborn for the first time, a mix of relief and mild panic hits. The pregnancy is finally over, and now it’s time to step into the wild world of parenting. With a flood of advice coming from every direction since the pregnancy announcement, new moms often hang on to every word, hoping to get it right. But let’s be honest: some of this advice is a bit misleading. I like to call these “pretty lies” because they aim to provide comfort, even if reality can feel different—especially at 2 a.m. when your little one is screaming their head off.

Here are six of those white lies:

1. You can sleep when the baby sleeps. Sure, in theory, you could catch some Z’s when the baby is napping. But the reality is that there are a million tasks vying for your attention, from showering to tackling the laundry. Not to mention, you might find yourself wide awake, staring at your little angel, worrying about everything under the sun. Sleep? What’s that?
2. Breastfeeding will help you shed the baby weight. For some lucky moms, this is true, but for others, it’s a different story. For instance, I found myself craving sweets like a bear emerging from hibernation. Breastfeeding can ramp up your appetite, making it tough to lose those pregnancy pounds. So don’t stress if the scale isn’t budging right away.
3. Enjoy every moment; it goes by so fast! While it’s true that time can feel fleeting once it’s all over, in the thick of sleepless nights and diaper blowouts, it often feels like an eternity. Those endless crying fits and unexpected messes can make even the most joyous moments feel long and exhausting.
4. Breastfeeding is a beautiful experience, and your baby will naturally get the hang of it. This is a great sentiment, but let’s be real: it can be messy and challenging. Some babies take to it like pros, while others need a bit more time—and so do you. If it doesn’t feel easy or beautiful right away, know you’re not alone.
5. The early months are the best. Yes, there are magical moments, like seeing your baby smile for the first time, but the early months can also be incredibly tough. Many moms experience feelings of isolation and anxiety. It’s okay if you don’t feel like these are the best times ever; it’s a whirlwind of emotions.
6. Things will get easier. This one might be a comforting lie. As your baby grows, new challenges emerge. Crawling leads to walking, and suddenly they’re talking back! While it may not get easier, you will adapt and grow alongside your child, learning to navigate the new hurdles.

The truth is, these “pretty lies” are often half-truths that help new moms keep going through the toughest job on Earth. It’s all part of a beautiful, chaotic journey that we will eventually look back on fondly.

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In summary, new motherhood is filled with both sweet moments and challenging realities. Embrace the chaos and remember, you’re not alone in this beautiful mess.