You might consider diving into parenting literature or listening to advice that guarantees you’ll be ready for any surprises. While there’s nothing wrong with books, you really don’t need a whole shelf of them. Here’s everything you truly need to know about being a new mom:
- Everything is Replaceable
Handmade baby gifts are treasures—those lovingly crafted quilts and unique blankets are impressive. But if your little one decides to decorate them with bodily fluids, it’s best to say farewell. Seriously, just toss it in a bag and let it go. Or burn it, depending on how far along your child is with solid foods. - Seize Every Nap Opportunity
Getting enough sleep is crucial for new mothers, and this advice is worth its weight in gold. Nabbing every chance to nap is vital, but we all know those moments can be elusive. Let’s call your shortcuts ‘life hacks.’ For instance, don’t stress about boiling the pacifier every time it takes a detour into the floor. Eventually, you’ll stop washing it off anyway—so why not start now? And if your partner promises to take the night shift but snoozes through it, don’t take it personally. You both might just be in a game of who can sleep the longest. Spoiler: while you’re playing, the baby might just drift back to sleep. - Utilize Your Excuse Card
Having a newborn gives you a golden ticket to excuse yourself from any unwanted event. Want to skip Aunt Edna’s seventh wedding? Just mention the baby is under the weather—nobody will question that. What new mom would leave a sick infant with someone else? - Prepare for an Emotional Rollercoaster
Returning to work and getting a comment from a colleague like, “Wow, are you pregnant again?” can be infuriating. While Bob may deserve a serious talking to, remember that your baby needs you more than revenge. People can be inconsiderate, and when you’re a new mom with hormones running high, it can be hard to brush off their remarks. Just keep your cool; you can always vent later. - Remember Dad’s Struggles Too
Your partner is also navigating new parenthood. Sure, he may not be dealing with physical changes like you are, but he’s experiencing his own adjustments. Try not to smother him during this time and keep the eye-rolling to a minimum. It might just give you a headache! - Forget About Perfection
If your baby has been living in plain onesies for weeks, who cares? They don’t mind, and your partner probably won’t notice a change in your hairstyle either. Embrace the chaos of a lived-in home while you and your new family bond together. - Let It Out
Feeling upset over spilled breast milk? Cry if you need to. Sometimes, holding back emotions is just too tiring. You’ll find your way back to your usual self soon enough, and then you can save your tears for rom-coms and adorable animal videos online.
As a new mother, you will encounter a flood of advice—some of it will resonate, while other bits may leave you confused. Along the way, remember that no one understands your baby’s needs better than you do. All the external advice won’t change that.
Now, get some rest!
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Summary: Becoming a new mother can feel overwhelming with advice and emotions flooding in. Remember that everything can be replaced, naps are crucial, and it’s okay to embrace the chaos of new parenthood. Ultimately, you know your baby best, so trust your instincts and take care of yourself.