3 First Time Mom Tips That Change Everything

Welcoming a new baby brings so much joy—and so many questions. For every first-time mom (and dad), the early days can feel like a whirlwind of emotions and new challenges. The “4th Trimester” is all about adjusting to life with a newborn, and finding your footing during this stage is key to “newborn survival.” Whether you’re bringing baby home from the hospital or learning to set mom goals that work for you, here’s some advice for new moms to help you navigate those precious first weeks. Dive into these practical tips crafted to make your journey as a newborn mom a little easier and more joyful.

Are you a first time mom overwhelmed at the responsibility of this tiny human who relies on you for everything? Let’s talk about 3 things that can really change your new parenting game.

I should say that when I had my first baby I thought he’d be like a nurse purse I’d just sort of haul along to places. I was wrong, dead wrong — and all of the changes it created in my life was really painful & I did not adjust well. I want to help you avoid that.

If you’re still pregnant, be sure to check-out this that is a game changer for those last few weeks, and first few weeks postpartum.

Ok, onto the tips:

Low Expectations

Keep. expectations. low.

Expectations of yourself

Expectations of your baby

Expectations of your partner

Expectations of others.

Honestly, political, economic, and society… just keep ALL expectations low.

When small things that you don’t expect come up, it’s a happy thing, rather than a disappointment that it wasn’t more.

Honestly, I wish I could’ve taken this further into my motherhood career.

I will say that there is a big difference between “hopes” and “expectations”

You can hope you make it to the park on a walk today, but when you have expectations of a blissful visit to the park, you’re just hurting yourself.

And frankly, you may keep hurting yourself in the weeks to come. Expectations have killed me as a mom over and over.

Yes, I’m speaking to myself as a seasoned mom of 3 (two of whom are adults) on this topic as much as I’m speaking to you.

Want more newborn tips — check these out:

• 3 Medications for Baby to Have On Hand
• 2 Things to Remember for New Siblings
• Baby Necessities: What you NEED for your newborn.
• Help! My Baby Won’t Sleep — my epiphany!
• What to DO With Your Baby?

Build the Team

The main issue I had with my partner (who also happens to be my husband) was that sometimes we fought each other instead of the battles.

Meaning, we were angry at each other, rather than trying to battle our sleeplessness…

Battling each other instead of tackling the endless dirty bottles together.

You’re in the trenches together fight the opposition TOGETHER. Don’t fight each other.

Becoming a team is so important, and so is having a sense of humor about how crazy it all is.

Like I said above, if you haven’t already had your baby — this really helps you become a team before you even start the journey.

Want more partner tips — check these out:

• How to Be a Supportive Husband and Partner During Pregnancy
• What To Do About A Selfish Husband During Pregnancy?
• Can I Breastfeed my Husband During Pregnancy?

Put You First Sometimes

You gave everything to that baby.

You gave them your bladder space

Your lung space

Your stomach space (oh ye horrible heartburn)

Your nights as you sat awake sleepless.

And all of that was on you. Sure, they “supported” you but you start out on a path of giving everything for that baby.

But, now it’s time to take that back.

Plan a trip to a favorite store.

Plan on some time to do something you enjoy — is it reading a book alone under a warm blanket, going on a walk with a friend or a girls night?

You need to re-find you.

It’s really easy, especially if you’re breastfeeding, to feel chained to that baby and like you’re still going to give it every ounce of you. But, the reality is that if you give the baby all of you, there isn’t any left for yourself, and that won’t last long.

Your partner can do the baby. Your partner will do the baby in a different way than you do (and that is OK). Like, they’ll feed them with a bottle, but you might use your breast. They may lay the baby on the floor and watch TV but that’s OK. Floors are a great place for babies to build muscles.

That baby is just as much theirs as they are yours, let them take ownership. Yeah, you built that baby — but you’re co-owners now. 🙂 Be sure he’s acting like it.

So, those are my three tips. What else would you say to new moms? Tell me in the comments!

And, if you’re in a spot where you think some routine might help all of you out (I’m a routine-based mom) check out Family Routines. It really does automate your life to help YOU out, rather than the other way around.