advice for new moms
There's no shortage of advice available to new moms. Between best-selling parenting books, well-meaning family and friends, and even strangers on the street, there's plenty of advice to consider. Just sifting through the sheer amount of information that comes your way can be a daunting task—how do you know whose advice to take and whose to (respectfully) disregard?
Because we're of the mindset that honest parenting advice from real moms is one of the best resources out there, we asked the smart, insightful mothers and experts in the area of parenting to share their words of wisdom. Their comments had us nodding in agreement, laughing out loud, and looking for a pen and paper to jot down notes.
So, without further ado, here are six real moms on navigating the early stages of motherhood, listening to your instincts, and figuring it out as you go.
Do Less
"Most mamas in today's culture think they are supposed to be busy doing so much for their children...What babies need more than anything is a present and self-aware mama who is gentle with herself and grounded," says Dr. Colleen Crowley, Ph.D., M.A., LMFT, a mother, child psychologist, and co-founder of Brushies. "This grounded presence is what helps wire a baby's brain for the rest of their life," she adds.
What babies need more than anything is a present and self-aware mama who is gentle with herself and grounded.
Sometimes It Really Is Just a Phase
"This is for real, so say it to yourself over and over and over. They won’t go to college with a soother. They will stop waking up three times a night. They will eat with a fork. So take it for what it is and don’t try and rush your littles ones through any age or stage; you’ll look back and wish you hadn’t," Jen Kelly and Becca Perren, mothers and founders of Pehr advise.
See Your Body as Your New Superpower
"There is so much pressure to 'bounce back' post-baby," new first-time mom and co-founder of Tone It Up, Katrina Scott tells MyDomaine. "Our bodies are not the same as they were pre-baby—and they shouldn't be. They are stronger," she explains. "I want every mom to know that you are a superwoman. You created a miracle and your body is remarkable. Let's all treat ourselves with more love, patience, and compassion."
Our bodies are not the same as they were pre-baby—and they shouldn't be.
Don't Sweat the Small Stuff
"If your child falls over for the first time it’s probably likely you do not need to visit the emergency room," says Jen Auerbach, mother, and co-founder of Clary Collection.
Try Disconnecting Nursing from Sleeping
"This will help immensely in getting a baby to sleep without milk," explains Dr. Hilary Fritsch, DMD, a mom, family dentist, and co-founder of Brushies. "My favorite routine is a bath, cuddle, milk, book, brush, jammies, sleep sack, song, bed," she notes.
Find Perspective
"Most of the concerns I see parents have with their kiddos (whether in infancy or adolescence) is sadly a projection of their own insecurities," Crowley explains. "When we can be aware of our fears and how often we impose them on our children it allows us to separate ourselves and really see and appreciate who they are and enjoy the process much more," she continues. "We need to trust that this little person is unfolding just as they should, as opposed to on a timeline we have scripted for them."
Don't Be Afraid to Ignore Advice
"Everyone will give you advice, solicited or not when you are about to have a baby or have a newborn," according to Kelly and Perren. "It’s extremely valuable to listen to the experience and perspectives of others, as it can help you form your own opinions, but make sure that you know that what is right for some families may not be right for yours. Let your motherly instinct kick-in and listen to it instead," they say.
Get Back into Exercise at Your Own Pace
"When you're cleared to exercise, that doesn't mean you should jump right back in at the same pace you were before," according to Scott. "To start, keep your fitness goals small, manageable, and realistic for you. And remember that every bit counts—whether that's going for a walk with your family or squeezing in a quick naptime workout."
Sleep
"Sleep like you’re not going to sleep for the next three years," Auerbach urges. "Allow people to help you. If someone offers to bring food or watch your baby so you can nap it’s most likely they’ve been in your shoes. Don’t attempt to be Superwoman. You already are. You created and birthed a baby," she continues.
A little stories
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