Your Life Will Never Be The Same Again
“The moment a child is born, a mother is born also”
Motherhood changes you for the better and it gives you a new outlook on your worth.
When Aubrey was born I gained an identity, I went from Ashley to Aubrey’s mom and the way I saw the world changed.
You’re going to experience a love like nothing you have ever felt and sometimes it will be overwhelming. Being responsible for a tiny human is a lot but I believe that God never gives us more than we can handle.
Motherhood Can Be Lonely Sometimes
“Motherhood can feel like a lonely journey for someone who is ever rarely alone”
After my daughter was born I had so many moments where I felt lonely.
The first few months can be lonesome because you’re discovering your new normal and learning your baby and also new things about yourself.
You’re spending most of your time with someone who cannot talk yet and you’re going to have so many moments when you have no one to talk to.
Something that helped me was meeting and talking to other moms on Social Media and in my area.
You Will Be Judged
“There is no such thing as the perfect mom. Just an imperfect woman giving her very best to her children, everyday”
This is the most disappointing part of Motherhood for me, other moms being so nasty and judgmental.
There will always be someone who has something to say about the way you are parenting. More than likely it will be another mom, so get ready. I’ve had people say the dumbest things to me about my mothering skills.
I don’t entertain other peoples opinions about what I do and don’t do for my child. She’s happy, healthy and loved and that’s all that matters.
Take Care Of Yourself
“Taking care of yourself is part of taking care of your kids”
After the baby is born moms need just as much care as the newborn does. Too many times this is pushed to the side.
It is crucial that you remember your own mental, emotional and physical health. Self-care is something that is important.
You cannot pour from an empty cup Mama. Never feel bad or guilty for taking care of you.
Taking care of yourself enables you to be present for your baby.
Get Out Of The House
“Give yourself permission to go off duty”
Newborn babies are so portable and sleep so much that you can take them anywhere.
The first time I took Aubrey out, it was to go to Target and she slept the entire time. I had to get out of the house because I felt like the walls were closing in on me from being inside so much.
It was so relaxing to just walk around the entire store and see all of the new products that had come out since I had been in there last. I lost track of time and ended up walking around Target for 2 hours.
Even if its to go to the grocery store for a few items or walk around the block get out of the house. The fresh air is so good for you and will help you not feel like you are trapped in the house.
Take A Lot Of Pictures
“We take photos as a return ticket to a moment otherwise gone”
Babies grow and change a lot in the first year and you want to capture those milestones and special moments.
Before Aubrey was born I could care less about pictures. Now that she is here I have hundreds of pictures of my daughter and she’s only 10 months old. I take pictures of her almost everyday and get a lot of them printed or make sure to save them on my computer.
Something I make sure to do now is include myself in the pictures with her. I used to not take pictures of Aubrey and I together because I felt like I looked a mess. I never want to look back later and wish I had taken more pictures with my child.
Your Baby Can Pick Up On Your Mood
“Our children are watching us live and what we are shouts louder than anything we can say”
Babies pick up on EVERYTHING, especially our emotional cues. When you are stressed they can sense it and it will cause them to become stressed.
Being a mom can be hard, stressful and overwhelming but knowing that my daughter is watching me to learn how she should react in situations makes me more conscious of how I handle situations and people.
Trust Your Instincts
“A mothers instinct is always the right instinct”
When I was pregnant my biggest fear was that I’m not mentally prepared to be a mom. To be honest, no one is mentally prepared to be a mom. How can you prepare for something you’ve never done before?
Once Aubrey was born I just wanted to protect and take care of her. My instincts had kicked in.
When it comes to parenting, it’s going to be a different experience for everyone. People will try and give you advice whether you want it or not. Going with your heart is going to be the best thing for you and baby.
You have to do what works for you because you know your baby and what’s best for them.
These are all so important. I remember my first months with my son and how long it took me to adjust to the new life. I wish I had read this post then.
Those are all great insights into motherhood. I am not a mom, haha. Hopefully someday I will be a dad though. And with my career the way it is, I just might be a stay at home dad, so a lot of these still apply. 🙂
These are great things to for new mothers to know and to just accept. You will be judged, just accept that no matter what you do or don’t do, someone out there will shake their head at you, and that’s fine! Just do what you think is best. All of these are wonderful things to keep in mind and to remember.
Kileen
cute & little
Awwww your littles are sooooo cute! Self-care is definitely important for new moms!
Every new mom – and probably most all moms – should read this. We forget to take care of ourselves too often.
I wished that we could get rid of the one that says we are judged. It is so sad that as mothers we can’t come together and support one another.
One thing I wish I really took in during those early years with my son was to get out of the house. Some fresh air and sunshine really does help with getting out of feeling overwhelmed during those first few months. Thanks for sharing.
Amen! The first one (motherhood can be lonely sometimes) made me laugh. I thought back to when my oldest daughter was born and I was home with her all day long and she couldn’t talk and I would be SO bored! I wore my husband’s ear out when he came home from work 😆
These are useful insights to know embarking on the new chapter. I can tell this all comes from the heart. Thanks for sharing!
Oh yes, I wish I would have known all this when I was a new mother – it would have saved me so much…
these are great. there are so many things that we don’t tell new moms. my daughter is expecting her first child. i need to send her this.
Aww seems like you’re enjoying motherhood… and don’t mind about other people who will say something negative about your parenting skills. I like it when you said you cannot pour from an empty cup… this is so true. I hope that one day when I become a mom, I’ll be able to do the same. 🙂
I think motherhood can be really lonely, which is totally ironic since you always have company. But, sometimes you really need another adult to talk to.
These are really awesome tips!! Thank you so much for sharing this! So helpful!
Look at you two! You’re so beautiful! And yes to all of the 8 things you mentioned. But it’s okay, we are also strong because we are moms!
I loved this article! I wish I had read it before I had kids, it would’ve helped me for sure!
Motherhood is a wonderful journey, and I admire women who are brave enough to take the journey. For us who are not yet Moms, all we can do is show support no matter what.
Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge 🥰
I think this is just a sweet post – almost like a love letter to fellow moms. All 8 things are 1,000% true. I think the #1 things that most moms can do better is to practice self care to replenish their cup. Love this post!
so much yes to all these great tips! 100% agree with all of them. When I first had my son I neglected to give me “ME TIME” but for my second one I definitely learned.
I never thought of some of these things that you brough to my attention. So Thanks for sharing these.
Yyyeeessss….somebody has said what it is….you should live your life, guilt-free. You owe no one explanations on how you raise your child(ren).
Motherhood is a very special part of life but it is very tough at the same time. Thanks for highlighting these points they are quite helpful.
I really believe that whatever you have shown to your baby, they can pick it up. Even the mood! So make sure you have enough patience on daily basis. Be the role model for your kid.