Being a new mom is exciting and extremely overwhelming.  As a mom of two, ages 6 and 9, I am able to look back and think about all of the things I was worried about when I was a new mom.  

For me, there are a few things I wish I had known as I brought my baby home from the hospital.

  1. Relax – I realize this word is loaded.  You’re probably thinking, how in the world can I relax when I have a human being who needs me every second of every day.  And I will tell you, it’s not easy to do, but I wish I had just relaxed – especially with my first baby.  The truth is, and this is of course excluding any medical issues, your baby will be fine.  I was so bent out of shape about making sure I did certain things in the right order that I often missed out on the pure joy of simply holding my baby as he slept. Those moments are fleeting, so relax, hold your baby, everything else can wait.
  2. Ask For Help – I am a person who doesn’t like to ask for help.  Ever. So after my first child was born, I felt like I had to do it all.  I wish I could go back in time and tell myself to just ask.  I didn’t get breastfeeding right away, and I wish I had just gone to the lactation consultant and asked her to help me.  Don’t wish you had done something, just ask – you’ll feel so much better when you do.
  3. Join A Group – Seriously, as a new mom, you are going to need a group of new moms.  I was very fortunate to be able to find this group and we still are friends almost 10 years later.  Unfortunately, I waited for 8 months before I joined – my advice to you is to get in a group right away.  Like, the day after you take your baby home from the hospital! These women sat with me each week through my ups and downs.  They were there as I navigated what being a mom would be for me.  If you can, find your group, it will make a world of difference. 

Women have been having babies for centuries, but it doesn’t change the fact that being a new mother is one of the greatest and most exhausting journeys you will ever embark on.  Just remember, you’re amazing and you’re doing a great job!