With Mother’s Day right around the corner I wanted to share some Advice to Expectant and New Mothers. The anticipation of bringing a child into the world is one filled with many mixed emotions. Excitement, fear, joy, anxiety, etc. Know that everything you are feeling is normal and every mother has been there before. Here is some Advice to Expectant and New Mothers I want to encourage you with as you are waiting for or have just welcomed your sweet baby into the world.
Treasure the Time with Your Spouse
Really soak in that time you have with your significant other before the baby arrives as you will both be adjusting to a new life once you bring home baby. Prior to baby, go do those things you have always wanted to do and don’t put them off any longer.
Looking back there are a few things Sam and I wished we had done before all our kids started coming at a rapid pace. Going to see that comedian. Take a weekend trip together. Splurge on things we wanted for our house. While we are thankful for God’s timing for growing our family, we wish we would have spent our time pre- babies with more intention.
Love, Bottles, and Diapers are all a Newborn Needs
When you are planning all your baby will need upon their arrival, doing a quick internet search for baby essentials will give you many conflicting ideas. You don’t need all that is suggested. Pick a few items you know you will need. Then maybe a few wants and stop there. You will not need all the items people advice you to get. Sound machines. Magic poop trashcans. Wipe warmers. Multiple car seats for every car including grandma’s car. Changing table. Insert additional ridiculous item here.
Long ago my Midwife told me that all a baby needs is to be held, a boob, and diapers. I can laugh at this advice now because after having been through the new baby stage 5 times over she is SO right! The first few weeks you don’t need all the baby paraphernalia with its bells and whistles. Sure, some of those things are nice to have, but not essential to the care of your sweet baby. As long as you cuddle, feed, and keep that baby in a clean diaper then you are doing great!
Take Care of Yourself
I did not understand the importance of this until after my third baby was born. Everyone, yourself included focuses SO much on what the baby will need once they arrive. All expectant and new mothers get in most cases is a breast pump. Mama, take care of yourself! Get those comfy pjs and slippers you want. Splurge on some yummy snacks to keep on hand those first few weeks postpartum while you are figuring out breast feeding. Buy yourself some flowers and chocolate because it will make you happy. Sleep when your baby sleeps and don’t worry about what the house looks like or that the laundry is not folded. The time will come to get back to a routine but those first few weeks, just focus on yourself and the baby.
These days my self care looks like a few new comfy postpartum clothes. A basket filled with my favorite snacks beside the bed, and maybe a cute new water bottle. Relaxing and letting Sam care for the older kids and handle the house. Even if it is not how I would do things, that is OK. Once we are back into the swing of things I can adjust things to my liking.
Let Others Help You
MANY people will want to come visit after the baby is born. My advice to expectant and new mothers would be to arrange those visits to benefit you and don’t allow people to just come by whenever least you feel obligated to skip that nap you desperately need to entertain people. If possible, stagger the help of grandparents and family so you know you will have help the first few weeks. Make a list of how others can help you postpartum. Maybe have them walk the dogs. Vacuum the house or do the dishes. Make some freezer meals for you. Do a grocery pickup. If others want to help, then let them and don’t feel bad. In the future you can return the favor.
With my first baby we had my Mom come stay with us a for a week to help. She ran errands. Kept the kitchen clean, and made some extra freezer meals, Cleaned the house, and cuddled a baby when I needed to nap. It was SUCH a blessing to have her help while I adjusted to life as a New Mom.
Relax and Enjoy because Time Flies
Enjoy your time before baby comes because soon enough, he or she will be here, and your world will never be the same. Relax and enjoy the first few weeks after baby is born because you won’t get that time back. Many people complain about the sleepless nights, how tired you are, your boobs hurt, etc. and most of that is true. But that time with a newborn is one of my favorites and I have enjoyed it with each of my kids. More so with my last few because I realize how special it is because that time is SO short. With each new baby I have learned how important it is to relax and slow down.
I hope this was encouraging Advice to Expectant and New Mothers out there. This time is precious and as Jermey Camp sings in his song Keep Me in the Moment, “Lord, keep me in the moment. Help me live with my eyes wide open. Cause I don’t wanna miss what You have for me.”
Do you have Advice for Expectant and New Mothers?
Please share with us! OR read this post from my Husband, Sam, on Advice for Expectant OR New Fathers from a Dad of 8.
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