Becoming a mom is one of the most amazing, life-changing experiences a woman can have. It’s also one of the most challenging, so advice for new moms is critical.
From figuring out how to breastfeed properly to getting the baby to sleep through the night, there’s a lot that goes into those early months of parenting. That’s why it’s important to have good advice for new moms. These tips and tricks will help you get through those first few months with your sanity intact.
1. Get Some Help
One of the best pieces of advice for new moms is to recruit some helping hands.
This could mean hiring a postpartum doula for support. In fact, having friends and family come over to cook and clean (and cuddle baby) is fantastic.
While you’re adjusting to life with a newborn, accepting help when it’s offered is crucial. New moms need all the support they can get, so don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, don’t be afraid to ask for help from your partner, family, or friends. Motherhood is tough, and there’s no shame in admitting that you need a little assistance now and then. Whether it’s someone to watch the baby so you can take a shower or someone to run to the store for you. Asking for help when you need it will make your life a lot easier. You can also check this postpartum recovery checklist.
2. Sleep When Baby Sleeps
Another important piece of advice for new moms is to sleep when the baby sleeps.
This can be easier said than done, but it’s important to try to get as much rest as possible in those early weeks and months.
Your body is going through a lot of changes, and you need all the rest you can get.
So, put your feet up and take a nap when you can.
The study “Sleep Patterns and Fatigue in New Mothers and Fathers” by Caryl L. Gay, Kathryn A. Lee, and Shih-Yu Lee, published in the National Library of Medicine, found that new parents get an average of six hours and forty-five minutes of sleep per night.
So, if you can manage to squeeze in a few naps here and there, you’ll be well on your way to getting the recommended eight hours of sleep per night. Read also how co-sleeping with baby benefits new moms.
3. Take Time For Yourself
One of the best pieces of advice for new moms is to make sure you take some time for yourself every day. That could be reading a book, taking a bath, or going on a walk. Taking some time out for yourself will help you recharge and feel like yourself again.
If you don’t have support, look at hiring a babysitter. This will allow you some much-needed rest or just give you a few minutes to yourself to relax. Make sure you’re taking care of yourself, too.
It’s important to remember that being a mom doesn’t mean sacrificing your own needs entirely. For your own sake, you need time for yourself too!
4. New Moms To Join A Mommy Group
A common thread in our advice for new moms is to join a mommy group—or several!
Connecting with other moms going through the same thing as you can be incredibly helpful (and therapeutic). You can chat about everything from breastfeeding woes to potty training tips. In fact, not only do you share experiences, you’ll make some great friends in the process!
5. Find A Good Lactation Consultant
If you’re having trouble breastfeeding, the best advice for new moms is to find a good lactation consultant. They can help you with everything from positioning to latching and getting up troublesome wind.
A good lactation consultant can be a huge asset in those early weeks and months. Don’t be afraid to reach out for help if you’re struggling—it will make all the difference.
6. New Moms Have To Get Organized
Having a system in place for feeding, diaper changes, and bedtime will help you feel more in control and less overwhelmed. There are a million different ways to do this, so find what works for you and stick with it.
7. Don’t Compare Yourself To Other Moms
Comparison is the thief of joy, and that’s especially true when you’re a new mom. It’s easy to look at other moms and think they have it all figured out. However, the truth is that everyone is just winging it.
So, instead of comparing yourself to other moms, focus on what’s best for you and your baby. This top piece of advice for new moms will allow you to embrace your uniqueness!
9. Make Time For Your Partner
Great advice for new moms is to ensure you take time for your partner. It’s easy to get caught up in caring for a baby that you forget to nurture your relationship.
However, it’s important to make space for quality time with your partner. This could be going on a date night or just spending some time talking and laughing together. Making time for your relationship is crucial.
10. Ask For Advice From Experts
No one knows everything (even if we think we do), and that’s especially true when you’re a new mom.
If you’re feeling lost or confused, don’t be afraid to reach out to your friends, family, or even your pediatrician for advice. It’s better to ask for help than to try to go it alone—trust me, we’ve all been there!
11. Don’t Be Afraid To Trust Your Gut
As a new mom, you’re going to be bombarded with advice from well-meaning friends and family members.
While it’s important to take some of this advice onboard, it’s also important to trust your gut. At the end of the day, you know your baby best. So, trust your instincts and go with what feels right for you and your family.
12. New Moms Need To Eat Healthy Foods
Another piece of advice that’s important for all new moms is to eat healthy foods.
When you’re sleep-deprived and trying to juggle a million different things, it’s easy to reach for unhealthy convenience foods. But, eating nutritious meals will help you feel your best and have the energy you need to take on motherhood. It’s also vital when you are breastfeeding!
13. Drink Plenty Of Water
Staying hydrated is important for everyone, but it’s especially crucial for new moms.
When you’re breastfeeding, you need to make sure you’re drinking enough water to keep your milk supply up.
And even if you’re not breastfeeding, staying hydrated will help you feel your best. You will need lots of energy to survive the early days of motherhood.
14. Avoid Comparing Yourself To Other Moms
One of the most important pieces of advice for new moms is to avoid comparing yourself to other moms. Every mom is different, and every family has its own unique dynamic.
Just because someone else seems to have it all together doesn’t mean that you’re doing something wrong. Trust your instincts and do what feels right for you and your family—that’s all that matters.
15. Don’t Be Afraid To Say No
One of the most important things you can learn as a new mom is how to say no. This could be saying no to visitors when you’re trying to get some rest. Or saying no to advice that doesn’t feel right for you.
It’s important to listen to your gut and do what’s best for you and your baby.
16. Seek Out Other New Moms For Advice And Support
Seek out other new moms for advice and support. There’s nothing like talking to someone who’s going through the same thing as you!
You’ll be surprised at how helpful and supportive other new moms can be. The bonus here is that you often end up with lifelong friends from this.
17. Remember That This Is Just A Phase
One of the most important things to remember as a new mom is that this is just a phase. It can be tough, but it won’t last forever.
Before you know it, your baby will be toddling around the house. Then, you’ll be looking back on these days with fondness and wondering where the time went!
So cherish every moment, good and bad, and enjoy this time with your new bundle of joy!
Key Takeaways And Conclusion
Being a mom is hard work, but it’s also incredibly rewarding. Be prepared for those early weeks and months with our best pieces of advice for new moms. Also, know that you’re not alone and don’t hesitate to reach out for help when you need it!
It’s important to arm yourself with advice from other moms and experts so you can make the most of this amazing journey. Precious advice for new moms will help you navigate those first few months (or years) with confidence and (somewhat) ease. Things such as getting help, sleep when baby sleeps and taking time for yourself every day. Join a mommy group (or two) and don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it!
Don’t forget to enjoy every moment as this time goes by quickly!
If you have some advice for new moms that we have missed, please share in our comments below.
My name is Andrea Thompson and I’m a home based freelance writer. I’m 23 years old, married to my best friend, and mother to a wonderfully independent and opinionated 3 year old girl and step-mother to a sweet seven year old boy. I live in a tiny, little town in Kentucky, where I spend my free time fishing with my kids.
Writing has always been my passion, which I followed through high school, and for a while in college. Life happened, and once I discovered we were pregnant, I switched directions; opting for the healthcare industry because of the stability.
Finally, years later, I was in a place where I could leave the day job that never truly made me happy, and pursue my dreams. I’ve built, and am still building, my writing career from scratch. But, I’m passionate and I’m good at what I do. And, in the end, I can prove to my daughter that she can do anything she wants with this life.
