No matter how old, prepared or organized you are, the thought of a little one coming into your life is both incredible and terrifying at the same time. He or she will become the person you love most on this world – and the one who will depend on you for a lifetime.
So we decided to ask six of our favorite moms to share some advice for soon-to-be moms. The things they wish someone had told them before their little boy or girl was born. From guidance on how to stay sane, to allowing yourself to buy that silly expensive PJ set, here is what six moms had to say about becoming a new mom.
Allow yourself to become a new version of yourself.
“Allow yourself the time and space to become new. Remember how all-encompassing it was to fall in love? How tricky it was to focus on anything else? Allow yourself that again. The time to pour back into yourself will come later, so be released from the added pressure of returning to your “old self” right away. Make space for becoming a new version of yourself. Make space for becoming a mother.” – Erin | Design for Mankind
Make a station of essentials for each room of your house.
“I always tell new moms to make a little station in each of the main rooms or floors of their house. Throw in diapers, wipes, diaper cream, a toy or two, a soft blanket, etc. This makes life a lot easier when you have a sleeping newborn in your arms!” – Courtney | Pizzazzerie
Snuggle that baby… and splurge!
“Oh man, where to begin! Snuggle that baby when they’re little, make sure to soak it all up, give you’re self time to adjust to being a new mama. Always trust your mom instinct and never compare yourself or baby to others. You’re doing a REALLY good job so make sure to give yourself some credit…. And lastly go ahead buy the $30 pair of pajamas even if they wear it once, its worth it!” – Chelsey | Bright & Bold
Enjoy each and every moment.
“My best piece of advice for new moms is to really, truly try to enjoy each and every moment. I know it can be hard when your body doesn’t feel like your own; you are living in a disaster area between 8 boxes of pampers, dirty laundry with spitup all over it, dishes piled to the ceiling and a crying baby. But it does go by TOO fast. I promise, they are only little for a little while, and you can’t get that time back– and you will want it back. Savor those moments, and when it gets too tough, ask for help. Know that it is completely normal to ask for help. You are already superwoman, but even she has to take a nap sometimes. My favorite quote about motherhood that really summed it up for me those first few months was ‘the days are long, but the years are short.’ Enjoy every moment and know that you are doing an amazing job and are an incredible mom.” – Laura | Walking in Memphis in High Heels
Keep baby essentials in your car, too.
“I highly suggest making a small basket to keep in your car with essentials for both you and baby. This was a huge help for me, especially during the first six months! Throw in a change of clothes for baby, extra diapers and wipes, burp cloths, a blanket, nursing cover (even if you aren’t nursing these are great as a car seat cover), water bottles, snacks (for nursing moms), and at least one shirt for mama because spit up happens! This helps cut back on the weight of your diaper bag and as your babe gets older, you will replace the baby items with toddler items like books and disposable place mats.” – Cait | Home Sweet Ruby
Don’t sweat the little stuff!
“When my son was born, I was consumed by the idea of doing the “right thing” all the time. I wish I would have given myself a break and enjoyed those cuddly newborn days more! They’re certainly hard but also precious and fleeting so soak them in and try not to stress about the minutiae.” – Hannah | Hannah Matthew Designs
So if you’re a new or soon-to-be mom, we hope this advice put you at ease! Do you have any advice for moms? Share them in the comments below!