The Very First Time
If you are expecting your very first bundle of joy, you're probably experiencing the range of emotions that come with being a first-time mom. All at once, you are excited and looking forward to meeting your sweet babe, while you might feel nervous or even worried about it all, too. The good news is: Every mom has been in your shoes! Adjusting to life with a newborn is hard, especially when you do it for the very first time. Whether you are staying home or going back to work, there are so many things to consider.
Here, seasoned moms share their best advice for making it all work.
Prayer
"I prayed a lot and reminded myself on those crazy days that this won't last forever. I tried to find humor in even the most hectic of situations. I found that it loosened me up and relaxed the kids as well."
- Shanna Serio, Columbia, Missouri
Give Yourself Grace
"There is no way to juggle it all as a parent, whether you're a first-time or third-time or fifth-time parent. The key is to believe that whatever you are doing or getting done, you are doing the best that you can for your family. Give yourself grace, and don't be afraid to ask for support and help."
- Jenny Yarbrough, Nashville, Tennessee
Use Your Village
"I didn't. That's why we moved across the country and enlisted the help of family. Family is priceless! I could cry to my mom (and grandma) like no one else on earth. They love my children as much as I do, and I trust them to help me raise them. It takes a village for sure."
- Kristel Acevedo, Miami, Florida
Do What It Takes
"Do what it takes to survive. The answer won't be found in any parenting book. I napped when she napped, ate when she ate and let her sleep in our bed."
- Thena Reading-Franssen, Columbia, Missouri
Learn to Say No
"I had to learn that sometimes I had to say no to things. I had to put my child, my husband and myself first even if that meant disappointing others. It was no easy task!"
- Ashlea Walton, Stillwater, Oklahoma
Find Balance
"As a first-time mom, I had to find a life balance. My baby boy adjusted to our routine and schedule. It may not have been a traditional 'in the bed by 7:30-ish' idea, but it was what worked for our family. We were flexible and adapted as needed. Kids are resilient."
- Donna Jones, Mooresville, North Carolina
Take "Me" Time
"I made it through with patience, taking some 'me' time, investing in the help of my husband and using family as we needed to. I really savor the times we are in because babies just grow too fast. Sometimes the days feel like forever, but when I look back on them they are so short."
- Amanda Hannah, Kansas City, Missouri
Ask for Help
"Our nanny was practically my clone! She arrived early each morning, cared for our daughter during the day (no small task!), brought her to me at work so I could nurse over my lunch break and usually started prepping dinner before I got home! Oh, and she kept our loads of cloth diapers washing, too! Pretty much priceless!"
- Gretchen Bossio, Olympia, Washington
Share Responsibilities
"I practiced baby-wearing, sharing household responsibilities and giving ourselves the grace to not 'juggle it all' all the time."
- Danica Wolf, Columbia, Missouri
Lean on Family
"Family was a huge help! My mom came over and cleaned our house when my daughter was just a week or two old. She would also watch her when she knew I was about to keel over from sheer lack of sleep. My dad read to her and took her outside to enjoy nature, which helped the colic. You just have to find the balance that works for you and your family. It's tough, but being a mother is the most amazing and rewarding experience there is."
- Diana Brekke, Columbia, Missouri
Everything on Rotation
"We don't have family nearby to help, so without my husband I don't know what I would've done. He helped in any and every way possible. I rely heavily on my phone to make lists and to get things done. I do things in shifts. Naps, cleaning, blogging, work … everything is on rotation."
- Melissa Schartz, Lee's Summit, Missouri
