Advice for New Parents: 8 Nuggets of Wisdom
Whether you’re a first-time mom or a mama of three, parenting is hard work. There’s a lot to learn, and everyone feels like they have the best insight on how to parent.
At Greater Than, we know how many ups and downs you’ll be facing, so we want to prepare you as best we can. We all want what’s best for our kids, and we know you feel the same way, too.
If you’re interested in knowing how to tackle being a mom, keep reading! We have a couple of nuggets of wisdom to share with you.
Learning To Be Flexible
While you’re pregnant, you may be envisioning how you’re going to be the perfect mom. It’s great to be prepared (both physically and mentally) and have a game plan for at least the first few nights after bringing your newborn home.
Most likely, this is going to fly out the window once the baby is born. Being a mom means learning to be flexible with your preconceived parenting philosophies.
You’re going to be challenged in ways you never thought you would, so be ready to be flexible when things don’t go as planned.
Accept Help When It’s Offered
Being a mom means that there is nothing wrong with accepting help when it’s offered. Take advantage of it, especially in the beginning, as you and your family adjust to new changes.
Loved ones who offer to watch the baby (even if it’s just for a few minutes), help with laundry, drop off a meal, or come over to spend some time can make all the difference in your daily routine.
Remember, it’s true when they say it takes a village. Don’t be afraid to ask your parent, partner, friend, or family member to help cook a meal or watch the baby for a few, even to give yourself a few minutes to breathe.
Know That the First Year Is Going To Be Challenging
You can read all the books, practice yoga, and seek advice from other moms, but the fact is that the first year may be challenging. Newborns require a lot of patience and flexibility. However, being a mom is incredibly rewarding, and while it’s a fun and precious time to experience having a newborn, it’s also life-changing.
Newborns are high maintenance, so knowing that being a mom for the first year may be taxing for you and your partner can help prepare your mindset in the long run.
Sleep When The Baby Sleeps
It seems obvious, but we can’t stress it enough. If your newborn is sleeping, so should you. Being a mom to a newborn is tough work, so getting rest is the most important thing to help make your life a little easier.
Trying to take care of your baby when you’re sleep-deprived can make it difficult for everybody. While it may seem nice to have some alone time, binge-watch a show, or get stuff done around the house, this shouldn’t take priority over you getting some quality rest.
Learn how to create the best routine for your baby with the Smart Sleep Coach App by Pampers, our favorite baby tracker app!
Breastfeeding or Formula? Do What Works for You
You know your body and your baby best. What looks best for you may look completely different from another mom, and that’s okay!
We believe in personal choice, so doing what you feel is best IS what’s best for your family. Whether you choose to breastfeed or pump exclusively, there’s no right or wrong way of being a mom. You want what’s best for your baby at the end of the day.
Taking Care of Yourself Also Means Taking Care of Your Baby
Being a mom means knowing how to take care of yourself, even if it’s just for a few minutes. Here are some ideas on how to practice self-care:
- Take a warm shower
- Go on a walk (which is also great for you and your baby!)
- Don’t compare your family to other families
- Find humor in your new life
- Allow for normal household noise
- Meet up with other moms and dads
- Be kind to yourself, and know you’re doing a great job.
Find little pockets of self-care, and your mood and energy will be greatly improved. Self-care looks different for everyone, so find what works best for you.
Bonding With Your Baby: Be in the Present
They don’t lie when they say time flies. We know how stressful it is when you’re a mom, but they are only so little for such a short amount of time. Take lots of photos, get a good cuddle in, and find ways to bond with your baby. It is such an incredible time, and we want you to have a blast.
Enjoy these special moments with your baby, and cherish all the challenges you can. We know how hard the sleepless nights are, but we know you got this!
Choosing Greater Than
At Greater Than, we know all of the different challenges of having a newborn. There’s a lot to learn, but at the end of the day, everyone just wants to be a good parent to their child.
We care about moms like you. We know you prioritize your wellness goals and the health of you and your baby. That’s why we keep you in mind when we make our electrolyte drinks for on-the-go moms like you.
Here at Greater Than, we want to remind you that you’re doing a great job and that you’re the best mom you can be for your baby. We know how much of a village it takes to help raise a child, and you can include us in it too.
Ready to add Greater Than to your daily routine? Try all of our bestsellers and find your fave!
Sources:
Newborn Development: 0-1 month | Children's Health Orange County
9 Essential Self-Care Tips For Busy Moms | Kaiser Permanente