5 Things I’d Stress Less About as a First-Time Mom

When I first became a mom, I had absolutely no idea what to expect.

My husband and I suddenly found ourselves with a little human who was fully dependent on us to grow and thrive. Add to the mix a global pendemic and a necessity to isolate. 

To say it was scary is an understatement!

Being a first-time mom is absolutely TERRIFYING, no matter how many pregnancy books you read during the previous nine months, podcasts you listened to, or mommy accounts you followed on Instagram.

We all want to do the best of our best as first-time moms. We all want to get it right from the very first time. 

And society does not shy away from adding to our pressures and stressors.

Now after I became a mama to 3 boys aged 3 and under; after experiencing life with twins; and after exploring the vast world of infant development and wellbeing, I learned a lot! 

So, I might not be able to go back in time and stress less about all that scared me at the beginning of my journey. 

But I can share all that I have learned with first-time mamas who are in the exact same boat.

Mama, this is for you! Enjoy the cuddles and the kisses much more, and stress much less about:

Night Wakes

Nothing is wrong with your breastfed baby who wakes up every 2 hours to nurse. In this case, night wakes are entirely normal. It’s unrealistic to expect babies to sleep for 12 hours straight – after all, not even adults do that! Embrace the unpredictability of baby sleep. It’s a natural part of their development.

Sleep Schedules

Stop stressing and remember, not all babies are designed to fit into the same schedule. Trust your instincts and respond to your baby’s cues. Your intuition knows your child best, and flexibility often yields better results than strict adherence to a one-size-fits-all timetable.

Co-Sleeping

Don’t fear bedsharing if it is done safely. It can offer you more rest, especially as a breastfeeding mother. And no, you are not creating any bad habits. Embrace comfort and closeness as co-sleeping is a beautiful practice that can enhance the bond you have with your little one.

Breastfeeding

Nursing your baby to sleep isn’t a bad habit. It is an essential aspect of supporting their natural feeding instincts. It fosters a healthy sleep routine and strengthens the connection between you and your little one. The day will come when they won’t need to nurse to fall asleep. Until then, listen to your body and trust your instincts. This is all a mama needs!

Self-Care

Taking time for yourself isn’t a luxury; it’s a necessity. Don’t carry guilt for prioritizing self-care. Remember, you can only care for others effectively when you’re in the best shape, physically and emotionally. So, take those moments guilt-free. You deserve it.

Here’s to a more relaxed and enjoyable first-time mom journey!

With love,
Nada