Today, we’re honored to have special guest, Lindsey Bell with us sharing 10 things every new mom should know. I recently ‘met’ Lindsey through cyberspace and found out that not only do we have the same agent, but we also have the same heart. I know you’ll love her heart as much as I do! So, sweet moms, go grab a cup of coffee and sit back and enjoy reading some great insight as to what every new mom needs to know. If you aren’t a new or expecting, you can share it with someone who is.
Be sure to leave some comment love and when you’re done, pop over to her website and get to know her a little better.
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When I was pregnant with my first child, I read tons of pregnancy books.
And I mean tons. I had piles of books beside my bed, all focusing on the day my son would take his first breath out of the womb.
What I didn’t do was read parenting books. At least not enough of them.
I came home from the hospital and realized I knew very little about actually taking care of this child who now depended on me for survival. Because of that, I want to share with you some of the most important things every new mom should know.
1. There is no “right” way to parent your child.
I didn’t read very many parenting books before I gave birth, but I’ve read plenty since. And I’ve learned something. What one expert tells you to do, another advises against.
So instead of blindly following the advice of a parenting expert and assuming he or she knows the “correct” way to parent, seek the Lord instead. By all means, read great parenting books. These offer much wonderful advice.
But ultimately, the Lord knows what is best for your family. Seek him, and he’ll help you know which course of action to take.
2. Expect your life to change.
I was one of those people who (before having children) assumed kids wouldn’t change my life.
Then, of course, we had kids, and my so-called wisdom flew out the window.
Life changes with kids. It’s supposed to. Expecting it to change will help alleviate some of the shock.
Your marriage is probably going to change, as is your time, your body, your hobbies, your priorities, the way you spend your money, your sex life, your ability to shower before noon, and a host of other things. Some of these changes are difficult, yes, but they are all worth it.
3. Sleep while you can.
Because let’s be honest. Sleep is hard to come by with a new baby.
4. People are going to offer advice, even if you don’t ask for it.
Sometimes this advice is golden, something you’ll want to write down and stick to your refrigerator. Other times, not so much. The best thing you can do is smile and say, “thank you.”
And then decide for yourself if their advice is worth taking.
5. Trust your gut.
No one knows your child better than you. You are his mother. His cheerleader. His comforter. If your gut tells you to do something, do it (even if the book you read last night advised against it). You are the expert of your child.
6. Don’t let anyone convince you that you are a bad mother because of a choice you made for your family. (And that includes yourself!)
Maybe you decided not to breastfeed, or maybe you plan to breastfeed until your child is two.
Maybe you chose to go back to work after five weeks at home, or maybe you decided to quit your job and stay at home with your kids.
Chances are, someone is going to disagree with you at some point or another. But you know your family best, and you know what’s best for your family. No one can make a better decision than you.
7. Lean into help.
Having a newborn is hard. Anyone who has ever had a child knows that (unless, of course, they somehow forgot the days that faded into nights). There is nothing to be ashamed of when asking for help.
And I bet there’s some sweet lady at church who would love to spend a few hours with your baby so you can rest. Or shower.
8. Don’t beat yourself up for not feeling super-excited about your new life.
It’s okay if you don’t always love being a mother. Motherhood is hard. I don’t know any mother who hasn’t (at times) felt the same. It doesn’t make you a bad mom, and it doesn’t mean you don’t love your child. It makes you normal.
9. Remind yourself over and over again…it will get easier.
Because believe me, it will. The days won’t always be so long. The nights will eventually improve. You will sleep again. Your child will eventually stop crying. Hang on, sweet mother.
10. Build memories.
Yes, the days are long. But the years are short. Enjoy the moments as much as your tired body can.
Let’s talk: What other tips would you give a new mom?
About Lindsey Bell:
Lindsey Bell is the author of Searching for Sanity, a parenting devotional that will be released in January 2014. She’s also a stay-at-home mother of two, minister’s wife, avid reader, and chocolate lover. You can find Lindsey online at any of the following locations:
Her blog: www.lindsey-bell.com
Her website: www.lindseymbell.com
Twitter: www.twitter.com/LindseyMBell
Facebook: www.facebook.com/AuthorLindseyBell
Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/LindseyMBell01
About Searching for Sanity:
Have you ever looked at your beloved children and wondered, what in the world am I doing? Why did God trust me—of all people—to raise them?
Motherhood is the most difficult job many of us will ever take. Searching for Sanity offers moms an opportunity to take a breath, dig into the Word, and learn from parents of the past. In short devotions designed for busy moms, this book uses the parents of the Bible—both the good and the bad—to inspire today’s mothers.
It’s coming soon, so be on the lookout!
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