Things I’ve learned as a new mom (and the advice I’d give myself)

Before you read this, know I threw my thoughts in my phone and asked ChatGPT to make them into a blog. This is the awesome result and it is way more organized this way!

Becoming a mom is the most beautiful, exhausting, overwhelming, and love-filled experience of my life. There have been days I’ve felt completely in control, and others where I’ve questioned everything. But through it all, I’ve learned a few things—some the hard way—and I want to share them with you (and remind myself along the way).

Cherish the Moments (Even the Tough Ones)

Time goes fast, nights go slow, and moments are fleeting. It’s easy to let fear of the future steal the joy of the present, but don’t. Hold your baby a little longer, soak in their little giggles, and remember that the sleepless nights will pass.

Take Thousands of Photos

You won’t regret it. Even the blurry ones, the silly ones, the messy ones—capture it all. One day, those pictures will remind you just how little they were and how much they’ve grown.

Take Care of Yourself

Pray. Take your vitamins. And don’t be afraid to take your baby out after the first few months. Yes, they might get sick, but you can’t shield them from everything forever. Fresh air is good for both of you.

Babies Cry (And That’s Okay)

You’re not a bad mom if you can’t always soothe them. Sometimes, someone else needs to give it a try. Sometimes, they just need to cry. You are still a wonderful, loving mother.

Lifesavers for Sanity

There are a few things that have been absolute game-changers for me:

• Car rides

• A solid support system

• Shower sounds (yes, really)

• Dancing fruit videos

• Rocking chairs

• Prayer

• The Wiggles

• Infant Tylenol

It’s Okay to Ask for Help

No, really. Ask for help. Accept help. You don’t have to do this alone.

Colic is a Phase

It doesn’t feel like it when you’re in the thick of it, but it will pass. I promise.

The House Will Be Clean One Day—But It’s a Home, Not a Museum

Messy is fine. Messy is normal. Messy means life is happening. (Still learning this one.)

We’re All Figuring This Out

Through group texts, late-night Google searches, and talking to other moms—we are all learning as we go. Take it easy on yourself. You’re doing great, mama.

Talk About the Hard Stuff

The exhaustion. The fear. The depression. The moments when you don’t feel like yourself. You are not alone, and there are others who have walked this road. Ask them how they made it through. Learn from them.

Baby Must-Haves and Lessons Learned

Some things I discovered along the way that made life easier:

• Puppy pee pads = perfect for dirty diapers.

• Two bassinets in two different rooms = great idea… until baby outgrows them, then they just take up space.

• Two foam mattresses in the pack-and-play = game changer for better sleep.

• An automatic nose sucker that plays music = worth every penny.

• Diaper rash cream in spray form = life-changing (you’re welcome!).

• Two diaper genies (one for pee, one for poop) = a fresh-smelling nursery.

• A large tote in the closet for outgrown clothes = easy and quick storage.

• An extra laundry basket just for baby = surprisingly helpful.

• All the baby hangers = trust me, you’ll need them.

Above all, know that you can do this. Believe in yourself. You are the best mom for your baby. You’ve got this, mama.