The best 15 advices I wish I’d heard before becoming a mom!

---

1. Trust yourself, you know what’s best for your baby.

You won’t always know what to do, but don’t be afraid to listen to your gut. If someone gives you advice you don’t agree with, you don’t have to follow it. And if someone disagrees with your way of doing things, it’s none of their business. As long as your baby isn’t in danger, you know what’s best for him.

2. Accept help and ask for it if you need it.

I know it’s easier said than done, believe me. I’m the first person who hasn’t asked for help when I needed it… I waited until I hit rock bottom and a family member noticed I wasn’t doing well before asking for help. People won’t necessarily offer it on their own, but it doesn’t mean they don’t want to help you. Some people don’t want to bother you and think you have everything under control. But it’s normal to feel overwhelmed, to need a break and sometimes to ask for advice. And accept the help you’re offered. You’re no less good because you have help. Remember it takes a village to raise a child.

3. Everything is TEMPORARY.

If I had just one piece of advice to give, it would be this. It’s a phrase I used to repeat myself over and over again in difficult times, and still do on occasion. Everything is a phase and everything eventually passes. Your baby wakes up 15 times every night? Your baby have colic? You can’t do the housework because your baby doesn’t want to be dropped off? Believe me, it is all temporary.

4. Enjoy every moment.

I know it’s cliché and everyone always says it, but it goes by SO fast! Overnight, your baby is no longer a newborn and then becomes a toddler. Your child won’t stay little for long, and you have to make the most of every little moment. I used to rock my daughter to sleep for hours a few months ago and it drove me crazy, but now she doesn’t even want to be rocked at all, and I have to say I miss it.

5. Don’t compare yourself or your baby with others.

It’s really easy to fall into comparisons – especially on social media! Stay away from it, it won’t do you any good. Every child is different and what’s good for one isn’t necessarily good for another. Also, each baby doesn’t achieve the same goals at the same time, and that’s just fine. Your baby isn’t any less good if he doesn’t walk as early as your neighbor’s baby. Or you’re not less of a good mom because you don’t breastfeed and all your friends do.

6. Set your limits.

This advice applies to all spheres of life. We often accept things just to please others, but it’s important to set limits. You don’t want your aunt to take your baby because she has a cold, do you? You don’t feel like staying out pass 10 p.m.? Set your limits.

7. Take time to take photos or videos.

Like I said, it goes by really fast. In a few years or even a few months, you’ll be glad you have all these memories.

8. Get out of the house.

Whether it’s to browse the aisles of your favorite store, grab a coffee at Starbucks or go for a walk, every reason is good to get out and get a change of scenery.

9. Be kind to yourself.

Motherhood is hard. Post partum is also hard. You have to deal with a new reality and a new body, and that’s no easy task. Don’t be too hard on yourself.

10. Things don’t always go as planned.

Birth, labor, and delivery probably won’t go exactly as you’d like, and that goes for the whole maternity experience too. You may already be planning to do things a certain way, but it may not happen. And that’s okay. Being a mom means constantly adapting to new situations.

11. Don’t forget to take time for yourself.

I think it’s really important not to forget yourself in the process. You’re not just a mom, you’ve got friends, hobbies and so on. You also have the right to take time for yourself. Let daddy take care of baby and give yourself a break. Don’t forget couple time too. You were a couple before you were parents, and it’s important to take care of that. It can seem impossible at times, and that’s what I find most difficult about motherhood. It seems like there aren’t enough hours in the day, but taking care of yourself and your relationship also means taking care of your children. Happy parents make happy babies.

12. Don’t suffer in silence.

This one is also very important! As I mentioned earlier, never hesitate to ask for help. And if things aren’t going well, talk about it! Your body is going through a ton of hormonal changes, you’re sleep deprived, you’re having some bad days and you’re probably stressed. It’s not a great combination. You may be depressed, and it’s important not to be alone in this.

13. Before giving birth, do some meal prep.

I know you have a million things to prepare before your baby is born, but don’t neglect meal prep. Having a few pre-prepared meals in the freezer will be a lifesaver when you’re tired or baby doesn’t want to be dropped off.

14. Don’t buy too many cute outfits for your newborn.

For the first few months, my baby was literally always in her pyjamas. I know some people like to put cute outfits on their baby every day, but personally, I left her comfortable in her pajamas. I obviously had a few kits, but I don’t think it’s worth having a ton. Plus, it’s no secret, but they outgrow their clothes pretty quickly.

15. If the baby’s room is upstairs, keep a diaper caddy where you spend most of your time.

This last one might be a bit random but trust me, it’s a must. At first, you’ll be changing diapers so often that you won’t want to have to go upstairs all the time. A caddy with all the essentials in the common area is a game changer. For reference, here is the one I use.

To find out what’s inside, here it is : WHAT’S IN MY DIAPER CADDY // The ultimate list of essentials!

And if no one told you today, you’re doing a great job! ❤️