5 Things I'd Tell My New Mom Self

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Being a new mom is the most joyous feeling in the world but at the same time it will be one the hardest things you do in your life. Here are a few things we would tell our new mom selves...

• Ask for help. Don't be afraid to ask for help and take it when it is offered! Here I was thinking, my friends probably don't want to be around a screaming baby, so I hesitated to ask for a little help. But honestly, who wouldn't want to hold a cute little baby for an hour while you shower, take a nap, or cook a meal. My friends offered to come and watch little James while I napped, offered to grocery shop for me, and made me food. They are blessings from above!! I didn't want to burden them and appear needy but you're a new mom taking on a new baby. They want to help and you need it. 

• Get Out of the house. Obviously if there is a flu outbreak in your community and you have a newborn, getting out of the house may have to wait. But get your of the house, even it it's to get yourself a milkshake. Getting out makes you feel somewhat of a normal person. Let's face it, you're hormonal, you cry at every little thing, and your clothes don't fit right anymore. Maybe you won't feel completely normal but getting out of the house sure helps.

• Your relationship with your spouse with change. Change it for the better. This experience is new and different. All this time you've taken care of yourself and your spouse. Taking care of a little one is challenging and new. Instead of letting it hinder your relationship, let it better your relationship. Make sure to communicate with your spouse, appreciate your spouse, and work as a team. Love is what brought your little one in the world, let love raise it too.

• You'll have horrible, miserable days. Poop that doesn't end, baby's not eating well, no sleep, and you and your spouse are at each other's necks because of it. It's okay. Parenthood is wonderful and a blessing but some days are just rough. But fear not, tomorrow is a new day filled with new perspective and a chance to start over. You're not expected to get it right, the first time, every time. It's a new experience, embrace the challenge and you will overcome it.

• Sweatpants and yoga pants feel like heaven, but they have to come off sometime. Being pregnant changes your body...A LOT. Personally, I think every postpartum body is beautiful in its own way. I also loved the way stretchy yoga pants and baggy sweatpants made my postpartum body feel comfy and cozy. But seriously...you need to take them off, get ready, and get out of the house. It'll make you feel like a normal person again and there is something about getting ready that makes you feel more awake and ready to take on the day. Even if it's a v-neck,  (maternity) jeans, and washed hair, you will feel better. 

What would you tell your new mom self? 

Blessings,