Over the last week I’ve come across a few posts on different blogs with advice for new mothers.
This one from Rookie Moms, Stuff newborn moms should know, is a list of good, practical information like, “Feedings are frequent. A new baby needs to eat every two to three hours. I’ll do the math for you: eight to twelve times per day.“
Maxabella wrote a beautiful post, Newborn mums, for a new mum friend of hers that I just love. This bit in particular, “Nurture yourself as kindly and carefully as you nurture your new baby. There are no wrong ways, no right ways, just ways.“
Jodi from Che and Fidel wrote a letter to herself pregnant for the first time that is full of good advice like, “Never feel guilty for taking an afternoon nap.“
For all mothers, not just those with newborns, The Mother’s Guide to Taking a Break is a guest post by Caz Makepeace on The Organised Housewife. This bit, “Place the word holiday, or travel, in your mind right now. What images and phrases does it conjure up for you? I bet already you are starting to relax as you think of those carefree days of adventure and discovery, romantic beach walks, sunset swings in hammocks with a good book and a glass of wine.” is the reason for my Humpday Holiday Wednesdays.
And finally, the advice that I always give to newborn mothers that I know: don’t worry about forming bad habits. If something is working for you and for the baby, do it. When it no longer works you will find something else that does, and then you will do that. You may be thinking one day, how will we ever stop doing *whatever* (swaddling the baby like a mummy, using a dummy, breastfeeding, bouncing up and down on a yoga ball to get the baby to sleep, this elaborate toddler bedtime routine that must be done in the right order or all hell breaks loose, etc etc) and then the next day the baby/toddler decides it doesn’t like doing that anymore anyway. Things change, things pass, it won’t be like this forever, even the good bits, so enjoy them and notice them while you can. You are doing a great job.
(A photo of my mum with newborn me. I always think she looks kind of apprehensive in this picture, but she did a pretty good job.)
Great image, she looks how we all feel, a little overwhelmed but happy to give this gig a go!
Mothering is a journey and my best advice is hold on tight because those little sweeties will take you for a ride. It doesn’t matter if it is your first or your 5th. However, it is an amazing journey!! One that I wouldn’t trade for the world.
Thank you for this! I particularly like the Che and Fidel one.
Your advice is good… ‘happy mother, happy baby’ is what I always say…
She always gave me the impression that she knew what she was doing. Although looking at this photo years later, I have to agree, not a picture of confidence. Maybe this was just before we put you in the car and drove around the block to get you to sleep!
I love the idea of Hump Holiday Wednesdays!! And yes I agree, happy mummy happy family, have to look after yourself. So pleased you like Caz’s post