Oh, if only I knew then what I know now! Remember when you became a mother for the first time? Or became a mom again after “forgetting” all the baby stuff you learned the first time around?
I wish that I had written down all of the new baby/new mom advice that I got so that I could give it to other new moms. Of course we learn from our mistakes, but some mistakes might be easily avoided if we are given a “heads up” on what to expect during the first few months with baby.
So if you are expecting your first child, or have a family member or friend who is, then this will be right up your alley! I went to the “experts” and asked for their #1 piece of advice for new moms. The experts I asked were moms on Facebook and Twitter. Here is what they had to say.
Moms on Twitter:
(If you aren’t familiar with Twitter, people make up a username to identify themselves. The names listed below are their usernames if you want to “tweet” them!)
shellthings: Don’t be afraid to ask for help. No one can do it all. And people WANT to help new moms.
BecaS26: It’s ok to ask for help! don’t try to do everything yourself, delegate some responsibility to others.
MrsWndr: ASK FOR HELP! Don’t wait for people to offer.
AKludgyMom: This too, shall pass. It applies to nearly everything 
indnmom: Do what you feel is right in your gut. Don’t listen to everything and everyone around you. It’ll make you crazy
libismorgan: Follow your gut over books and other advice. If it doesn’t feel right, it isn’t.
ErinsMiracles: Don’t sweat the small stuff
mommywords: It passes – so quickly! Savor every moment!
craftyb: being a mom doesn’t/shouldn’t replace your existing identity, but expand it. Be sure 2 keep doing the things you love/enjoy
Moms on Facebook:
The Mommyhood Memos wrote: Make sure your husband/partner includes you in lots of photos in the hospital and newborn days. You never get a do-over and it’s nice to have documentation that you were actually there at the birth and snuggling with your little muffin when they’re tiny. Even if you don’t feel at your “prettiest” you’ll be glad for those photos later on! ”
Leah Peterson Warson wrote: “Don’t whisper when they nap or you’ll be whispering for many years to come. Kids can sleep through noise.”
Jeanine Burr wrote: “never.. and I repeat.. never teach them to talk they never stop!”
Amy Messner Grew wrote: “You need to worry about what works for your family and your baby. Go with your gut and don’t worry about what other people will think or say.”
And my #1 piece of advice for new moms? Advice that I was given and didn’t follow with my first baby but definitely did with the twins: Middle-of-the-night feedings shouldn’t be fun time for baby. Keep the room as dimly lit as possible. This feeding isn’t for singing and cuddling, it’s all business! Feed the baby, change the baby, and get him back to sleep. Remember, this is not something you want him to enjoy because if he does, you won’t be getting a full night’s sleep for a very long time!
What’s your #1 piece of advice for new moms?
