According to data from the CDC, there were over 3,000,000 births in 2019. Were you one of the millions of women who gave birth, or are you expecting a child soon?
As first-time moms, you’re likely researching as much as you can before your baby arrives. This guide will discuss some essential tips you should know as new parents. Keep reading to learn what they are.
1. Trust Your Instinct
As a first-time parent, you might second guess every choice you make for your child. Since you’re new to parenting, you don’t have any frame of reference for what’s best for your new baby.
It’s essential to trust your instinct when you start feeling insecure. While you are new to being a parent and are learning as you go, there are some things that you’ll just know. You’ll know when something is or isn’t suitable for your child.
2. Ask Others for Help
Every first-time parent guide should emphasize asking for help. Parents, mothers especially, are often applauded for being superheroes for their kids.
They work endlessly to give their kids the life they deserve. While it’s your responsibility to provide for your child, there’s no shame in asking for help.
Whether you need family or friends to care for your baby while you work or just need some help with changing diapers and feeding your newborn, there’s always someone willing to lend a hand.
3. Caring for Yourself Is Important Too
Learning to be a first-time parent also means learning to care for yourself. While you might want to pour all of your energy into your child, you should never neglect your health and wellbeing.
You want to be the best version of yourself for your child. You can only do that by taking some time for self-care. Self-care can include anything you need, like an extra nap in the day or drawing a warm bath before bed.
4. Try Not to Compare Your Journey to Others
Comparing your journey to other new moms is something you should never do. Seeing other mothers navigate motherhood more easily might make you feel insecure about yourself, but your journey is your own.
Every new parent has a unique journey with their first child. If your child isn’t reaching milestones as quickly as other children, you shouldn’t be too hard on yourself. They will grow and develop at their own pace.
5. Speak to Others in Your Same Situation
As a new parent, you should speak to other new parents. Finding community with those going through the same experience can help you navigate this new phase of your life.
Whether you’re giving birth, adopting, or obtaining legal guardianship for adults or children, these processes can be confusing and overwhelming.
Follow These Tips as First-Time Moms
First-time moms have to navigate many new territories. Some essential tips include reaching out for help and remembering to take care of yourself. In addition, you can find a lot of useful tips online on sites like Serenity Kids.
Check out some of our other blogs for more helpful parenting tips.
Wayne Probert is a senior reporter at Zobuz, covering state and national politics, and he is a grantee with the Pulitzer Center on Crisis Reporting. Before joining Zobuz, he worked as a freelance journalist in Kentucky, having been published by dozens of outlets including NPR, the Center for Media.
