What I Wish I’d Known As a New Mom

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When you’re expecting, everyone seems eager to share their “wisdom” about pregnancy: what to eat, how to sleep, the best way to predict your baby’s gender—it’s a barrage of opinions. This trend doesn’t stop when your little one arrives, either. Friends, family, and even strangers can’t resist offering their advice, but honestly, not much of it felt useful. Here’s a rundown of what I truly wish someone had told me:

1. Breastfeeding is great, but don’t stress about it. I had this idyllic vision of nursing, but when it came time, it just didn’t work for me. The early days with Ava were fraught with tears and frustration. Everyone had tips on how to increase milk supply or the best way to hold her, but no one mentioned that formula is completely acceptable. And guess what? She thrived just fine!
2. Take your time leaving the hospital. Enjoy the nurses, room service, and the luxury of clean sheets! Once you’re home, things will get a lot more hectic.
3. It’s just a baby, not an alien. Don’t get caught up in the fancy baby gear. I spent ages shopping for the perfect changing table, but you know where I ended up changing diapers? The kitchen counter! It’s practical and saves you from lugging all that stuff around.
4. Say yes to offers of babysitting. People love to cuddle newborns, and you’ll appreciate the break, even if it’s just to take a quick shower. Trust me, once they hit toddler age, those offers will dwindle.
5. Point the little guy down when changing diapers. Seriously, why isn’t this common knowledge?
6. Skip the infant wardrobe splurge. It’s tempting to buy cute clothes, but you’ll get plenty as gifts, and most will go unworn. Keep the tags on until you absolutely need to use them. I ended up washing a ton of outfits for Ava that she never even wore!
7. Avoid outfits with tons of snaps or buttons. They may look adorable, but they’ll drive you to frustration at 3 AM. Elasticized bodysuits will be your savior!
8. Keep a diaper emergency kit in your car. I learned this the hard way. Forgetting diapers and wipes for our first pediatrician appointment was a rookie mistake. Be ready for diaper blowouts—they’re a rite of passage.
9. Don’t hesitate to ask for help. Joining the “mom club” means you have a network of support. Whether it’s borrowing wipes or sharing snacks at the park, we’re all in this together.
10. Savor the moments. It might feel like you’re in survival mode, but the early months are often the easiest. If you have more kids, you’ll look back and wonder how you ever thought one baby was tough!

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In summary, motherhood is a journey filled with unexpected twists and turns. While everyone has their advice, it’s important to find what works for you and cherish every moment.