Some Helpful Tips for First-Time Mum’s by DIY MAMA.

Some Helpful Tips for First-Time Mums

By Erin Reynolds of diymama.net | erin@diymama.net

In spite of the vast number of books on the subject, there really is no way to prepare you for how incredibly your life will change when you become a mom. Clearly, it goes beyond just feeding your child (frequently), changing his or her diapers (also frequently), and losing sleep (more times than you can count) because your child’s sleeping habits aren’t exactly synchronized with yours. You are suddenly the whole world to this new little person, and no amount of reading can prepare you for that immense responsibility.

Whether you are starting this new family with a spouse or significant other, or you are undergoing this journey on your own, regardless of the circumstances, you need to keep in mind three things as you prepare for the birth of your child.

Parenting Books Aren’t Much Help
In an opinion piece for National Public Radio, Samantha Schoech states there are two basic types of parenting books: “you’re doing it wrong” and “social science will save you,” both of which seem to cause a great deal of anxiety that you do not need. To be sure, many of them do contain some useful nuggets of advice. Still, you’re certain to hear from a number of people that one book is the best one for your first three months of pregnancy, then another is best for the final two weeks, and another is the one you should have propped on your belly during labor (it even has a handy fold-out chart!). Then, another group of moms will give you a completely different list. The best thing to do? Trust your instincts. Talk to friends who have children. Ask your own parents or family members what they did. And stay away from books and parenting sites on the Internet. You don’t need the anxiety.

You Should at Least Get the Child’s Room Ready
When it comes to preparing a space for the baby, remember that simple is better: bright colors, a place to sleep, a changing table, and a place for toys and books. Remember that this will be your child’s room as she grows, so you’ll want the room to grow with her. Don’t make too much of a fuss about the color you’ll paint the walls. By the time she’s 10, she might want them painted some dark shade of purple. Remember to keep the basics in mind, which includes something to sleep on, something that glows (such as a night light), something for toys, something for books, and a closet for clothes.

If you wish to use a theme, make it functional, organized, and flexible. Just remember that the newborn you welcome with daisies and fairies on the walls will grow to a moody pre-teen who one day might want the walls covered with something drastically different.

When it comes to the rest of your home, keep everything organized and decluttered so you can focus on your responsibilities of being a mom. Adding some indoor plants or even just pictures of plant life can also give your mood a boost.

You’re Gonna Be a Good Enough Mom Anyway
Maybe it’s because of the books or the lists of advice you’ll find on the internet, but there seems to be pressure on young moms to be perfect for their children: those who plan to be there not only for the birth (which is inevitable), but also there for the first smile, the first steps, the first diaper mishap. That pressure is unnecessary; perfect mom’s don’t exist. What do exist, however, are what social worker and postpartum expert Kate Kripke calls “good enough moms” and eight things they need to do, including providing food, shelter, and love; being there for them; making time to have fun with them; and teaching them how to love unconditionally. Writing at The Washington Post, Randi Mazzella said she’s not looking to be the best mom; instead, she’s happy with being the “World’s Most Okay-est Mom.”

You’re getting ready to bring a new life into the world. Stick with what you feel, get a space ready, and know that you’re going to be a good enough mom for this new little person.

By Erin.

Erin is a fabulous mama mentor, guiding you through one of the most powerful life experiences a parent will ever face. To connect or see more from this fabulous woman, just find her on instagram, email or visit her website. Erin Reynolds of diymama.net | erin@diymama.net