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You cannot prepare to be a mother. Being a new mom is often like a new identity, and you have to adjust to the new self. Also, you have to adjust to the body changes, emotions, your laundry routine, the newborn, and your overall schedule. You might feel like the world enjoys throwing advice at you. While you cannot learn everything about motherhood ahead of time, you can start on a few essentials. Here are a few things to make the most of your first year of motherhood.

Don’t Put Unnecessary Things in the Crib

Don’t be tempted to buy into the idea that your newborn is just a baby and put unnecessary things in their crib. New mums ought to be extra cautious of the items they store in their baby’s crib. Get rid of all extra blankets and pillows for the safety of the little one. It’s not worth the risk to place things that might suffocate your baby in the crib.

Don’t Stress About the Mess

The number one thing you should know as a new mother is to relax. You are probably wondering how you can relax when the sink is full of dirty dishes, or you can fit in your old clothes. However, you need to trust your instincts and avoid stressing about the mess in your kitchen. Know that you will soon fit in that beautiful dress you used to wear before the newborn. Everyday situations can cause panic when you are a new mom, such as the unexplained baby rush, the comparison to other infants, or the debate over co-sleeping. Just relax and enjoy your new phase of life.

Forget the Do-It-All Attitude

New moms often fall into the trap of believing or trying to do everything on their own. The attitude can overwhelm you in the long-run. If someone offers to prepare meals, change your baby’s diaper, or watch the baby for a few hours, please allow them to do so. You don’t need to prove to people that you are a super mom. Accept help so that you get enough time to rest or do something for yourself like self-care. The small breaks like getting a mani-pedi can be the spark you require to rest so that you can take care of your newborn better.

Newborns Eat More Often Than You Think

Breast milk rocks, and there’s nothing that can replicate what your baby gets from your breastmilk. While it might look easy, breastfeeding can be challenging. Therefore, be prepared to find breastfeeding difficult at first. Your boobs might hurt at first, and your baby might not be able to feed well. Even if you bottle-feed your baby, they will turn out well, so don’t stress. If you have to report back to work early or are unable to breastfeed, try investing in a breast pump. Remember that your newborn needs to feed more often, so it’s best to invest in the right breastfeeding equipment, compression garments, and recovery support clothes. New moms can invest in breast pump coverage with TRICARE plans to get breastfeeding counseling, high-quality supplies, and breast pumps.

You Should Care About What You Eat

New mothers should know that food will no longer be something for them alone. Your baby depends on what you eat to survive and grow. Therefore, you need to eat a healthy diet that is good for you and the newborn. New mothers should drink plenty of water and other fluids on an excellent breastmilk supply because hydration is vital. Incorporate fruits and vegetables into your diet for a healthy baby and also increase your immunity.

You Will Discover a Whole New Kind of Love

What you don’t know is that the new phase of life will bring you a new kind of love. You will love your newborn unconditionally, in a different way, and will never stop loving them even. It is love you never thought existed. The best part is that the love grows as you bond with your baby.

Listen To Your Baby’s Cues

Your newborn will only communicate through crying and body language during the first week. However, you will start noticing different tones of crying or behaviors as they grow over the weeks. New mothers ought to listen to their baby’s cues like finger sucking and reaching with arms and legs. Feed your baby when you notice such signals. Cues for a tired baby might include yawning, pulling their ears, or jerky and quick movements.

Motherhood is a journey that can be filled with ups and downs. These are some of the things every new mother should know about motherhood. Try to be the best mother, rather than a perfect mother.