21 Top Tips for New Motherhood: Honest Advice From Moms Who Have Been There by Ann Marie Patitucci

Newborns Wit and Wisdom
2 years ago

21 Top Tips for New Motherhood: Honest Advice From Moms Who Have Been There

My sons are 12 and 8. It’s been a while since I’ve had a newborn or experienced new motherhood, but I remember those days vividly. I think of them often and remember that those early days of motherhood were as challenging as they were joyful. I remember how I felt as a new mom – happy, sleep deprived, overjoyed, overwhelmed. I wish I could go back in time and give myself some advice, tell that new mom to trust her instincts, tell her that she’s doing fine, that she’s the perfect mom for her baby. 

I can’t do that, but I can offer other new moms support. I also can offer advice, gathered from women who have been there. I asked moms with children of all ages what they wish they had known in those early days of motherhood, and what advice they’d offer a new mom today. These 21 tips are our gift to you, new mom. Welcome to a most special tribe. Know that you are not alone. We’re all in this together.

  • “I was nervous about whether or not I was doing everything ‘right.’ I wish I would have trusted my instincts because I knew what was best for my baby.”
  • “I wish I had known what postpartum depression felt like and what signs to look for. It took a couple years for me to realize that I had been suffering from it. People dote on pregnant moms, but once the baby is born, we are left to figure things out on our own. I don’t think people think enough about the mental healing that is involved after delivery. Becoming a parent for the first time is such a huge transition that more support needs to be available, and moms need to be more aware of the signs of PPD.”
  • “I wish I had known that motherhood can feel more hard than beautiful and that you’re not a bad mom if you don’t love motherhood right away. Motherhood is hard, but people don’t tell you that.“
  • "Ask for help and accept the help.”
  • “It’s OK for the baby not to be held all the time.”
  • “New motherhood can be isolating. Find your tribe – a moms’ group, a book club, a yoga class – whatever you need to feel connected.”
  • “Don’t stress about stuff around the house. It can wait.”
  • “Nap when your baby naps.”
  • “Babies and kids cry. Don’t worry if your kid cries in public.”
  • “Never say never, i.e. ‘I will never allow my child to’ or ‘My child will never…’ This will come back to haunt you. Trust me.”
  • “Don’t feel guilty making time for yourself. Whatever you enjoy, do that thing.”
  • “Don’t stress out over the criticism and opinions of others. Focus on being the mom you want to be; parent the way you want to parent.”
  • “Just like every baby is different, every mom is different, too.”
  • “If you don’t want to or can’t breastfeed, don’t let anyone make you feel guilty about it. And if you want to breastfeed and are struggling, reach out to a lactation specialist for help.”
  • “A schedule and routine can be your best friend.”
  • “Don’t compare yourself to other moms. No one is Super Mom (and we wouldn’t like her anyway!). Remember that social media only shows us what people want us to see.”
  • “Know that your partner will parent differently than you do, and that’s OK.”
  • “Enjoy the evening after your kids go to bed. Try not to spend the entire time on chores.”
  • “Have someone take photos of you with your kids. Don’t worry about what you look like. Don’t pose. You won’t regret it; you’re capturing the essence of your life together.”
  • “Print your family photos. Frame them. Swiping at photos on a phone or computer just isn’t the same thing. As your kids grow up, they will love seeing how they’ve changed, and so will you.”
  • “If I’ve learned anything at all about parenting, it’s this: the days are long but the years are short. Make the most of them – whatever that means for you and your family.”

Please share your advice for first-time moms below! Thanks to the 30Seconds tribe members who contributed to this post: Holly BuddeElisa All Schmitz, KimberlyCard, Lisa Cullen, Samantha HarrisRenee HerrenLisa HixCindy HlywaKimberly JohnsonMary Pat KingDenise MantellHeather Murphy-FritzElla Paynter, Meredith Schneider, Katie SloanMellica Telemacque and Kim Wadsworth.

The content on 30Seconds.com is for informational and entertainment purposes only, and should not be considered medical advice. The information on this site should not be used to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease, and is not a substitute for professional care. Always consult your personal healthcare provider. The opinions or views expressed on 30Seconds.com do not necessarily represent those of 30Seconds or any of its employees, corporate partners or affiliates.

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Kimberly Johnson
Love this! I remember vividly how terrifying new mommy-hood was once I got home from the hospital and had to face reality. My first night home with Madison was literally one of the worst nights of my life - I was a MESS! Thank goodness there was a kind nurse on our nurse line that assured me that I COULD DO IT when I called in because my baby wouldn’t sleep, wouldn’t eat, and wouldn’t stop crying. Now, almost 11 years later I remember so much and wish I could comfort the new mom me. Especially since I have so many parents now turning to me for advice. So many great words of advice! Thanks for looking out for the new mommies, Ann Marie Gardinier Halstead !
Ann Marie Patitucci
I know so many moms can relate to this, Kimberly Johnson (I know I can). We mamas need to stick together and support one another and share our experiences of what motherhood REALLY looks like!
Katie Sloan
This is so great! I remember feeling so inadequate in the beginning then my girlfriends shared all of their stories. I knew I wasn’t alone in my worries!
Ann Marie Patitucci
YES! It's important to share our stories with each other!
Shannon Richardson
The part about nursing resonated with me. I really wanted it to work and had an amazingly supportive nurse in the hospital who gave me the best advice. “You’ve really got to give it a solid TWO weeks,” she said. “The pain of engorgement, learning to latch on, getting into a routine takes that long but most people quit before then. If you can get through two full weeks, you will have it figured out and it will be amazing.” She was right and it got me through nursing that son...and two more!
Ann Marie Patitucci
I know exactly what you mean! I think how we speak about nursing is very important. We must be supportive, helpful, and non-judgmental.
Rainey Niklawski
This is perfect! Great advice for a stressful time.
Elisa Schmitz
What awesome pearls of wisdom for new moms! Many thanks for putting this wonderful resource together, Ann Marie Gardinier Halstead , and thanks to all the amazing tribe members who shared their insights!! Holly Budde Meredith Schneider Lisa Cullen KimberlyCard Samantha Harris Renee Herren Lisa Hix Cindy Hlywa Kimberly Johnson Mary Pat King Denise Mantell Heather Murphy-Fritz Ella Paynter Katie Sloan Mellica Telemacque Kim Wadsworth
Meredith Schneider
Love this! So happy I was able to contribute what I wish I knew or learned along the way with our 4 kids (16yr old son, 13, 9 & 6 yr old daughters). The learning along the way will never end. xoxo P.S. Remember you are not alone!
Ann Marie Patitucci
Thank you for contributing! And, yes, moms are not alone. We are all in this together!!
Kaila Weingarten
Take care of yourself!
Mamagrigs
Beautiful and honest
Ann Marie Patitucci
Thank you. I hope it helps lots of new moms!
Elizabethkurl
I never thought that there will be a miracle on the internet until i came in contact with Priest Babaka, finally i made it with his help, with his spiritual power which was recommended by a lady in baby center he help before, i never believe it was real until i confirm it now because i have tried so many things to make sure i get pregnant but no luck, immediately i contact him. he did some spiritual prayers and send me a medicine which i took, i got pregnant three weeks after, and i now have a son to show. thank you so much priest and i recommend Priest Babaka for everyone out there that is willing to have a child of her own out there. contact him for help too he is real and powerful, i have confirmed it, contact him on Facebook at
Elizabethkurl
I never thought that there will be a miracle on the internet until i came in contact with Priest Babaka, finally i made it with his help, with his spiritual power which was recommended by a lady in baby center he help before, i never believe it was real until i confirm it now because i have tried so many things to make sure i get pregnant but no luck, immediately i contact him. he did some spiritual prayers and send me a medicine which i took, i got pregnant three weeks after, and i now have a son to show. thank you so much priest and i recommend Priest Babaka for everyone out there that is willing to have a child of her own out there. contact him for help too he is real and powerful, i have confirmed it, contact him on FB at
Janette Reese
This a great article! Everything I tend to say to my new mom’s I take care of. I wish somebody would have supported me with all of this information after I had my first child. Honestly it is why I became a RN newborn-mother Doula. So I can pass on this knowledge as a gift to new mothers I see that are fearful, exhausted, and overwhelmed. Every new mom needs the support and this list is priceless. Thank you for Sharing!!!

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