Dear New Mommy: You Are Not Alone!

There are so many articles out there about preparing for baby. What to get for the nursery, what you need in your diaper bag, what you need for the hospital, (notice the packing trend, it doesn’t change much as they get older). Classes, books, and tutorials for labor and delivery are recommended by the dozen. The wealth of information is astounding. But I’ve always been amazed and the lack of postpartum information for new moms. I remember thinking “NO ONE told me it would be like this!” I now understand that with time we forget a lot of that experience, which is probably good or we may not have had another baby.

I was recently flattered to be asked my advice for new moms. Its one of my favorite topics since I’ve been a new mom 5 times now, which I guess really makes me an old mom. Although the article is geared towards maternity its advice is universal towards all new moms. I’ve been very blessed as a stay at home mom to never have to use maternity leave, although it would be nice to have that option.

I did however learn the hard way how important that recovery time really is. I had our oldest one week before the semester began for my senior year of college. Rather than take a break that I knew would end up being permanent, I powered through it. Needless to say postpartum depression is a horrid partner. After that I’ve always felt an obligation and love of those stressed out mommy’s struggling to adjust to their new little bundles of joy and sleep deprivation.  As I’ve watched the sweet girls I used to teach in Sunday School get married and start families of their own, my need to teach and watch over them continues.

So This Was for You, My Dear Friends.

Dear New Mommy,

 

Remember that your body has been through a lot, your whole world has flipped upside down and nothing including yourself will ever be the same. You’re a MOM now! What you valued before will be different, what you could wear and how you look have “matured,” and you have a new set of responsibilities and worries. Everything you are feeling is NORMAL!  Take it slow. There’s no rush to return to work, your recovery and your family depend on you being healthy and happy more than your earning potential. Plan ahead to be able to stay home for as long as you need. Put money aside to meet expenses in case you need more time than your maternity leave allows. Stock up on diapers and other supplies while you’re still working to ease the financial burden and to avoid having to go shopping for a few weeks.

 

Healing and change take time, allow yourself to embrace this new role and all that goes with it, at your own pace not someone else’s. Rushing things can lead to depression, and other issues. Remember postpartum is a roller coaster, eventually the ride comes to an end so you can board another ride. After all parenthood is really one big amusement park.

 

Now is the time to forecast your family budget with the added expenses typical of a new baby (Diapers, formula, babysitting/daycare, clothing, etc). Stock up on baby essentials like diapers and formula now to ease into your new budget. Lastly start saving! You never know what might happen. Having a back up fund to meet medical expenses or to allow you more time before going back to work.

 

Most of all remember you are loved, that all of this is normal, and that you will be the world’s greatest mama to that special baby that God sent just for you.

 

Love and prayers,

Tyra B.

Click here to see the full article and all of its fabulous maternity leave advice.

What Advise Would You Give to a New Mom?

Shared with: Natural Family Friday –