This month we're kicking off our annual Bébé Boom, where we really focus and honor that beautifully messy period of life for expecting and postpartum parents.
Imagine a blog filled with wisdom and insights from experienced moms, all sharing their best piece of advice before bringing home a new baby. The collective knowledge and support from these seasoned mothers can be invaluable for any new parent navigating the exciting yet challenging journey of motherhood.
Advice from a mama of five
I’m a mom of 5. I had my first when I was 26 and my last when I was 40. When I had my first, I worried about every little thing. When he didn’t sleep, I felt like a failure. When he had eczema I felt like I’d ruined my baby. When my friend’s kid walked before mine did, I felt like I’d done something wrong. He’s now 18 and heading off to college. He walks, talks, sleeps, and eats just fine. So what did I learn? That you don’t need to sweat the small stuff. Babies don’t stay babies and the things that you worry about when they’re small usually disappear with time.
My second pregnancy was twins. When they were born, I had a gut feeling that something was different about one of them. I was afraid to voice it because I thought that would make it true. I watched her like a hawk and even though she hit all her milestones at the same time or before her twin, I couldn’t shake the feeling that there was something different about her. When she was 5, she was diagnosed with a minor genetic condition. So what did I learn? Trust your mama gut.
My 4th was born when the twins were 2. I had 3 kids under 3 plus a 6 year old. I was overwhelmed trying to figure out how on earth to meet all their needs and still do things like laundry and dishes. I invested in some wonderful baby carriers and I wore him all the time. What did I learn? Babywearing is a life saver.
When I was pregnant with my 5th, I thought it would be a piece of cake. We were seasoned parents and we knew how to take care of babies. No big deal. He came out a very, very different child than any of my others. He screamed all the time and I could never put him down. He had a terrible time nursing and later needed a lip tie release. What did I learn? Every child IS different. Some more so than others. Experience is helpful but there is no expert level in parenting! We’re all just doing the best we can. 🩵 - Erin B.
Skip the dishes!
Buy paper plates! One less thing to worry about cleaning in those early days. - Paige T.
Accept help, and ask for it!
Especially with meals and childcare for older siblings. And tell your friends and family they can’t see the baby unless they’re bringing you your favorite coffee 😜 - Megan F. | @home.and.haze
Don’t be afraid to ask for help! I always struggled to ask for help when I really needed it and I suffered so much! By the time I had my 4th baby, I started asking family members for more help and it was a game changer!
I would also say to be open with your partner and/or support person and Dr. about PPD. Postpartum Depression can have you feeling so isolated. Try to be open about it and seek help ❤️ you are never alone! And if you feel like your baby won’t stop crying…. Go outside (if it’s daytime lol) Get outside, feel the sun. You and your baby and just walk around. It always helped my emotions and baby too 💛 - Noelle W.
Take it one day at a time...bird by bird.
