Your First Year of Motherhood

Getting ready for motherhood is the most exhilarating time of your life. It is also the most daunting! Most moms, especially during their first pregnancy read a ton. It is natural to want to know more about the unknown, and what is to be your new day-to-day. If you are a new mother and need some help on how to prepare for motherhood, here are some actually helpful, things to expect in your first year of motherhood.

The Ups & Downs

Let's be honest there are going to be many times where you feel as if you just aren't doing enough, there will be long nights, and times where you can't seem to sooth your baby's cries. Just remember for every bad day there are sure to be many more good days. Be kind to yourself and trust yourself to always do whats best for both you and your baby. It is new, you shouldn't expect to be perfect at it right away. You will do some things that might not necessarily be right but you will also do so much good.

Postpartum Body

In a world where everyone is quick to run to social media to post their "snap backs," it is important for you to understand that your body has went through something it has never experienced before. It is okay to not be the same size that you were before your pregnancy right away or even months after. Remember to remind yourself about the things you like about yourself. So what if certain things are more squishy or saggy than normal. Make sure that you take the time to get comfortable with whatever it is you desire for your postpartum body. Don't let anyone make you feel bad, you have just created, birthed and nurtured a human!

Your Baby is Unique

There may have been times where you baby sat a niece or nephew or even a sibling. It is important to not get into the habit of comparing your baby with the other babies around you or even the ones you had a hand in raising. Your baby is yours, they might do things different, earlier, later, but they are yours. Baby's don't always behave in the ways that the blogs, books, or even family members say. Remember to work with and love your baby where they are, no matter where that is.

Find your Village

No one wants or expects you to do it all alone. Find your village, those who you can count on. There will be a lot of people offering unsolicited advice on what you should and should not do, but find a supportive village. Whether they be your friends or family with or without their own children find a group that will help you when you need them. Your village will be there when you need them the most, and your baby will have even more love. The first year of motherhood can be very challenging, not knowing what articles are true, which diapers to use, or when you will get your pre-pregnancy body back. It is okay to not always be okay. Take the necessary time to bond with your baby, and get to know yourself in your new role. It is okay to ask for help, but don't allow others to bring you down. Your motherhood, how it looks, is defined by you. Reach out to your village if you need help. Be kind to yourself, know that it is okay to want to take a moment just to yourself.