Check your ego at the door

Advice from mommy Sam:

1. Get the puj tub! Nothing has saved my back more, haha. It's this fold up tub that conforms to your sink so you don't have to bend over a newborn in a big tub. Love it.

2. Even if it gets really tough, you have to keep in mind that it will always get easier. My first was so hard, but it did get easier.

3.don't take it personally if you have a tough baby. It's not because you're a bad mother! Babies are born with their own, separate personality and some are just grumpy. Has nothing to do with you and all you can do is ride it out!

4. Check your ego at the door and accept as much help as possible. The beginning can be rough and you need your strength.

tip about sleep(less) shock!

"...biggest shock for me was the sleeplessness and early 5 am wake up calls. I knew about the frequent wake ups in the first 3 month but did not know it would last even till now, 18 months old, even with trying cry it out, it does not work. He periodically sleeps 2-3 weeks through the night, but than has weeks of waking up...i think teething. So I wish someone had told me to expect not to have a child who sleeps through the night. Everyone always asks, how does he sleep? Is he sleeping through the night? I have tried everything the books say and he doesn't. I thought it was me or I did something wrong, but now I think it is all temperment . Most people whose kids sleep did nothing to make it happen. So I wish someone would have told me it's okay if they don't sleep though, it's tough, but there is nothing wrong, it's normal, it's okay and you're okay!"

Motherhood.....a new tip

Motherhood is often described as a selfless job which is definitely true. Changing diapers, feeding an infant and many other things of this nature will become your new routine. My wish for you is that as you enter this selfless time in your life, that you remember to set aside time for yourself. It is the best gift you can give yourself, your baby, and your partner. Do not be afraid to ask for help from family, friends and neighbors because having a baby is not meant to be a walk in the park. Take time for yourself every day, even if it is just to take a shower. I know this seems like a simple tip but it is something I so often see new moms forgetting to do. Take care of yourself so that you can take care of your baby.

tip from a new mom

tip from a new mom

I wish that someone had told me how hard the beginning of motherhood would be. That being a mom was not happy and fun in the beginning at all. It is physically painful and emtotionally tiring and you feel sad for a while. It really takes about 3 months before you start to feel good about the entire thing.

Tips for moms to be

Tips for moms to be from a new mommmy

Here are some things I wish someone had told me:

1. Research and meet up with expectant moms/new moms in your neighborhood BEFORE you give birth. That way you will already have people to support you and compare notes with when the baby arrives.

2. Arrange to have someone very close to you (your mom, mother-in-law, or sister, or hired help) provide ROUND THE CLOCK help during as much of the first month as possible. Especially when your husband/partner has to go back to work. It should be someone you won't feel shy about asking to help you with specific tasks, like making you a meal, taking out the garbage, and doing your laundry.

3. If you plan to breastfeed exclusively, you should try to pump a few feedings early on and have your husband, or other helper give the baby some night feedings so you can get a few long stretches of uninterrupted sleep.

4. It may sound silly, but practice opening and closing your stroller and taking the car seat in and out of the car before the baby comes so you are really familiar with these new tools. It was overwhelming and frustrating to wrestle with them and deal with the baby at the same time.

5. Stock your pantry and freezer with healthy food that is easy to make and eat quickly.

Pregnancy & Postpartum Mood Disorders and Depression

Pregnancy & Postpartum Mood Disorders and Depression HELP IS AVAILABLE 24/7 - call 855-422-2255

The Postpartum Resource Center of New York

Postpartum Progress

Postpartum Support International

i carry your heart with me (i carry it in my heart)i am never without it (anywhere i go you go,my dear;and whatever is done by only me is your doing, my darling) i fear no fate (for you are my fate,my sweet i want no world(for beautiful you are my world,my true) and it’s you are whatever a moon has always meant and whatever a sun will always sing is you here is the deepest secret nobody knows (here is the root of the root and the bud of the bud and the sky of the sky of a tree called life;which grows higher than soul can hope or mind can hide) and this is the wonder that's keeping the stars apart i carry your heart (i carry it in my heart) e.e.cummings