Chelsie Belcourt
Newborn Photographer
Burnsville, MN
July 16th, 2024
As a mother myself, I know how stressful life can get when you introduce a new baby into your life. Your hormones run wild, you're exhausted, sleep deprived, uncomfortable, and you can feel at times like the whole world is against you. I know that feeling because I have lived through it too. So if this is you, you're not alone. I am here to tell you that you are doing an incredible job Mama. Life will keep throwing challenges at you, and you will persevere. I want to share some insights on things I have discovered through all the challenges in the new life of being a Mom, and I hope it brings you some relief and reassurance that you are doing GREAT. Here are 5 comforting things that you need to hear.
#1 You Don't Need to Solve The World's Problems
If you're anything like me, I like to help people with their issues. Especially people in my family. While this is an excellent trait to have, it can become overwhelming when you are now responsible for every aspect of care for your new baby. When you become a new Mom, your sole purpose in life becomes centered around your child. Put your baby, and yourself first, that is OK! You might feel like you are disserving your friends or family if you don't help them with every issue that comes up, but you are not. Put your focus into being the incredible Mom you are, and help others where you can, but you do not need to solve the world's problems. :)
#2 Don't Stress About The Mess
A wise woman once told me how she wishes she never stressed so much about her house being perfectly neat, all the time. After dinner, her kids would go and play while she washed all the dishes, cleaned the table, and tidied up the kitchen. What she didn't realize then, was the time she was missing with her children. All the time worrying about the "perfect" home, when it was right in front of her. Now her kids are having babies of their own, and she told me that she doesn't worry about the mess anymore and is soaking up as much time with her grandbabies as she can.
Your house will get messy. You will fall behind on chores. Things won't be as tidy as you wish. But don't stress about the mess. We all have a limited time on this planet, and the most important thing should be family time. Your babies will grow up in the blink of an eye, don't let it sneak up on you because you're worried about something as insignificant as chores. Go chase your kids, play in the dirt, and teach them your wisdom, and tell them every day just how much you love them.
#3 Take Time For Yourself
You matter. And you deserve a break once in a while! I totally understand the "Mom Guilt", but you have to try to see past that. You take care of your baby all day, and throughout the dead of the night. Whether it's Dad, grandma or grandpa, or a trusted friend, find someone to watch after your bundle of joy and take some time for yourself. Go get some coffee (by yourself or with a friend), go out to dinner, see a movie, do whatever your favorite thing to do is. You not only deserve these breaks, you need them. In order to be the best Mama you can be, you're going to need those mental breaks. There is nothing to feel guilty about. Take time for yourself, Mama.
#4 Follow Your Instincts
No one knows how to be a better Mom to your baby than you do. Sometimes you can feel the pressure from friends and family on what you should or shouldn't do, but the reality is that you are the best decision maker for them. You are solely responsible for their wellbeing, so other peoples opinions don't matter if you don't agree with them. It is OK to disagree with others, even family! Take a deep breath and keep listening to your instincts and you will do an incredible job.
#5 Sleep When Baby Sleeps
Your rest is so important! It can be very challenging to sleep through the night when you bring home your baby. Of course you know, baby's will require feedings and changes throughout the night. You are going to be very tired in the morning, so make sure you sleep when your baby sleeps, even during the day. If you are not getting enough sleep during the night, you'll need to catch up on it. Remember how I said to "take time for yourself" and to not "stress about the mess"? That applies here! You need to take this time for yourself to rest. The mess can get cleaned up once you are recharged. Don't feel guilty, you can take care of your kids and your house way easier and quicker when you're rested up!
Bottom line is.... you're doing an amazing job. Life can be very difficult at times, but trust me these are some of the sweetest moments you'll miss one day. Take a deep breath, and savor every memory. They will only be this little for a short time. Keep being the incredible Mama you already are. :)
x0x0
Chelsie Belcourt
Elsiebel Photography
Maternity & Newborn Photographer
Burnsville, MN
612.978.4900
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