Since becoming pregnant I have been bombarded with advice from friends, strangers, books, blogs and everything in between. While I know I should not take everything to heart it is still hugely overwhelming trying to sort through all the fun facts and warnings about motherhood. So, I tapped ten incredible women I trust and adore to help guide this first-time mother-to-be with what they learned their first go-around.
“Never underestimate yourself as a mom. There will be lots of good days and lots of tough days. More good days than tough. Soak up the sweet moments of peace and simplicity. Love yourself and always remember God created and equipped you to do this overwhelming, yet lovely task called motherhood.”
–Ashley, mom of one
“When your children are little, stop what you are doing and read, rock and play. You don’t ever get that time back. Always try to have dinner around the table each night. And every once in a while you need to sit down with a glass of milk and a big piece of cake and laugh/cry!”
– Mary, mom of three
“Give that baby no doubt how much you love her…and make her feel safe.”
–Tavia, mom of two with one on the way
“Cut yourself some slack and don’t expect perfection. My goal is to take care of myself and my kiddos and support other moms even if I’m jealous of how put together they seem. Babies (and I’m assuming children as they grow) are all different so comparison is pointless and perfection is annoying anyway.”
–Beth, mom of two
“Forgive yourself and don’t compare yourself to others. There is no perfect mom. We all make mistakes and it is okay. Simply enjoy each day…you will figure it all out as you go.”
–Amber, mom of two
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“At the end of the day when you are completely exhausted and all you want to do is lay your baby down and sleep, just hold her a little bit longer. It’s in those moments with my son that I forget all the stress and exhaustion and look at the amazing gift God has blessed us with.”
–Hilary, mom of one
“Trust your instincts and don’t let anyone make you feel stupid for it. What’s right for one isn’t right for everyone. Your way is OK!”
–Shanon, mom of three
“Always, ALWAYS have at least one fresh diaper, wipes, and a change of clothes in your diaper bag. You don’t want to be stuck without one—or all of them—when your child has a blowout in the car seat on your way to meet someone new. Trust me.”
–Kelsey, mom of one
“Don’t be too hard on yourself. No one way is the right way to raise a child. Every child is different (yes, even twins) and they each need different things.”
–Robin, mom of three
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“Nap when baby naps. Let housework and need for perfection go.”
–Jennifer, mom of two with one on the way
Katie Powell Bell 