KateLet’s be real – becoming a new mom is hard! There are so many unknowns and things people just don’t prepare you for. Below, I compiled a realistic list of things I learned as a mother, that I wish I had known before…I dubbed them the “Dos and Don’ts of Motherhood.”
Things They Don’t Tell You About Motherhood (But Should)
DO take all the mesh panties and ice packs the hospital give you.
DO buy really good dry shampoo (Johnson’ Baby Powder also works just as well – check out my messy bun hack here)
DO prepare yourself to spend A LOT of money of diapers…like A Lot.
DO look for coupons for said diapers…trust me, a little goes a long way. Check out coupons.com here.
DO prepare for a BLOWOUT that puts Old Faithful to shame 💩
DO accept the fact that you will one day go out with spit up/poop/pee unknowingly on your clothes. Or knowingly. It’s all relative.
DO expect to leave the house with a shirt or pants inside out or backwards at least once.
DO expect lots of cuddles 💞
DO expect lots of laughter, giggles, and smiles.
DO prepare yourself for the tears.
DO realize we will all have bad days and no one is super mom.
DO have a change of clothes for baby AND YOURSELF anytime you go somewhere…trust me.
DO prepare for your love of coffee to grow.
DO practice self-care daily, something I wish I would have done because we all need it to be our best.
DO what works best for you and baby when it comes to breast or bottle.
DO listen to what your mama heart is telling you, even if conflicts with what friends, internet or books are telling you.
DO expect to do things you said you’d never do.
DO use wipes for everything: cleaning the house, car, yourself, EVERYTHING! You’d be amazed at how well they clean the carpet, too 😲
DO buy calming and soothing paraben-phthalates-sulfate-free baby products such as Johnson’s Baby Products
DO make sure your nursing top is clasped before you leave the house. And if you forget…
DO tell yourself…every nursing mom has had a nip slip, because I know I have had many.
DO listen to mother’s intuition…it’s usually spot on.
DO try and spend time with your significant other (hello Netflix date nights!)
DO realize you are super woman – in your own right. You don’t have to be, but you ARE.
And most of all….
DO plan to be so totally and utterly in love with this tiny human you created 😍
The Don’ts
One thing I’ve learned being a mom is that I have done things I said I would never do and vice versa. There are no right or wrong answers when it comes to you and your baby, so do what’s best for you and congratulations to the most wonderful – yet messy – job in the world.
Am I right?!
For even more awesome new mom tips like these, be sure to join the Beauty & Baby Club here! It’s free to join, and you’ll get coupons, deals, and chances to win awesome sweepstakes!
Charlie Marlow
Rachel S
