Newborn Tips Continued...

3. Sound Advice

Along with the sleep advice, you’ll have advice coming at you from all angles. Parents, friends, the woman behind you in line at Target, the internet, everybody wants to tell you how best to raise that baby. Most people mean well, and some of it will be really good advice, but it can definitely get overwhelming.

Tune into your body. Does the advice make a peaceful feeling settle in your heart or give you an uneasy feeling in your stomach? Following your intuition is often the best path. You just need to learn to listen to it. There is nobody better suited to raise your baby than you.

4. Take Care of Yourself

Remember that your needs matter, too. This is a hard one for new moms because we are so focused on meeting baby’s needs 24/7. Don’t forget what made your soul come alive before you had a child. Make time for that. Discover new soul-filling activities. Find ways to have fun, laugh, and do what makes you happy every day.

One of the things your baby needs most is a happy mother. I wish I’d have known that sooner.

5. Break Time

Give yourself a break, and I don’t just mean physically. I’m talking emotionally and mentally, too. Let the guilt train pass you by. Honestly, it will make frequent stops at your station, but you don’t have to get on. Show yourself some radical compassion and love.

6. Find Your Tribe

The key to thriving is having other moms to relate to. Look for local groups in your area by checking meetup.com, the La Leche League, churches, and libraries.

I feel like we alienate ourselves too much partly because we think we have to only associate with like minds. While you definitely need a few like-minded friends, there is value in every mother out there.

Rebecca Eanes is the bestselling author of multiple books including Positive Parenting: An Essential Guide, The Positive Parenting Workbook, and The Gift of a Happy Mother. She is the grateful mom of two boys.