It’s one thing to become a mother for the first time, but quite another to watch your own daughter become a mother for the first time. Along with overwhelming joy, there are, of course, challenges too. One grandmother captures this blend of trials and joy within a letter to her daughter on the journey of early motherhood. Included with her joy, the mother shares eight tips designed to aid her daughter in this life-changing experience. Check out some of the tips below.
Tips from the Letter
Motherhood is something that nobody can prepare for. In the letter, the mother notes that while the first few days are marked with positive interactions like cuddling and watching the baby grow, it is also filled with exhaustion, hormonal fluctations, and overwhelming emotions. It’s best not to be discouraged if things are difficult, since these conflicting feelings are normal, and routines will appear over time.
One of the most prevalent themes the mother brings up is maternal intuition. Advice from various family members, friends, and parenting books is sometimes helpful, but the mother’s instinct with her child is the most important. This trust aligns with expert parenting advice, as parents know their babies better than anyone else, and must make choices in the baby’s best interests.
The letter also stresses the fatigue new mothers deal with, encouraging her to “sleep when the baby sleeps.” This is a widely accepted piece of advice from experts to make sure mothers get their much-needed rest to rejuvenate and maintain their well-being. This connects directly to practicing self-care and not being afraid to ask for help. The new mother is not alone in this new adventure, and she should seek help from a spouse, family member, or friend to prevent burnout.
Expert Tips on Motherhood
Looking beyond the letter, there are many tips provided by experts to happily and successfully raise a baby. Research proves that skin-to-skin contact after birth can immensely help the newborn, from stabilizing vital signs to fostering early breastfeeding cues. These early bonding moments are just one of many quiet, intimate moments shared with a mother and her child.
Plus, even though it hurts to hear babies cry, it is sometimes necessary. Experts recommend that parents allow for some crying without feeling guilty, as it will help with the baby’s adjustment and self-soothing. Or, if you need a break, head outside. Leaving the indoors and routine can help refresh fussy infants and overwhelmed parents, supporting both baby and mother’s emotional health.
Similar to going outdoors, allotting rest and recuperation time plays a vital role for new mothers in postpartum, beyond just sleep. Proper nutrition, hydration, and emotional well-being allow for a positive recovery and effective breastfeeding. While baby are getting all their first checkups, mothers should also go for regular postpartum checkups and monitor their emotional health to be the best versions of themselves during this new time.
Customize Advice to You
Between the mother’s letter and the experts’ opinions, they both show the importance of finding your way in this new life path. Embracing this life with shifting priorities, less need for perfection, and preserving your own health is paramount. The higher the ability to “go with the flow,” the better it will be when it comes to alleviating pressures new moms place on themselves.
At the very end of the letter, the mother urges her daughter to savor the small moments in the early days with her child. Children are blessings and gifts that profoundly change parents’ lives for years to come, providing unforgettable memories and happiness.
Combining the heartfelt mother’s advice with expert-backed tips creates a compassionate and intensive guide for expecting or new mothers. There are highs and lows when it comes to motherhood. However, it’s important to note that while no parent is perfect, the blend of love and support from the parents’ foundation will create a positive future.