Welcome to our series: Real Talk. Here, we share first-person stories from our community on various topics we all go through in our motherhood journey. We created this series because no two motherhood experiences are the same and everyone arrives at motherhood in their own way. And we think that's beautiful. The Real Talk series elevates different perspectives and experiences on motherhood to foster conversation, connection and to celebrate the sisterhood of motherhood.
Today's topic: advice to a first time mom.
“Be kind to yourself and take care of your mind and body. If you feel good, your energy will be good and you’ll have a much more enjoyable time with your baby. It’s okay to ask for help and it’s okay to ask people to give you space.”
- Lauren
“Being a new mom can be a shocking change. If you're experiencing anxiety, get to the root and make a change. You deserve to be happy. Breastfeeding or pumping killing you? Screw it—get some formula. It's not worth driving yourself insane. Terrified of putting the baby in its crib too soon? Then keep him in the bassinet a little longer.”
- Cara
“Your baby is always working on something: gross motor skills, language skills, or fine motor skills. If they appear delayed in one or two areas it’s because they are probably advanced in another. All babies are truly unique and will excel in different ways. No matter what decisions you make for your child, someone will think it’s the best idea and someone will think it’s a terrible idea. Do you, always.”
- Ruth
“There is a lot of pressure nowadays on every aspect of being a parent and being pregnant. Don't get down on yourself because you can't do everything. I experienced postpartum depression after my first child and I felt like I was in a dark hole. There are so many expectations and social ‘requirements’ to give the baby everything he or she is supposed to have, that most people forget that the moms need things too. We need to give ourselves a break both physically and mentally. No parent is perfect and everyone has their own path, whether that's breastfeeding or not, making organic baby food or buying a jar at the market, wearing your baby or not, working or staying home, hiring a nanny or sending them to daycare—the list never ends. Just enjoy the moments with your babies, your husband and your family and do the best you can.”
- Courtney
“Breastfeeding can be hard and isolating. Ask for help, book a lactation consultation, have your partner set up your station, and once you feel comfortable, get out of the house and feed on the go.”
- Marion
What's the best piece of advice that you've received? Tell us—Join the Perelel community on social or subscribe to our newsletter below.
This article is for informational purposes only. It is not, nor is it intended to be, a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment and we recommend that you always consult with your healthcare provider. To the extent that this article features the advice of physicians or medical practitioners, the views expressed are the views of the cited expert and do not necessarily represent the views of Perelel.