Being a mom is no walk in the park
From sleepless nights to endless diaper changes, it’s a whirlwind of emotions and challenges.
New moms, especially, are bombarded with information (often unsolicited!)
on everything from breastfeeding to baby sleep schedules.
But here’s the truth:
sometimes, the best advice for a mom-to-be or new mama is no advice.
Here’s why:
Every Mom & Baby is Unique:
What worked for your sister or best friend might not be the magic solution for you and your little one.
Babies have different personalities and needs
and moms have different parenting styles.
Information Overload is Real:
The internet is a treasure trove of parenting information, but it can also be overwhelming.
New moms are already stressed and sleep-deprived; adding a constant influx of “should dos” can be paralyzing.
Trust Your Gut:
Moms have an incredible intuition.
You’ll learn to recognize your baby’s cues and what works best for both of you.
Trust your instincts – they’re powerful!
Empowerment, Not Scolding:
Unsolicited advice can often feel like criticism, especially from well-meaning
but sometimes overstepping family members.
When my younger sister was pregnant I had to bite my tongue a lot of times
and remind myself that she can do it!
and that my role as the older sister had to take a back seat.
I must let my younger sister take the wheel
and instead ASK her if she wanted ME to help her with anything.
I know it can be hard but we are not everyone’s cup of tea and that’s OKAY, you’re okay.
New moms need support, not to be told they’re doing it wrong.
So, what can you do to truly help a mom-to-be or new mama?
Here are 5 ideas:
Offer Practical Help:
- Cook a meal, watch the baby for an hour, or help with errands.Taking some things off her plate will be a lifesaver.
- Be a Listening Ear: Sometimes, all a new mom needs is someone to vent to without judgment and no advice.
- Validate Her Feelings: Let her know her struggles are normal and valid.
- Respect Her Decisions: Offer support, but ultimately, it’s her baby, and it’s her choice.
- Offer Resources: If she’s open to it, share helpful resources and/or similar experiences if you had them (websites, books, support groups) that can empower her to find her own solutions.
Remember:
New moms are bombarded with advice.
What they truly need is support, not someone telling them what to do.
By offering a helping hand, a listening ear, and unwavering support, you can make a world of difference in a new mama’s life.
Now go forth and empower those amazing moms!
Comment below any other ideas you have and/or share with a love one today!
Much love from,
Ivette Navarro from Earthyvette