It's no secret that there's no manual for motherhood. And even if there were, who would have time to read it? It would be at least 10,000 pages or more and written in tiny print. 

But, that's okay, because we've got something better. Tips for new moms, from moms that know being a parent, isn't all cupcakes and crafts like you see on Pinterest.

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7 Tips For New Moms

Take a look at these tidbits and tips for new moms, momma, and see which ones will be the most helpful for you now. You might find one or two you really want to dig into and focus on, or you might start putting them all into practice. It’s up to you.

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It's Okay To Admit You're Unsure

First off, any mom that tells you they knew everything the second they became pregnant is lying to you. Or, they were so overwhelmed and bewildered by motherhood that it clouded their memory a bit. But in reality, they needed a bunch of tips for new moms just like you’re looking for now.

The truth is, no one has all of the answers, and it’s okay to admit that you don’t know what you’re doing. It’s also okay to admit you’re burnt-out and over it and can’t handle it anymore.

Contrary to popular belief, women don’t just “know” how to be a mom. This is why when your baby’s crying and your spouse hands them off to you with an “I don’t know what to do,” you just want to scream.

But, this is good news, momma. It means that motherhood is something you can learn, tweak and develop your skills as you experience new moments.

But, the first step to learning is admitting you don’t have all the answers. So don’t try to hide your confusion or uncertainty. It’s okay to ask yourself if you know what you’re doing or need to figure something out.

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Find Allies

It can be challenging and scary when you’re on the frontlines of motherhood, especially if you’re facing it all alone. It’s essential to gather a team of allies that can stand by your side throughout this wild journey. Sure, this might be your partner, your parents, even your in-laws. 

It’s vital to your own well-being to share and trade tips for new moms with other moms. 

But, it’s vital to find other moms that you can talk with about all of the things only moms understand. You know, like how it feels to wake up even when your baby is sleeping because you have to pump at 3 AM.  Or how you break down in tears when your partner falls asleep within seconds and you toss and turn all night.

You can join mom groups online that share tips for new moms but seek some face-to-face interaction too, momma. It’s super important, and it can really change your perspective on things when you realize you’re not the only one going through all of these emotional acrobatics. 

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Unplug

Yes, you’ve probably heard it 1,000 times when you’re looking for tips for new moms. And it’s likely one of the hardest things for you to do, but put down the phone, switch off the TV, and unplug. Constantly checking emails, scrolling through social media, or binge-watching Netflix zaps your energy and steals your time.

We get it, momma, sometimes you just need to zone out but opt for ways that will refill your cup instead of draining it even more. After all, you can’t drink from an empty cup--you also can’t pour anything into your children from an empty cup, either.

So, here are a few bonus tips for new moms (and all moms): take a cat nap, do some light stretching, or listen to a quick 6-minute Mindpower Session like ‘De-stress S.O.S.’ You’ll be amazed at how these simple, short acts can leave you feeling refreshed and re-energized. 

They can shift your mindset to a place where you become better equipped to handle the challenges that come your way. An extra plus? You’ll find you can even sleep better, have more patience, and are a calmer momma.

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The Dishes Can Wait

Maybe you’ve heard the quick little poem:

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“Cooking and cleaning can wait till tomorrow, but children grow up, we’ve learned to our sorrow. So, wipe away cobwebs and dust go to sleep; I’m cuddling my baby cause babies don’t keep.”

Or, perhaps this mother’s prayer:

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“May my children look back on today and see a mom who had time to play. There will be years for cleaning and cooking, but children grow up when we are not looking.”

Both send the same message--all the things you probably think are critical for being a good parent, like washing dishes, keeping a clean house, and folding laundry--they can all wait. But your children, they need you now. 

Your child likely doesn’t care if the table’s a little dusty or the sink’s a little full. All your child sees is their mom and that new box of LEGOs they can’t wait to build with you.

You’ll never get it all done, momma;  it’s just one of many mom truths that’s vital to keep in mind. So, when you’re filing away tips for new moms, definitely keep this one at the top of the list. It’s okay to let some things go so you can have more time to spend with your child. Plus, you won’t feel so depleted when you’re not trying to get everything done in record time.

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Look At Your Baby

Sometimes, between all of the sleepless nights, 4 AM feedings, chores, work deadlines, and a partner that’s vying for our attention, we go full steam ahead. But, when you plow through your day at top speed, you tend to get tunnel vision, just looking at that ever-approaching (but never-arriving) moment when you’ve finished it all and can rest. 

When you’re moving at full throttle, you lose sight of the scenery along the way. You’ve heard the saying, stop and smell the roses? Well, momma, stop and look at your baby. Take some time to connect with your baby, look into their eyes, and just marvel at them. 

If you’re having trouble slowing down and connecting with your child, try listening to ‘Be More Present With My Child’. It’s a great way to start staying more in the moment and can help you work toward being a more mindful parent.

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Sleep When They Sleep

When it comes to tips for new moms, this is one that you’ve likely heard from other moms, including your own. But that’s because it’s so helpful and vital to your own well-being. Sleep when your baby sleeps. It’s no big secret that new moms are sleep-deprived; it’s part of the motherhood package.

But, then when our baby finally falls asleep for their nap, what do we do? We start going into hyperdrive to clean the house, watch a show, make phone calls, and do everything else we didn’t get to do when our baby was awake.

Sure, some of this stuff has to get done--eventually--but when you’re a new mom, you need to make your sleep a priority over updating your Facebook status or washing clothes. So, as soon as your baby drifts off, go snuggle up in your bed or on the sofa and take a snooze. 

If you have trouble falling asleep or getting good quality sleep, check out ‘Deep and Restful Sleep’ to help you achieve a more rejuvenating rest.

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Ask For Help

Some moms need to be supermoms; maybe they feel like they have something to prove to themselves, their partners, or even their own mothers. But, trying to be a super mom at the expense of your own health and happiness is a surefire way to end up worn-out, miserable, and resentful. Honestly, we don’t think there’s any list of tips for new moms that suggests you do everything by yourself.

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There’s no list of tips for new moms that tells you to do it all alone.

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Some people view asking for help as a sign of weakness, so they shy away from it, no matter how much they need it. The truth is, asking for help is a sign of wisdom and courage. You’re admitting that you can’t do it alone, and you’re wise to seek out a helping hand. 

When you ask for help, you and your baby benefit. You won’t feel as overwhelmed and stressed. You can achieve more, which will boost your confidence as a woman and mother, and you can build meaningful relationships in the process. 

No one’s ever going to have all the answers when it comes to motherhood because motherhood is an ever-evolving entity that looks different for every mom. But, that doesn’t mean we can’t seek out some answers and insights. 

These 7 tips for new moms are a great way to start. Hopefully, they’ve encouraged you and shown you that you’re not the only mom dealing with challenging and confusing emotions and looking for answers. Need some more encouragement? MamaZen is here 24/7. 

How about you, momma? Which of these tips for new moms do you find the most helpful? Feel free to email us at hello@mamazen.com. We would love to hear from you!