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Everything Struggling New Moms Should Know

by Fiona Tapp

After three years of being a mom, I've realized that although I have honed my skills, learned from my mistakes, and have some tips and tricks to pass on to newbie moms, I'm still learning (and probably always will be). However, when I look back on those first few days and weeks of being a mom I realize that a little advice definitely would have gone a long way, which is why I asked some seasoned moms to share what they want struggling new moms to know.

Parenting is a constant work-in-progress and we could all do with a little help and support from time to time (or, you know, all the time). What I have found is that new moms tend to worry more, often overthink things, and spend way too much time doing way too much research (read: stay up all night Googling frightening symptoms that will convince you something is wrong when it really isn't.)

Once you have been a mom for a while, or especially if you have other kids to care for, your time becomes more limited and simply surviving the day is considered an accomplishment. So if you are a new mom, or you know one, you might find these words of wisdom from seasoned moms who have been there and done that, helpful:

Shirley

"It will get better. I promise, it really will get better!"

April

"Let your partner help. You don't need to do everything by yourself."

Laurie

"Taking care of you is just as important as taking care of the baby."

Sara

"Don't worry about the laundry or the dishes. It doesn't matter if the house is a pig sty. None of that matters."

Jo

"You're not alone. Even if you think you are and even if you're a single parent, you are not alone. There's always someone who has been there, too. Ask for help and you will see."

Ruth

"Your baby loves you. I sometimes felt that I was doing everything wrong and my baby didn't like me, but it's not true. Your baby always loves and needs you."

Lisa

"Don't be too hard on yourself. Having a baby is a huge adjustment and people expect to know everything and do everything perfectly straight away. It's a learning curve."

Kelsey

"You've got this. You might think you are failing but, really, you got this!"

Cheryl

"This won't last forever. Whatever stage is making you stressed, it won't last. It's all seasons and before long you will be onto the next stage."

Valerie

"Remember how lucky you are. Having a baby is a blessing and although it can be really hard, that's nothing to how it feels to want a baby and not be able to have one. Believe me, I know."

Sandy

"I want new moms to know they deserve a break and to take one. Whatever you have to do to get a break, do it. You will feel so much better once you have an afternoon to yourself. Take a nap or see some friends, because you count as well!"