Becoming a mother for the first time comes with a whirlwind of emotions. Before you embark on this meaningful journey, you would be wise to have a game plan so that you are able to focus on what truly matters. Here are three things that mothers wish that they had done with their newborns.
Documenting All of the Special Moments
While the days may drag on with a new baby, the years definitely fly by. Many new moms express disappointment that they did not do a better job documenting all of these special moments that you will never get back.
You can never have too many pictures of your new baby. Documenting all of these special moments will leave you with treasures that will last a lifetime. When looking for a newborn photographer the best way to find one is to Google search, “newborn photography in Houston” if you live in that area. Be sure to choose a professional that will capture both formal and candid shots. Sometimes it is the candid shots that you will appreciate the most in the years to come.
One thing that mothers regret the most is not actually getting in the family pictures themselves. It is understandable to feel self-conscious after you just gave birth. However, you will not regret being intentional about being a part of the pictures so that your children can look back and see how happy you were in your role as a new mom. Another way to commemorate these first few months is to scrapbook the memories. This will be a special gift that you can pass down to your child when they grow older.
Enjoying This Amazing Season in Life
A lot of new mothers express regret that they did not live more in the moment when the baby was born. It is easy to get swept up in all of the responsibilities that come with caring for a newborn, forgetting to actually soak up this amazing season in life.
The cardinal rule of new parenting is to rest when the baby rests. The dishes and laundry will always be there. Deciding to rest when you are able without feeling guilty about it will leave you feeling more energized and ready to love on that precious baby.
In today’s modern world, there is an increasing amount of pressure on new moms to try to have it all. For the most rewarding parenting experience, it is important to not fall into the trap of trying to do everything. Giving yourself a break to simply be in the moment will mean that you do not miss a thing when it comes to your baby’s development.
Focusing More on Self-Care
It can be tempting to channel all of your energy into caring for this new bundle of joy. However, it is imperative that you are purposeful about carving out time for self-care. This personal time looks different for everyone and is largely a reflection of your own personal needs and preferences.
Many new moms are eager to get back into shape. If this is your desire, you can use your self-care time to sign up for a new fitness class, start training for an athletic event, or simply go for a long walk. Be sure to start slowly and check with your doctor before launching any new fitness routine.
Or perhaps you just are not ready to start working out again and you just want to have some fun away from the duties of motherhood. If this is the case for you, consider setting aside some baby-free time each week to head to the mall, make an appointment at the day spa, or meet a friend for lunch.
If all that you want is a little peace and quiet, consider leaving the baby with a trusted friend or family member and doing whatever it is that makes you happy. Maybe this is spending the afternoon in the sun diving into the latest bestselling novel? Or perhaps you want to just take a long nap followed by a luxuriating bubble bath?
The goal of this time is to come back home feeling refreshed and ready to be the best mom that you can possibly be. Unfortunately, there is no rewind button in parenting. However, being cognizant of these three things before you give birth will help you to make the most out of this new and exciting time.