Essential Tips for New Moms (Even If They’re Tough to Follow!)

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So, it’s three in the afternoon, and your little one is finally catching some Z’s. What do you do with this precious time?

• a. Tackle that mountain of laundry or unload the dishwasher
• b. Pump some milk to stock up in the freezer
• c. Sneak in a nap
• d. Take a shower or just visit the bathroom

If you’re anything like me, the answer is usually none of the above. When both of my twins are napping or someone else is available to keep an eye on them, I find myself wandering around in a daze. I fret about all the things I could be doing and get overwhelmed by the possibilities. Often, I end up accomplishing nothing—laundry piles up, food gets burned, or I just manage to lie down for a moment before someone needs my attention.

For many new moms, some of the most commonly shared advice can be the hardest to embrace. “Sleep when the baby sleeps” and “Accept help when it comes your way” are two pieces of wisdom I struggled to follow. When it’s naptime, I can’t relax enough to actually sleep. The longer they snooze, the more I worry they’ll wake up just as I drift off. Nighttime isn’t much better; I’ve given up on going to bed early since my twins seem to have an endless relay of fighting sleep, and I’d rather just wait for them to cry.

And accepting help? That can be a double-edged sword. I often feel guilty accepting assistance, even though I desperately need it. If someone offers to watch the babies so I can rest, I find myself hanging around, feeling bad for enjoying some alone time while they play with my kids.

So, what advice can I offer if you relate to my experience?

The suggestions that I have the hardest time following are also the ones I genuinely believe could help new moms. Here are three tips to make it easier:

1. Seize the moment when the baby falls asleep. Whether it’s for 10 minutes or two hours, don’t waste that precious time!
2. If you feel guilty about someone else holding your baby, ask them to take care of chores instead! They can help with dishes, laundry, or even bringing over a meal while you cuddle your little one.
3. Consider having them take the baby outside for a bit. You’d be surprised at how peaceful it is, and it might make it easier for you to nap or take a breather without the constant “what’s that noise?” in the back of your mind.

What’s the best advice you’ve received as a new parent? If you’re looking for more insights, check out this post on our blog for more tips on navigating motherhood. And if you’re exploring options for starting a family, be sure to check out the top at-home insemination kit provider, Make A Mom, for their incredible resources. For information on IVF, you can also explore Healthline.

In summary, embracing the advice of “sleep when the baby sleeps” and “accept help” can be challenging, but with a few tweaks, you can make the most of your time and reduce the guilt that often comes with motherhood.