Being a new mom is thrilling, exhausting, wonderful, scary, and, well, all the things. From decisions about sleep schedules and going back to work to worries about the baby’s thriving and basically every single decision you make all day long, it can be overwhelming to say the least. But instead of being overloaded with fear and anxiety when life gets complicated, you can navigate these new waters with confidence and faith—taking the time to appreciate all of wonderful gifts God has provided while learning practical ways to not just survive but to thrive through each new experience. With God’s abundant grace and help from your village, you can experience joy and peace in new motherhood. You have been given the gift of motherhood and God will give you the strength you need for this incredible journey as a mom, no matter what comes your way. To help get you started on this amazing adventure of being a new mom, here are some helpful tips.
Seek Support From Family, Friends, and Other Moms
As the Bible says in Ecclesiastes 4:9-10, “Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up.” This same principle applies to a new mom who is navigating the challenges and joys of motherhood. It’s important to seek out the support of those around you, including family, friends, and other moms who can relate to what you’re going through. They can provide a listening ear, advice, and even practical help, such as bringing over a meal or watching your little one while you get some much-needed rest. So don’t be afraid to reach out and lean on those who care about you. In doing so, you’ll find strength and encouragement to keep pressing forward on this wonderful journey of motherhood.
Believe in Yourself—You Can Do This!
Proverbs 3:5-6 says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.” This is a reminder that you may not always have the answers or the ability to accomplish the task at hand on your own, but God will always be there to give you his strength to accomplish what concerns you (Psalm 138:8). Even when you feel discouraged or inadequate, you have the power of God working within you to help you succeed. Believe in your abilities and have faith in the Lord. You can do this with his guidance and support.
Don’t Think You Have to Get it All Done
There are some days as a new mom when you might think that all you accomplished was keeping the baby alive. You didn’t shower, maybe you didn’t even get dressed. But your sweet baby knew that you loved them. That is enough. By recognizing the season you’re in and prioritizing your responsibilities accordingly, you can find balance and peace in your daily life. Proverbs 16:3 reminds us to “commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.” So, dedicate your schedules and tasks to the Lord, seeking his guidance and direction in all that you do. Your first priorities are your baby and your own mental and physical health. Which leads to the next tip.
Take Care of Your Physical Health
Each new mom’s birth story is different. Maybe you had an easy birth and bounced back immediately from that experience. But maybe you had a C-section and it’s going to take weeks to recover your strength. You can’t lift anything heavier than the baby! Give yourself a lot of grace. Allow people to bring meals to you. It is a blessing to them to be able to give. Eat well-balanced meals that provide the nutrients your body needs. Whereas rest with a newborn may seem like a distant dream, the old adage, “sleep when the baby sleeps,” has a lot of merit. Don’t push yourself too hard and rest when you can. Your mental and emotional well-being needs it. Regular exercise is also essential to maintain a healthy body. When you’ve recovered from the birth enough, take the baby for a walk. Do stretching exercises. Practice deep breathing for stress reduction. Taking care of yourself is so important. Ask for help. It’s not weakness: it’s wisdom.
Connect With God
When you have a quiet moment, maybe all you want to do is sleep. But consider listening to worship music, taking some time to pray, or having a few moments of quiet reflection on God’s Word. Taking moments throughout the day to pray and meditate on God’s Word can provide you with the guidance and peace you need to raise your child in a healthy, peaceful environment. Whether it’s asking for strength and patience during a challenging moment or giving thanks for the blessings in your life, you will feel these moments of prayer and meditation help you stay focused on the One who gives you strength. By prioritizing your relationship with God, you can become a better parent and role model for your child.
Becoming a new mom may seem scary, but you don’t have to do it alone. Reach out to family, friends, and other moms to get the support you need, and don’t think that you have to do it all. Let go of those tasks that can wait. Someone else can do the dishes! Make sure to be mindful of both your physical and spiritual health by eating healthy meals, getting rest when you can, exercising, and finding moments during the day to pray or meditate on God’s Word. By practicing these self-care habits, you can learn how to better care and yourself as well as your baby. If you’re looking for additional tools or resources to help you spend time faithfully connecting with God each day, consider downloading the Abide app. It offers daily meditations tailored to help you find peace in every moment of your parenting journey.
