by Tashawna Hebert

Created on: March 29, 2009

Ahhh, the joys of motherhood. You just had your first child, and you're home from the hospital. Your dream of motherhood is finally a reality, but now what? You've been told not too worry and that your instinct will kick in. You've been given countless pieces of advice, some wanted and some unwanted. What do you do when you start to second guess yourself? Take a deep breath, and read on!

1. The number one thing all mothers should be told is, "Do NOT be afraid to ask for help!" No one expects you to be supermom right off the bat, and no one expects you to do it all yourself. You are not a failure as a mother if you ask for help, you are only human. Asking for help with baby is completely normal, and completely necessary. Please do not be afraid to ask for help. Allow others to help you, or you will run yourself ragged.

2. Rest when baby rests. The dishes and laundry can wait. In the first few months, you need all the rest you can get. Those dishes are not top priority. When baby goes down for a nap, take that time to unwind yourself, and try to sleep too.

3. Take time for yourself! It's ok to allow yourself time each day. Take an hour for yourself everyday, or you will lose yourself. Take a hot bath, read a good book, go shopping by yourself. This will not make your baby love you less, and will not weaken the bond between you and your baby.

4. Talk. Talk about your feelings. If you are feeling guilty, stressed, depressed, happy, sleepy, whatever the feeling, talk to someone about it. These are completely normal feelings of motherhood. Keep the communications lines open between yourself and your spouse, as well as your doctor.

5. Accept that your baby will cry and you won't always know how to comfort him/her. All babies cry, it's how they communicate. You've changed their diaper, fed/burped them, made sure they weren't too hot/cold, played with them, rocked them, and the list goes on. Yet, baby is still crying. This is normal. If you get too frustrated, put baby down in a safe place(such as a crib or playpen) and walk away for a minute or two to regain your composure. This will not hurt the baby, and it will help save your sanity.

6. Take adult time everyday. Every minute of your day revolves around your baby. After baby is asleep for the night, take some adult time. Chat with friends, or your spouse. Have an adult conversation. It will help to keep your wits about you.

I hope these tips are helpful to the new mothers out there. Motherhood is a very exciting, but very terrifying time. Enjoy your baby, but don't lose yourself in the process.

Learn more about this author, Tashawna Hebert.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.