Five Tips for New Moms

As a new mom, I have received a lot of advice.

Some good, some bad.

Some solicited, some unsolicited.

From everyone. Everywhere. All of the time. In fact, it started when I was pregnant and hasn't stopped.

In all honesty, it doesn’t really bother me when people offer me advice. One thing I have learned, however, is how to tell when you’re about to receive bad advice.

Here are a few pre-cursors to bad-advice giving:

Any sentence that begins with “Back in my day...” or “I don’t have children myself, but my aunt, sister, neighbour, hair dresser says that...”

“I don’t know if this will work for your baby, but when my dog is bad...”

“No offense, but...” Nope. Sorry. Already offended *kick to shins*

All jokes aside, in the past ten and a half months, I have received a lot of GREAT advice from experienced moms.

Some of the most down to earth advice I got was from when I partnered with Playtex and interviewed some Moms. I asked them for their best piece of advice for a new mom. Then YMC asked all of you—the whole group of Yummy Mummy readers. We received so many amazing responses and helpful info! I thought it would be my motherly duty to share some with you.

Here are my five favourites and why I love them.

Top 5 Pieces of Advice for New Moms

"Trust your instincts." ~ Melinda P. from Calgary, AB

No one knows your baby like you do. Listen to your heart.

"Make sure you build a support group."~ Sharon K. from Toronto, ON

This has been a big one for me. I was lucky enough to meet an amazing group of women online when I first became pregnant. We've since formed a private Facebook group, and chat daily. I've even been lucky enough to meet some of them in person. I've also met other new moms at the Early Years Centre, local parks, and my Pediatrician's office. I seek out new mom friends, force them to befriend me, and then invite them over for Halloween parties so we can take pictures like this:

"Self care is important—and that means deliberately taking time for yourself." ~ Ester G. from Bowmanville, ON

I don't take a lot of time for myself (note to self: I should do this more) but I do like to get pedicures while Cole naps in his carrier!

"The house will still be there tomorrow. It doesn't need to be spotless, the dishes don't need to be done, the laundry can stay unfolded. Take time and cherish every moment with your baby. It goes so quickly!" ~ Tara J. from Burnaby, BC

I currently have laundry sitting in the dryer. When Cole wakes from his nap, I'll throw the laundry onto his head, and we'll play in the heap before I fold it. I try to turn chores into a game—even if it takes me 10 times as long to do it. At least we're having fun together...

"Play and be silly with your children and always remember: a healthy and happy mommy makes a healthy and happy baby!" ~ Kaitlyn L. from Windsor, ON

This is hugely important to me. My heart feels the most full when I hear Cole laugh and squeal. I also feel like the most hilarious woman in the world. Note to self: do stand-up comedy again soon, and see if OTHER PEOPLE still think you're funny. Hmmm.... ;)