Essential Things Every Mom Should Know Before Having a Baby

Becoming a mom is one of life’s most rewarding adventures, but it can also be a bit overwhelming! Looking back, there are a few things I wish I had known before my little one arrived. If you’re planning to start your family, here are 15 things every mom should know before having a baby. Whether you’re a first-time mom or just looking for some extra tips, these will help you navigate motherhood’s joys and challenges.

First off, remember that parenting isn’t one-size-fits-all. Advice like “stick to a bedtime” or “expect sick days” may not always apply to your baby, and that’s okay. With the right tools, like “chill out about toddler meals” and “trust your instincts,” you’ll find your groove and gain the confidence to handle anything. And don’t forget to “make time for yourself”—a happy mom means a happy baby!

Ready to dive into some helpful tips for parents and caregivers? Keep reading for my must-know advice that would’ve made my journey a little easier!

 

Things I Wish I Knew Before Having a Baby

1. Pregnancy Appetite Changes: It’s Not Always About Cravings

When I thought about pregnancy, I imagined indulging in pickles and ice cream at 2 a.m., just like in the movies. But in reality, my eating habits took a sharp turn the moment I got pregnant. Sure, there were some cravings (hello, cheese!), but for the most part, eating became more of a chore than a joy. Morning sickness, bloating, and a sensitive stomach made it hard to enjoy meals the way I used to.

Tips for Handling Pregnancy Appetite Changes:

• Go for small meals: Instead of trying to force yourself to eat large portions, opt for smaller meals spread throughout the day.
• Listen to your body: If your body is craving bland, easy-to-digest foods like oatmeal or toast, go with it! Your body knows best.
• Focus on nutrient-dense foods: Foods like bananas, sweet potatoes, and leafy greens are not only gentle on your stomach but also packed with nutrients.

2. Postpartum Hunger and Breastfeeding: Prepare to Eat All the Snacks

If you thought pregnancy hunger was intense, brace yourself for postpartum cravings—especially if you’re breastfeeding. I was ravenous! Breastfeeding burns more calories than you realize, and the constant demand for milk left me feeling like I could eat an entire pizza and still want more.

Quick Snack Ideas for New Moms:

• Trail mix: A perfect balance of protein, healthy fats, and carbs to fuel your day.
• Greek yoghurt with honey: A creamy snack that’s both nutritious and satisfying.
• Whole-grain toast with nut butter: Quick, easy, and filling.
• Lactation cookies: They not only satisfy your sweet tooth but can help support your milk supply too.

3. Postpartum Body Healing: Don’t Forget About Your Abdominal Area

The first surprise in my postpartum journey came when I realized how much my abdominal area needed to heal. Sure, everyone talks about vaginal recovery, but your stomach is recovering too! The spot where your placenta was attached takes time to heal, and for weeks after giving birth, my stomach felt sore and tender. Even the simplest tasks, like getting dressed or picking up my baby, made my stomach ache.

Recovery Tips for Your Postpartum Body:

• Rest is essential: Permit yourself to take it easy. Your body has gone through a lot, and rest will help it heal.
• Gentle massage: Using oils or creams to gently massage your abdomen can help ease soreness and promote healing.
• Avoid heavy lifting: In the early days, focus on light activity and let others help with the heavy lifting.

4. The “Fourth Trimester”: A Whole New World

I had heard of the “fourth trimester,” but nothing could prepare me for just how intense it would be. The first three months of life with a newborn are a whirlwind of emotional and physical changes. Your body is healing, your hormones are all over the place, and your sleep cycle is practically non-existent.

Surprise Symptoms During the Fourth Trimester:

• Itchy skin: As your hormones adjust, your skin can become dry and irritated. I found that moisturizing several times a day helped soothe the discomfort.
• Rib flare: Your ribs expand to accommodate your growing baby during pregnancy, and they can take months to return to normal. Prepare for some soreness.
• Emotional ups and downs: It’s normal to feel a bit weepy or overwhelmed, especially with the lack of sleep and the constant demands of a newborn.

5. Navigating Identity Changes: Who Am I Now?

The shift into motherhood can be so profound that you might feel like you’ve lost touch with who you were before. It’s easy to feel like your pre-baby self has disappeared in the chaos of diapers and feedings. I struggled with the balance between being a mom and maintaining my identity as an individual. It took me time to realize that I could embrace both roles without feeling guilty.

How to Cope with Identity Changes:

• Set boundaries: It’s important to carve out time for yourself, whether it’s a few minutes of alone time, reading, or pursuing a hobby.
• Celebrate your growth: Parenthood adds so much depth to who you are. Embrace this new version of yourself—it’s still YOU, just with added layers of experience and love.
• Ask for help: Don’t be afraid to lean on your partner or family. It’s okay to admit you need support!

6. Parenthood is a Full-Time Job (No Really)

I thought I could “fit in” parenting around my regular schedule. Maybe I’d take a few breaks during the day to spend time with my baby, but I never anticipated how all-consuming parenthood truly is. Every minute of the day revolves around your little one, and it can feel overwhelming.

Tips for Managing Life with a Newborn:

• Lower your expectations: During the newborn phase, your to-do list will likely stay unfinished. Embrace it—baby comes first!
• Establish routines: Babies thrive on routines, and so will you. Having a set feeding and nap schedule can help bring a bit of predictability to your day.
• Take breaks: Use baby’s nap time to relax. Even 15 minutes of downtime can recharge your batteries.

7. Pelvic Floor Recovery: A Postpartum Must

After birth, your pelvic floor takes a hit—especially if you had a vaginal delivery. Pelvic floor therapy wasn’t something I considered until I started noticing issues with bladder control. After speaking with my doctor, I learned how important it was to work on pelvic floor recovery.

Pelvic Floor Recovery Tips:

• Seek a specialist: A pelvic floor physiotherapist can teach you exercises to strengthen your muscles and regain control.
• Be consistent: It might feel awkward at first, but consistency with exercises like Kegels can make a big difference.
• Patience is key: Like any part of postpartum recovery, pelvic floor healing takes time.

8. Sleep Deprivation Hits Harder Than Expected

No one can truly prepare you for the sleep deprivation that comes with having a baby. The lack of sleep affected me physically, mentally, and emotionally. It’s hard to stay positive when you’re running on empty, but taking it one day at a time helped me.

Sleep Tips for New Parents:

• Sleep when the baby sleeps: It sounds cliché, but it’s the best advice. Even a short nap can make a huge difference.
• Share nighttime duties: If possible, alternate with your partner for night feedings and diaper changes.
• Ask for help: Don’t hesitate to accept help from family or friends. A few extra hours of sleep can work wonders.

9. Your Relationship with Your Partner Will Evolve

Parenting can put a strain on even the strongest relationships. Sleep deprivation, constant baby care, and the stress of the unknown can lead to disagreements or distance between partners. It’s important to keep the lines of communication open and support each other through the chaos.

How to Nurture Your Relationship:

• Make time for each other: Even if it’s just five minutes to talk without distractions, try to reconnect regularly.
• Support each other’s roles: Recognize the pressures your partner is facing and offer empathy. Parenthood is a team effort!
• Be patient: Relationships take work, especially during the newborn phase. It will get easier as your baby grows.

10. Breastfeeding Is Not Always Easy

While breastfeeding can be a beautiful experience, it’s not without its challenges. From latching difficulties to sore nipples, there’s a learning curve for both you and your baby.

Breastfeeding Tips:

• Get support early on: A lactation consultant can be a lifesaver in the early days.
• Be patient: It might take a little while to get into a rhythm, but you’ll get there.
• Nipple care is essential: Use nipple cream or breast pads to help with soreness.

11. Your Baby’s Growth Will Surprise You

Babies grow fast! I was amazed at how much my little one changed in just the first few weeks. From the tiny newborn clothes that seemed too big to the milestones that seemed to happen overnight, it was a whirlwind.

How to Keep Up with Baby’s Growth:

• Take lots of photos: You’ll blink and your baby will be rolling over, then crawling, and soon walking! Capture every moment.
• Embrace the chaos: The rapid growth can feel overwhelming, but it’s also a reminder of how incredible the process is.

12. It’s Okay to Ask for Help

Whether it’s asking your partner to take over feeding or asking your family to watch the baby for a few hours, asking for help is not a sign of weakness—it’s a way to take care of yourself. Parenthood is a big job, and no one can do it alone.

Ways to Ask for Help:

• Be clear about your needs: Sometimes, people don’t know how to help. Be specific about what you need.
• Don’t feel guilty: Your well-being is just as important as your baby’s

Essential Tips: Navigating the Newborn and Baby Stage with Confidence

Becoming a parent is a life-changing experience, one full of joy, growth, and plenty of surprises. Whether it’s your first baby or you’ve been through this journey before, the newborn stage can feel both magical and overwhelming. From late-night feedings to the excitement of your baby’s first smile, it’s a time filled with learning, patience, and adaptation. To help make the transition a little smoother, I’m sharing a blend of essential tips and things I wish I’d known before becoming a parent.

This guide covers everything from managing your baby’s needs to adjusting to your new life as a parent.

1. Tummy Time for Baby: Building Strong Muscles Early On

Tummy time is an essential part of your baby’s development. It helps strengthen their neck, shoulder, and back muscles, which are crucial for later milestones like sitting, crawling, and walking. However, not all babies are fond of tummy time, and that’s completely normal. If your little one seems frustrated with tummy time or ends up face-planting rather than lifting their head, don’t worry!

One trick I found incredibly helpful was propping my baby up on a breastfeeding pillow. This small adjustment gives them a bit of support while still encouraging them to work on those important muscles. Start with short sessions and gradually increase the time as your baby gets used to it.

2. Simplify Baby Clothing: Save Time and Money

Newborns grow fast, which means you’ll be doing a lot of laundry in those early months. To make life easier, I recommend opting for footless pyjamas instead of footed ones. Babies outgrow clothes so quickly, and footless clothing gives them more flexibility. Plus, putting socks on a baby is much simpler than wrestling with footed pants!

Also, zipper sleepers are a game-changer when it comes to quick diaper changes—especially at night. They make it so much easier than trying to button up the onesies in the middle of a sleep-deprived fog.

To keep your baby’s clothes organized and reduce the stress of searching for outfits, invest in drawer dividers. Group items by size or category, like bodysuits, pyjamas, and onesies. It’ll save you time when dressing your baby and keep your laundry routine less chaotic.

3. Making Baby’s First Bath a Breeze

Bathtime with a newborn can often feel like more of a challenge than a serene bonding moment. Many babies dislike baths, and it can be stressful trying to keep them calm. One trick I found was using a warm washcloth to cover my baby’s body during the bath. The gentle warmth helped soothe them, making them feel more secure and comfortable.

Another tip is to keep bath time short and sweet. Newborns don’t need full-body baths every day, so a quick sponge bath will do until their umbilical cord stump falls off. And always be sure the room is warm, so your baby stays cosy.

4. Breast Milk Storage: Maximize Freezer Space

If you’re breastfeeding and pumping, you’ll quickly realize that storage can become an issue. One method that saved me a ton of space in the freezer was to flatten my breast milk storage bags before freezing them. After filling them, lay the bags flat and press out any excess air. Once frozen, you can stand the bags upright like books on a shelf, which makes the organization so much easier.

This trick was especially helpful when I had a large stash of milk and needed to keep everything neat and accessible.

5. Getting the Most from Your Hakka Pump

If you’re using a Hakka to collect milk while breastfeeding, you might find it helpful to adjust how you use it. Instead of just suctioning the Hakka onto your breast, fold the top over and squeeze it before attaching it. This creates more suction, which can help you collect more milk while nursing from the other side. However, be mindful that this could increase your milk supply, so if you’re happy with the amount you’re producing, stick to the standard suction method.

6. Carrying the Car Seat Without Straining Your Back

If you’ve ever tried carrying a heavy infant car seat, you know how hard it can be on your back—especially during the early postpartum stage when you’re still recovering. I found that a better way to carry the car seat was by using both arms in front of my body, relying on my upper body strength rather than my core muscles. Another technique is to balance the car seat on your hip, which makes the seat feel lighter and helps reduce strain on your body.

This small adjustment made a big difference in how I carried my baby, especially in those early weeks when I was still adjusting to motherhood.

7. Trim Baby’s Nails Safely

Newborns’ nails grow incredibly fast, and those sharp little nails can be a danger to their delicate skin. To safely trim them, the best time to do it is while your baby is sleeping. Their little hands are less likely to move around, which makes the task much easier and safer. Gently clip the nails while they’re in a deep sleep, and you’ll avoid any accidental nicks or scratches.

If you’re nervous about clipping, try using baby nail files, which are softer and less likely to cause any discomfort.

8. Getting Baby to Accept the Pacifier

Many babies take to pacifiers immediately, but others aren’t so keen. If your baby refuses the pacifier, try gently cupping their cheeks while offering it. This mimics the feeling of breastfeeding, which might make it easier for your baby to accept the pacifier. This trick worked wonders for me, and I found it helped soothe my babies when they were fussy and needed extra comfort during sleep.

9. Managing Cradle Cap

Cradle cap, the dry, scaly patches on your baby’s scalp, is a common condition that usually clears up on its own. However, it can be frustrating and unsightly for new parents. To help manage it, I recommend massaging coconut oil (or olive oil) into your baby’s scalp about an hour before bath time. Then, gently comb through the area with a fine-toothed comb to remove the flakes.

It’s important to be gentle around their soft spots, but with consistent care, the cradle cap will gradually improve.

10. Help Your Baby: Easing Gas and Tummy Discomfort

Newborns often experience gas, which can leave them feeling fussy and uncomfortable. One of the best tricks I found for helping with gas was to sit my baby on my lap facing forward and gently rock back and forth. This movement can help relieve trapped gas and provide comfort.

If the gas doesn’t improve with movement, some products can help. I found that probiotic drops, like Biogaia, and gas relief drops, such as Little Remedies, made a huge difference in soothing my baby’s tummy troubles.

11. The Fourth Trimester: Postpartum Recovery and Identity Shifts

The first few months of parenting, often referred to as the “fourth trimester,” can be just as challenging for moms and dads as they are for babies. Your body has gone through a lot during pregnancy and birth, and recovery takes time. I was surprised at how tender my stomach felt after giving birth, as the area where the placenta had been attached was essentially an open wound that required healing.

During this period, it’s crucial to rest, listen to your body, and be patient with yourself. Don’t rush back into strenuous activities—your body needs time to recover. Simple things like gently massaging your abdomen or resting in a comfortable position can make a huge difference in how you feel.

12. Adjusting to Parenthood: Embracing Your New Role

Becoming a parent is a profound change, and it often comes with an unexpected loss of your pre-baby identity. Balancing work, self-care, and family life can feel overwhelming at times. It’s easy to feel like you’ve lost sight of who you were before the baby came along.

To cope, make time for yourself. Even just ten minutes of reading, journaling, or taking a walk can help reconnect you with your own needs. Don’t be afraid to set boundaries with work and family to ensure you’re not burning out.

Parenthood is a beautiful journey, but it’s okay to acknowledge that it can also be challenging. Embrace the growth and changes that come with it.

Wrapping Up: Embrace the Adventure of Having a Baby

Parenthood is a wild ride, but it’s one of the most rewarding experiences you’ll ever have. From tummy time to dealing with late-night feedings, the newborn stage is full of lessons, laughter, and growth. Each day brings something new—whether it’s a milestone, a challenge, or a tender moment.

Remember that you’re doing great, even when things feel overwhelming. With these tips and a bit of patience, you’ll find your rhythm and enjoy the journey of parenthood with confidence.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should parents know before having a baby?
Prepare for sleepless nights, plan finances, and learn basic baby care. Support is key!

What do I need to know before giving birth?
Understand labour stages, pack a hospital bag, and learn breathing techniques.

What do I need to know before getting pregnant?
Focus on health, track ovulation, and consult a doctor for prenatal advice.

What do I need to know about having a baby for the first time?
Expect constant care, build a routine, and don’t be afraid to ask for help.

What is the best age for the first baby?
It varies, but late 20s to early 30s is considered ideal for health and stability.

Do and don’ts for a newborn baby?
Do: Feed, burp, and cuddle often. Don’t: Overdress or ignore sleep cues.

What is the hardest week of a newborn?
Week 6 can be challenging due to growth spurts and crying.

When to give baby their first bath in NHS?
After the umbilical cord falls off, usually around 1-2 weeks.

Is it OK to carry a newborn all day?
Yes, it’s fine, but balance with tummy time and safe sleep practices.

Final Thoughts

Having a baby is a journey like no other—filled with unexpected challenges, immense joy, and countless moments of growth. While it’s natural to feel a bit overwhelmed, remember that every parent’s experience is unique. The tips and insights shared here are just a starting point to help you navigate the early days of parenthood with confidence.

Take things one step at a time, trust your instincts, and don’t hesitate to ask for help when you need it. Celebrate the little wins, cherish the milestones, and give yourself grace on the harder days. Parenthood is a beautiful, ever-evolving adventure, and you’re exactly the parent your baby needs.

You’ve got this! 💕