Dear Brand-Spankin-New Mama

Dear Brand-Spankin-New Mama,

At this point you may be thinking, Holy Guacamole!  They really let me put a little tiny baby in my car and drive off? 

Calm down, Brand-Spankin-New Mama, it's not just any little tiny baby--it's YOUR baby!  (What?!)  Crazy, I know, but it's true.  (At least I think it's your baby, maybe you should check the wrist band one more time.)

Brand-Spankin-New Mama, you're about to embark on some wild and unforgettable (and yet very forgettable) months.  You're about to experience feelings you never knew you could feel, so take your pain killers and saddle up--here you go!

Brand-Spankin-New Mama, it's ok if your nursery is not finished.  It's ok if you haven't done all the preparations you had planned on doing.  Do you have a blanket or two and some burp clothes?  Combine that with the loot you made off with at the hospital (diapers, wipes, pacis, creams, formula, etc., etc.) you'll be set for a few days.  Babies don't take up much space in the beginning.

Brand-New Mama, I want to be the one to tell you this secret about newborn babies: They keep breathing even when you put them down in a safe place to get some water out of the fridge.  And since newborns don't flip and flop around, a safe place is not hard to find (Couch cushion + Boppy pillow) .

Brand-Spankin-New Mama, it's ok if you're feeling completely overwhelmed and unsure of what you just got yourself into.  We all feel that way at least a little (some of us hide it more than others, but we all feel it.)  Cry if you need to.  Seriously, right now.  It's ok, mama.

Brand-Spankin-New Mama, you're doing great.  Take comfort in knowing that with each day your baby gets a little older and more mature.  If you have a colicky baby that cries like a baby, know that he eventually grows out of it.  I promise he doesn't mean to make you frustrated.


Brand-Spankin-New Mama, if your baby is crying, you can't get her to stop, and you're about to lose it, it's ok to set her in her crib for a few minutes and compose yourself.  Seriously.  Even a thirty second break helps.  Your baby is usually so thankful you came back and picked her up, that the crying calms down.

Brand-Spankin-New Mama, lots of people will offer you help and advice.  Take what you want and leave what you don't.  Think before you speak because, let's be honest, your mommy-brain has never been worse.  Don't forget to eat, especially if you're breastfeeding.  It's not selfish to eat, your body has to produce milk.

Brand-Spankin-New Mama, if you're having a rough time, give it a week, then give it six weeks, then give it three months, then give it six months, and then it gets better!  Each of those milestone are turning points though, so use them as focal points when you feel like these are the slowest days of your life.  And remember, mama, eventually your baby won't wake you up in the night (that's not to say you won't wake up anyway out of habit and panic.)

Love,

Mary