A few more months, weeks, days, and you'll be able to hold you baby for the first time. A moment you'll never forget. We remember ours as if it was yesterday. In our enthusiasm for motherhood, we can’t help but share with you a few observations that we wished we knew as new moms ourselves. Maybe you will find them helpful, maybe not. Take what you like and do it your way!

Be prepared

Of course you want to prepare. Of course you want to read everything you can about babies and parenting. Of course you have a list a mile long of products other moms rave about. But do you really need everything that’s on your checklist? Of course not! At least not in the very beginning. There’s no need to get overwhelmed with having to get everything done and perfect before baby arrives. The only thing your little one really needs is its parents.

It works for you

We know you want to be the best mom ever: trust us, you are going to do a great job! Surround yourself with people who are supportive and positive, and who make you feel good. There are thousands of ways to be a good mom, which is a great thing to remind yourself when someone tries to criticize your choices. You will know your baby better than anyone else, so do not doubt yourself!  You just took on the hardest, but most rewarding role of your lifetime!

Reach out for help

Motherhood is physically demanding, and it’s okay to ask for help or a break. Recharging your batteries with some ‘you’ time is important for you and your baby! Reach out to your circle, your family, friends or a trusted babysitter. You can also think about hiring a Doula, a professional who is trained to support women during or just after labor or during the postpartum period. It is definitely an added expense, but one that may be invaluable during your first few days as a mom.

Doing good!

Now that you are almost a new mom yourself, you understand the wonder of a new life. You will soon experience how precarious and at the same time precious new life can be. Some babies and moms need a little extra help to thrive, and you may be in a position to help. You may consider donating your baby’s cord blood to save a life or donating your oversupply of breast milk to babies who cannot get milk from their. There also are many local organizations in your area that have more specific needs. 

Communicate

Becoming a mom will change you. We heard this when we were new moms too, but didn’t realize exactly what that meant. It’s not that you turn into a mom overnight, but everything in your world realigns to focus on one single human being: your baby.

It’s so all encompassing, that it might be difficult to handle. Communicate your feelings. Blog, journal, talk with an online community, have a phone call or text message session or face-to-face chat. Having an outlet will do wonders. You will realize you are not alone and that your feelings are normal. 

Enjoy!

You’ll hear other moms say that it passes in an instant. It’s true. You don’t have to love every minute, you won’t. So don’t feel guilty about not being overjoyed with every minute of motherhood… but everything is a phase and will pass. You will get through it! There will be a moment, not that far in the future, that you will think back and really wish that you could turn back time. We hope that sharing our experiences will help you feel even more excited and confident about caring for your new little one. 

Congratulations again! We wish you a very rewarding motherhood! Lots of Love

Renske & Charlotte