Advice for the First Time Mom

If you’re reading today, chances are, you’re a soon to be momma, or you already have little loves running around. 

Let me start by saying, I’m so happy you’re here! Motherhood is such a beautiful journey, and it has been a dream come true for me. Seriously, if I had a dollar for every time I said that, I’d own a mansion by now! 

I think as much as we try to prepare for becoming a mom, a lot is learned through our own personal experience. But at the same time, I also know that we can learn and grow from other Christian mommas who are ahead of us in this journey. I believe there’s wisdom, and value in learning from (godly, Jesus loving) moms we admire. So today, I’m sharing some things I’ve learned, that has helped me when I had my first child, Haven Everly. Oh how I cherish those newborn days! I pray that as you read this, it will leave you encouraged, and uplifted!

1. It’s ok to say no. When Haven was born, I didn’t realize how overwhelming it would be having so many friends and family eager to meet her. My personality is pretty shy, so it is very hard for me to say no to people. With that said, I had to get over that quickly once I became a mom. Enjoy the company of loved ones when YOU are ready. It’s a huge change and adjustment for the baby, and for you too, so it’s ok if you have days where you focus on finding your new routine, and adjust to this beautiful new life that is yours. *Disclaimer* Do so lovingly, and graciously.
2. Pray. Most of you know I’m a Christian, it’s not something I’m shy about despite my sometimes timid personality. (Haha) Praying over your children is SO important. I’m sure you’ve noticed that this world we live in isn’t always pretty. (There’s a whole lot of people in desperate need of a Savior.) Be intentional in praying for your baby. Pray God’s protection over him/her. Pray that God would help you to guide your little one on the path of righteousness. Pray that he/she would come to a saving faith at an early age. Pray. Pray. Pray. It’s a vital and crucial quality of any Christian parent. “I call on you my God, for you will answer me; turn your ear to me and hear my prayer.” Psalm 17:6
3. Focus on the positive. You’re going to be tired. You’re going to feel overwhelmed at times. You’re going to have moments where you don’t know what you’re doing. But find the beauty in those moments. Look at the precious child in your arms, and remind yourself that the crying, and the fussiness, it won’t last forever. And someday, I’m sure we will look back and miss these days. Because our kids will grow up too fast I’m sure. “…whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable-if anything is excellent or praiseworthy-think about such things.” Philippians 4:8
4. Realize that it won’t be easy to find time with God. Yep, it’s true. The demands of motherhood now require you to MAKE time for God. So fight for it. As a mom, we should be pointing our children to God with every word spoken, and every decision made. We can’t do that if we don’t start with the basics: time in God’s word. So choose to make the time. It doesn’t have to be an hour, it doesn’t have to be twenty minutes even. Just make that time to be alone with God, eager to hear from Him, and eager to walk in holiness. Anne Ortlund once said, “Something is better than nothing.” So even if you start small, that is far better than doing nothing at all. “You have said, “Seek my face.” My heart says, “Your face, Lord, do I seek.” Psalms 27:8
5. Rest. For whatever reason, this has always been tough for me. Most of us have heard, “Sleep when the baby sleeps, and rest when they do.” And that is really helpful, especially in those first couple of months! Maybe you’re like me, and you feel like you have to be doing something more “productive” in your free time. Just realize that sometimes being well rested is being productive, because you can offer your baby much better care when you aren’t exhausted. Our babies probably prefer us not to be a “mombie” haha!
6. Accept help from close loved ones or friends. Many of us can have a hard time asking, or admitting we need help. Now is the time to lay your pride down and embrace the love of your family! I don’t think I’ve ever turned down help from my parents. They adore my two children, and have come alongside me countless times when I was feeling overwhelmed. God places family and friends in our lives for a reason. I can’t tell you how many times just an hour of help has left me refreshed and strengthened, ready to take on the responsibilities of motherhood yet again.
7. Don’t forget about your husband. I’ll be the first to admit I have done this. I have gotten my priorities backwards, and placed my children above my husband. Don’t do that. Don’t make that mistake. God calls us to place our husband above our children. That used to be hard for me to hear, because I would feel like my children “needed” me more. But God makes no mistakes, and His order is perfect. Nancy DeMoss Wolgemuth says, “It’s not coincidental that “loving husbands” precedes “loving children” in Titus 2:4. I’ve seen women get that reversed and end with a lifeless marriage or no marriage at all.” I would love to do a full post on this eventually since it really hits home for me. But for now I’ll leave you with Nancy’s tips on some practical ways to prioritize your marriage:               

These are just a few things I’ve learned in the newborn stage. I know that this journey of motherhood is far from over though! God is going to continue teaching me, and showing me new things as I lean on Him to guide my steps. 

Well, momma bear, you’re amazing. And you’re going to be a beautiful, God-fearing mom, whose children grow up seeing Jesus in you! What a precious, and priceless gift that is! 

Feel free to follow along my everyday life on my Instagram HERE

Xo, Tay