This post is a partnership with Nakturnal.
In just a few months I will finally be an aunt and I cannot even tell you how excited I am. With my youngest being 5 years old now, I am so ready for a new baby in our family. Plus I finally get to be a “cool” aunt who can spoil her nephew and then give him back to his parents!
Now when I had a baby I had no one around me to give me advice. Well recent advice I should say since so much had changed since there was a baby in our family. For example, my mother insisted that I put my son to sleep on his tummy and the new standard was to put babies to sleep on their backs.
One aspect of motherhood that I was completely clueless and left in the dark on was breastfeeding. Honestly I feel like there was so much pressure to breastfeed in the hospital that it was a little overwhelming. I tried in the hospital and even had a lactation consultant pop in but it was something I needed to figure it out on my own at home. I knew it was important to start breastfeeding right away though. So what does a new mom do when she is looking for information? I scoured the Internet for all I could about breast pumps. Did you know the first breast pump was patented in the 1800s? Then it was redesigned in the early 1900s!
I ended up buying a manual breast pump and that honestly worked the best for me. I did not like an electric one I tried and since my son never latched right, I knew I wanted to do what I could and pump milk for him. I strictly pumped for 3 months before I dried up.
Need a breast pump now or information on buying the right one for you? Diapers.com not only sells breast pumps but they have a whole bunch of information on knowing everything you would want to know about them! I love how the Internet now not only has valuable information but also makes shopping from home easy! If you still can’t decide which pump is the best for you, check out this best breast pump review.
WIN IT: (1) US winner will receive a $50 Gift Certificate to Diapers.com
Need help entering a giveaway? Check out my blog post for some help!
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This giveaway ends January 9, 2017.
Sand says
Don’t feel ashamed to ask for help!
Kayla Klontz says
All moms make mistakes so don’t be too hard on yourself 🙂
kathy agate says
try to nap when the baby does (& let everything else go)
Breanne says
I’m not a mother yet so I can’t provide any!
Kathleen Jeffrey says
Ask for help if you need it.Take time for you.
Maria Beas says
My advice would be to ask for help and take naps. Thanks for the chance to win such an amazing giveaway.
Leah Shumack says
Sleep when your baby sleeps!
Candace says
Accept any help offered 🙂
Samantha says
My tip is to get a bedtime routine started early.
Jerry Marquardt says
My tip that is best is to stay well nourished the shole time you are nursing a baby.
Jennifer Bay says
Cherish every moment, they grow up so fast, and you will want these precious days back! Photos are a great way to remember.
conor s. says
don’t ask for clothes at athe baby shower, they get outgrown so fast and people will give you a ton anyway.
laura bernard says
Don’t be afraid to take help!
Jessica Mcfarlin says
Nap/ Sleep when baby sleeps.
Amy Howard says
Don’t sweat the small stuff!! The dishes and laundry can wait.
Marya Mann says
Be easy on yourself. We are all in this together. Its ok to make mistakes.. We learn from them. Your baby will still love you.
Marcus Walker says
Just relish each day….
Stephanie M says
My tip as a new mom is accept whenever someone offers to help whether that be a meal, cleaning, watching the kids or doing your laundry! Use that free time to nap or shower!
Philip Lawrence says
Relax and enjoy the new adventure.
Elizabeth Ray says
Sleep when you can, and don’t be afraid to ask for help, or accept help when it is offered.
Nancy Burgess says
Ask for help if you need it.Take time for you.
Kathryn C says
don’t feel guilty taking time for yourself- bubble bath, etc. You need pampering as well!
Kathy Pease says
I would say to let family and friends help out when they offer because being a new mom is very tiring and can be overwhelming at times
MelissaandKeith Miller says
Be PATIENT!! also remember when the baby sleeps you should sleep!
Lisa Vanhook says
Remember every second and take lots of pics. and movies. They grow up too fast..
Rhianna says
My tip for a new mom would be to go easy on yourself ! Not everything will be perfect and that’s ok .
Rochel S says
Ask for help if you need it! Try to sleep wen baby sleeps
Brandie Davis says
Don’t be afraid to ask for help…or take naps!
Kim brooks says
My tips would be Definitely sleep when the baby sleeps don’t try and be super mom and clean and organize baby’s stuff or anything please sleep and rest or you will get sleep deprived and it will catch you ! Also if you need help Definitely ask wether it’s a friend or family member as long as u trust them ask !
Miz Vickik says
My tip is to get as much sleep as you can early on!
Kate S says
A swaddle does wonders for calming babies down and keeping them calm.
Janine Hwang says
My hint would be to stock up on diapers when you can find a deal, esp size 3!
Marcia S says
Take it one day at a time and ask for help.
Richard Hicks says
Dont be afraid to ask for help
james sabin says
I am a great grand-pa
Savannah Forbes says
If baby doesn’t burp well, try sitting baby in the chair for a little while (10-20 minutes) before trying again. Sometimes the slight angle/sitting up in the chair helps move things along and discourages reflux. Also giving daily infant massages helps with the digestive system. As well as daily skin to skin.
Julie Hawkins says
My tip is to sleep when baby sleeps.
Monica Cobbs says
Make freezer meals before baby comes and accept any help you can get!
Justine says
My advice to a new mom is to take time for yourself, whether it be a long bath, reading a book or doing your favorite hobby. Don’t get caught up being just a mom and forget to pamper yourself.
Brenda Elsner says
Sleep when baby sleeps. Don’t be afraid to ask someone for help from time to time and take care of yourself as well.
Jessica Padilla says
my tip to a new mom is to take one day at a time. And if that doesnt work try to take one hour at a time. And try to stick with a schedule (yours and babys).
Kristen says
Enjoy every moment and take lots of pictures!
Kelley Roach says
don’t forget to make time for yourself!
Rebekah says
Don’t think you have to do everything at every moment after giving birth. Take time to rest, snuggle, and recover. Have your partner, or friends help you out.
Tiffany Russell says
Do what works best for you and baby! Dont worry about what other people think!
Teresa A Thompson says
Sleep when baby sleeps.
Keeley Sullivan says
My best tip would be to accept help when its offered. You cant do it all and you are a better mom when rested. Also don’t stress. You will figure it out.
Sarah C says
Don’t worry about the house work. You can clean up later. Enjoy those short moments you have with your newborn. They grow way too fast!
kim hardy says
Be patient and realize your baby is not the same as others
Melissa says
As a new mom, you more than likely to get tons of advice on how to raise your child than you ever hoped or ever wanted to hear! Take it all with a grain of salt —just because Aunt Susan put her kids down to sleep on their stomachs , doesn’t mean you should too. Things have changed! Ultimately, you know your baby best. Listen to her clues and your own instincts.
Kayla Demarest says
When baby sleeps you sleep
Bobbye Pearson says
Stay away from the internet and books…Not everything you read is happening or could happen. Take time to let somethings just happen on their own and enjoy life with your new little one! (I’m a first time grandma and this is the advice I give my daughter lol)
Ashley Chassereau Parks says
Do your own research about everything from nursing to diapers, etc. Do your own research and decide what is best for your baby and your family.
Rachel Schroath says
Remember your hubby! Gotta have that date night!
Erica B. says
Make time for yourself somehow.
Ashley Richey says
My advice is to enjoy every moment while you can because they grow so fast.
Natalie S says
Do what you think is right for your kiddos! Take everyone’s advice with a grain of salt. Treasure those moments, they grow up SO fast!
Stephanie Larison says
Do what works for your family! You will hear a lot of people trying to push their opinions on you about how you should raise your kid, even how you feed them! In the end, do what works for you and have no guilt about it.
brittany says
don’t forget to make time for yourself!
Rachel Travis says
Sleep when the baby sleeps and drink lots of water 🙂
jeani b says
my advice is – sleep whenever you can! gah, i’m so tired. LOL
Kimmy Ripley says
I know it gets said all of the time but for real… sleep when the baby sleeps! Don’t worry about anything else. You need to make yourself a priority!
Jennifer Dunaway says
My tip for new moms is don’t compare yourself or your child to others. It will just stress you out.
Cynthia Mercado says
Take naps together
Susan Biddle says
Take time for yourself. It’s healthy for both new moms and babies to have breaks from each other.
Wendy Browne says
Get the AngelCare bath tub with the mesh back and wash all your baby’s poopy diaper buns instead of wiping them. It’s much easier, cleaner and prevents diaper rash.
Rachel S says
Always have a spare outfit in the diaper bag!
Angela Newsome says
Savor every single moment. As a mom of three, I’m still amazed daily at how quickly the time flies by.
Arionna Stanley says
I just had my baby in July and the best advice I can offer is enjoy yur baby instead of stressing over your body. Each day goes so fast just enjoy it and learn from it.
Christy Peeples DuBois says
A couple of tips for a new mom is to let them sleep in their bed in their room. Also get a nap while your baby is napping. You will not be at your best to your new little one if you are exhausted.
Looking back, and it’s been years, I was terrified with my first one.
Stephanie Liske says
Do your best, don’t let anyone tell you how to raise your child. Everyone will try.
Corrie says
Every kid is different Embrace the child’s uniqueness. And get all the sleep before the baby comes
Ashley B says
I am a new mom to be in April so I’d live any advice!
Natalya Khamone says
My tip is to be gentle on yourself. We tend to push ourselves so hard no matter how hard it gets.
Robin Abrams says
My tip is to accept any help you can get.
Tiffany Cheung says
No matter how tired you are, make sure to burp the baby after feeding! This helps to prevent a lot of spit up messes on the bedsheets!
karli Nagy says
I’m due with my first child in april. Ive enjoyed the article & all the comment tips. thanks
Tracy Pryor says
Rest when you can. Don’t stress if the house is messy.
Julie L says
A tip is to accept any help that people offer.
Bethany Suire says
As a new Mom, don’t be afraid to ask for help if you become overwhelmed! You’d be surprised as to how many people are there to support you as a new Mommy!
Kathleen M Smith says
Trust your motherly instincts. Accept help when it is offered, it makes them feel useful and getting a few things done is such a relief for a new mother.
Angel McMore says
If they have been fed and had a bath just put them to bed. They will learn to fall asleep on their own.
Patricia Mingozzi says
Sleep when the baby sleeps, that way you won’t feel drained and emotional.
MaryAnn says
Rest when your baby rests.
Margaret Rice says
Enjoy the time, you only have this second, minute, hour, day in their lives, don’t let it pass you by.
Dana Beeman says
My tip is to take a nap when you can.
Carrie Barron says
My advice is to do what is best for your entire family.
Brittney House says
My tip is to cherish the moments while their young because they grow up so fast.
Rebecca W says
I would say to just be patient with yourself while learning how to take care of your new baby, and get rest when you can!
LeAnn Harbert says
Take a nap when you have someone to help with the baby.
Elizabeth Miller says
My best advice for every nre mom is go with your gut instinct because there is no 100 percent right or wrong.
Paol Trenny says
My advice is try not to be so hard on yourself if things do not work out as you planned. Cherish every mistakes because those mistakes would help you.
Kristen says
It’s okay to ask for help!
Jeanine Jones says
Don’t take any advice from other moms too seriously! Every baby is different!
Holly Thomas says
Take all the help that is offered!
Klydra Pugh says
Delegate, delegate, delegate. You can’t do everything alone.
Thanks for the chance.
Kristie says
Enjoy every moment you have with your little one!
Samantha B. says
Make freezer meals ahead of time. One less thing to worry about!!
Debbie Clauer says
You can never hold your new baby “too” much!
Wendy R. says
I would tell a new mom to not over stress about things!
Gina Malone says
If someone wants to come over to hold the baby or to help…let them! I used to hate accepting help. But I’m 6 months pregnant now AND have a 9 month old! I never turn down any help any more! 🙂
Kristy says
You are going to make mistakes. Your baby will be ok.
Angie says
my tip is always to sleep when the baby sleeps!
Stefanie Lee says
Sleep when you can.
Christine Labelle says
I always found that sleeping when the baby sleeps never happened. So I would clean and do other things when the baby was sleeping and just enjoy the baby when they were awake. Then again, a messy house is to be expected with a newborn so just enjoy every moment that you can. It goes by fast!
Ashley C says
My tip is to take help when it is offered! It will help you get back to normal faster!
latoya says
The best tip I have for a new mom is to take some time for yourself!
tricia Maldonado says
dont be shy to ask for help when you need it. let others helps you so you can rest
Shareena M says
Just breathe. Don’t be too harsh on yourself.
allison says
Give breastfeeding at least two weeks! Thanks so much for the chances to win.
Amanda says
Just enjoy every moment!
Lori Walker says
Prepare meals in advance and in quantity!
HilLesha says
My advice is try to get plenty of rest before the baby is born, because the luxury of sleep will be a rarity for the first year! 🙂
Kayla N says
My number one tip is to enjoy every moment with baby and let other people help you do housework. If someone wants to come over and visit don’t be afraid to ask them to bring food or do something for you like load the dishwasher. You do not have to cook and entertain guests!
Tonya Flores says
Make sure to get your naps in when your baby is sleeping, it helps alot. Also use the brand name baby wipes, off brand suck.
SHAYNA says
SLEEP WHEN THE BABY SLEEPS AND TAKE IT ONE DAY AT A TIME 🙂
Trina Chadwick says
its ok to let others help u don’t have to be supermom
Francine Anchondo says
Ask for help and when someone offers to help let them. Sometimes it is good to take small breaks.
Janice Crespo says
Take a nap whenever you can. Those early nights are long so get the rest when you can.
Elizabeth C. says
Ask for help when you need it. When I was exhausted, I brought my daughter to my mom to watch her as I slept.
Ryan Elder says
I would tell my wife to take a break, I got this!
Angelica says
Everyone will understand if your house is a mess, just leave it. The stress isn’t worth it! You have something far more important that needs you and your time/ energy!
Casey Everidge says
my advice for a first time mom is take it day by day. everyday is something different and something new!
luc says
win
Elizabeth says
My tip is to just do your best, enjoy and don’t get stressed!
Autumn P. says
I’m a new mom, so I don’t have any tips but I’m having fun reading everyone’s advice!
Sharon Kaminski says
My most important tip is be patient. If you have questions, go to an excellent website like babycenter.com.
amanda lea says
Dont follow everyones advice! Do what works for you and baby.
Cindy Peterson says
Create a Toddler Cocoon “When toddlers throw tantrums, they often need to block out stimulation in order to calm down,” says Corinne G. Catalano, school psychologist at the Ben Samuels Children’s Center at Montclair State University. So instead of picking up your tot, make a “cave” or cocoonlike space by throwing a blanket over a small table and allowing him to climb under it. If you’ve got a pop-up kid tent, that will work, too. Give him his lovey and a pillow, and he’ll have the soothing sanctuary he needs to regroup.
Kevin M. says
Don’t be embarrassed to breast feed in public! Just try to be modest 🙂
Amber C. says
I’m a new soon-mom-to-be… so rather than giving advice, I need loads of advice! Giving birth to my baby girl within the next month!
Ashley M says
Cherish the little moments because it wont last forever!
DEbbie Bray says
Sleep whenever you can and if someone offers help accept.
Denise M says
Don’t refuse help if its offered
David S says
Say yes please when help is offered.
David S says
My tip is when help is offered for your baby accept it.
Jessica M says
Make sure you know how to use the carseat a few weeks in advance.
Jessica Cox says
Sleep as much as possible , don’t worry about the dishes and laundry it will all get done somehow.
Katie K says
Don’t be afraid to ask for SPECIFIC help — people trying to help but not doing what you needs just adds to your burden!
Samantha Plotkin says
No matter how many kids someone has – no one has parented YOUR child. Trust your mommy instincts.
Candice says
My best tip is to take help when it is offered, and to not be afraid to ask for help.
Jill Rivera says
Just remember to sleep will come. The babies will sleep thru the night soon.
Renee Walters says
My tip is to get as much sleep as possible. Having a newborn is exhausting!
Briana Dee says
When people offer help, accept it!
Kelly D says
My tip is to try to do shopping online so you can relax more.
JLin says
rest whenever you can
Victoria Scott says
Take each day at a time and remember, you will learn from each “catastrophe.” 🙂
Trisha Burgess says
My best tip is don’t be hard on yourself! Nobody really has the perfect answer to a newborn!
Belinda Burton says
Listen to your body and rest whenever you can. Trust your instincts!
Ashley turicik says
My tip is to rest when you can
Dagmar says
DON’T PANIC!! Things are going to happen, just go with the flow and don’t freak out
Brent Strassburg says
I know you’re frustrated, but don’t take it out on your husband. 🙂
Wanda Banks says
Every child is different, enjoy every moment! They are a gift and as a parent we need to embrace every moment!
Rachel says
A tip for a new mom is to sleep when your baby sleeps.
Rita M says
If help is offered – ACCEPT IT! Do not feel as if you aren’t a great mom if you can’t do everything yourself. Being rested for your baby is a good thing.
Cindy says
Don’t be afraid to ask for help.
Polly Hall says
I use to read my book to my infant son so I could get some reading in during the day, he did not care what was being read to him he just wanted to hear my voice.
Marilyn Nawara says
Sleep when the baby sleeps and don’t worry about doing everything perfect.
Dana Rodriguez says
Don’t be afraid to ask for advice. No question is a dumb one.
Dana says
Take it easy. Give your body time to recover which means letting others help.
Jessica Lodge says
When people ask if there is anything they can do ask them to cook/bring you a meal. Most new Moms live off of whatever they can grab in one hand. It’s nice to eat real food.
Edye says
Lots of prayer and patience!
Mi Webber says
Don’t let yourself get engorged.
Sadie B. says
One of my favorite tips is have lots of help the first two weeks after birth. Let helpers do things while you nurse the baby and let them hold the baby while you sleep.
Leela says
Sleep when baby sleeps.
Latanya says
Be confident in your motherly skills
Iliana R says
My tip is to enjoy every moment with your young one no matter how tired you are because when they grow older you would have cherished those moments!
molli taylor says
trust uyourself, and disregard any “Advice” that doesnt resonate.
sandra says
there is no shame in asking for help
Jessica Palomino says
My tip is to not be too hard on yourself. There is more than one “right way” and no parent is perfect.
vickie couturier says
my tip is rest when the baby does,,you will need all the rest you can grab
susan smoaks says
my best tip for a new mom is to be patient with yourself and your baby, you will figure it out.
Will G says
Make sure you don’t put the diaper on inside out .. no clue how i did it, but it happened once lol.
Angela Saver says
My tip for a new mom is to sleep when your baby sleeps!
Morrighan Crowe Anne Perry says
Trust your body and your baby.
Julie Lundstrom says
My advice is to sleep whenever the baby sleeps.
Clara Hernandez says
This is wonderful! Thank you for the opportunity.
Jenny Q. says
My advice is to sleep when the baby does so you catch up on your rest. And let other family members and friends help out when they offer.
Robin Creager says
My tip is to eat healthy while breastfeeding. Get plenty of rest when you can. Ask for help around the house.
Nannypanpan says
My tip is to take lots of pictures, they grow so fast
Kristin C says
My tip for new moms is to have water bottles pre-filled in the fridge. Nursing makes you so dehydrated.
KENNETH OHL says
live next to grama and grampa for sure
Kimberly Harrison says
Sleep when the child sleeps.
Deborah Banks says
Good information. I really want to have a successful breast feeding experience this time around, I have been nursing for 4 weeks now and my baby is almost 5 weeks.
Sarah Hayes says
mine is to accept help from others when ever you can!
Sonya Morris says
Trust your instincts! Always try to find the joy in the hardest moments because even the sleepless nights and non-stop crying are temporary.
charlene elswick says
My tip is to keep a change of clothes for yourself packed in the diaper bag nothing like a leaky diaper to ruin a trip to the grocery store
Nancy says
My tip for a new mom: This is your time to take care of your new baby as well as yourself. Accept all offers of other kinds of help: donated meals, grocery shopping, laundry duty, caring for the older siblings, running errands, etc.
Erin M says
Sleep whenever you can.
Andrea v says
Enjoy it, they grow up faster than you think. Take videos
Patricia says
For sure take a nap when baby does.
mami2jcn says
Sleep when the baby sleeps, and don’t be afraid to accept help.