1. Birth Story Video: This is probably a given but I am so so so glad I did this!!! Nothing compares to the emotions of the miracle of birth and this video brings it all back! This is a must!!

 

 

2. Progressive Baby Bump Photos: it really is crazy how easily you forget what you looked like/felt like pregnant so I love looking at these ! (And being glad the experience is over… 😉

3. Rock n Play Bassinet: I looked forever for an inexpensive, portable, somewhat cute, small bassinet and I found this for $70 ish at target and I LOVE it. It folds up so you can pack it up, it’s light, and it even rocks which is sooo nice when baby wakes in the middle of the night.

 

4. Baby things organized: this actually maybe should be number one, although these aren’t really in a particular order. Having a new baby is such an adjustment by itself and everything takes much longer to do. Having everything baby at least have a home gives you one less thing to worry about.

 

5. Spent less on maternity clothes and more on clothes after: it’s a lot easier to feel cute while you’re pregnant than after. When you’re pregnant everyone knows why you’ve got a big belly. After you’re pregnant though you’ might feel like going around saying “hi I just had a baby. That’s why none of my clothes fit!” I was glad I didn’t spend a ton of money on a maternity wardrobe and more money on new clothes after so that I felt comfortable with my body right away.

Top 5 Things I Did and Wish I Did as a New Mom

TOP 5 THINGS I WISH I DID:

1. Freezer Meals: instead of trying to make his nursery look cute (that he still has yet to sleep in) I wish I would have put together some easy meals and froze them. Although we had a lot of awesome people bring us dinner, it would have been nice for me too feel like I was getting back to cooking dinner without actually having to put forth a lot of effort and exhaust myself.

sixsisterstuff.com has a lot of really good recipes!

 

2. Bra Shopping After: When your milk comes in, they grow. Like… A lot. Use it as an excuse for your first outing by yourself, get measured, and get some properly fitted ones!

3. Made more friends: My husband and I are inseparable. We love doing everything together. But not even the most loving husband in the world will ever understand childbirth like a female who has gone through it, and nothing helps ease the transition more than having someone who honestly can tell you it gets better after your 18th night of no sleep in a row!

4. Went to a nursing class: I had signed up for one, but felt to sick /tired/pregnant to go to it. Nursing is tricky for most people so the more you know about it the better!!

5. Took it easy: when everyone tells you to sleep when your baby sleeps DO IT!!!!!!!! “You just grew a human being inside your body for nine months and then gave birth to it only to find that it needs to eat every two hours!! You NEED sleep!!”

When I have another baby I’m going to make my husband text me that every day. I tried to do that but it always seemed like there was so much to do and I was never able to accomplish anything. Well I eventually figured out that if I took naps I was a lot more effective when I wanted to be.

I also was a TON happier. Also, give yourself time to adjust! Don’t expect to be able to do all you used to do. Life is soo different with a baby! You will figure out your schedule but it is a slowwwww process and that is okay.

 

😂 RELATABLE NEW MOM MOMENTS

• When you sniff your baby’s head like it’s aromatherapy
• When you forget what day it is
• When you cry because the baby cried
• When you finally shower and feel like a new woman
• When you stare at your baby at 2 a.m. because they’re too cute

Playful aside: If you’ve ever reheated your coffee three times, welcome to motherhood.

🎉 READER CHALLENGE

Comment below and tell me:

What’s ONE thing you did as a new mom that you’re proud of — and ONE thing you wish you’d done differently?

Let’s build a list together and help the next generation of mamas feel supported, not stressed.

Tag it with #LouLouGirlsMomLife so we can cheer you on.

 

New motherhood is messy. It’s magical. It’s overwhelming. It’s beautiful. It’s confusing. It’s unforgettable.

And whether you did everything “right,” or you’re still learning as you go, here’s the truth:

You did your best. You ARE doing your best. And your baby thinks you’re perfect.

So celebrate the things you did. Learn from the things you wish you did. And keep showing up — with love, with grace, with humor, and with the confidence that you’re exactly the mom your child needs.

You’ve got this, friend. Now go hug that baby and remind yourself: You’re doing amazing.

 

 

Top 5 Things I Did and Wish I Did as a New Mom