6 Things I Learned in 6 Months as a New Mom

My dad asked me the other day if I remember how life was before having my daughter, and the truth is I don’t. It’s amazing how many lifetimes I’ve lived in the past six months. Please read below about the 6 Things I Learned in 6 Months as a New Mom. To be honest it hasn’t been easy. Motherhood is exhausting and stressful and trying, but it’s also the most wonderful experience that I wouldn’t trade for anything. And I can’t wait to see what the next six months or even 60 years have in store.

1. There is no such thing as a schedule.

Sure, you can have a loose idea of how things are going to go during the day, but there is no such thing as a schedule with a newborn. It’s more like a template. A loose template. The last six months have taught me to expect the unexpected and be okay with last minute chaos. For example, our baby girl was running a fever Friday early in the morning and we ended up spending half our Saturday in the ER to be sure she didn’t have another UTI. Things happen, and it’s important to role with the punches.

2. Motherhood is sanctification.

A friend of mine once told me that being a parent is sanctification, or becoming like Christ more every day. She was right. Being a parent means learning a whole new level of sacrifice and patience. Just when you think you have it all together your baby learns a new way to push your buttons. Ronia is the very best thing that has ever happened to me for many reasons, but I’m so thankful for how God is using her to teach me more about Him.

3. Time alone with God is precious.

Now more than ever I cherish the time I get alone with God. Not only because I don’t have the same amount of time I once had, but because when I make that time a priority I am a better mother, wife, and person in general. What I’m learning is that being a mom fills me up and empties me all at once. If I’m not careful to refill my spiritual tank, then I will pour out the worst of myself onto my family.

4. Asking for help does not make you weak.

Something I am still learning is asking for help doesn’t mean I am weak. When Ronia was almost 5 months old I had my first mommy break down moment. She had been fussing consistently for days without end, not napping and not sleeping at night. Finally my heart had had enough. I just cried silently, lifting my brokenness up to God without words. My husband found me shortly after and immediately stepped in to help.

That day taught me never to allow myself to get so worn out that I fall apart. It’s okay to ask for help. I’m not capable of doing it all, and that’s actually okay. Even typing those words is difficult for me, because I love to work myself into the ground. I love to be seen as capable. But appearing capable while you’re dying inside… it’s not worth it. Ask for help. Let people know what you need. Speak up. Don’t try and do it all alone.

5. Self care is actually a thing.

Up until the last couple years I never considered self care to be a real thing. Since becoming a mother I realize just how vital it is to have a little self care in your day. I spend most of my time taking care of my daughter and husband, which I absolutely love. But like I mentioned before, I can’t pour from an empty glass. I’m learning to make time for cup-filling activities. For me that’s Bible study, writing, working on my blog, baking, etc… Make a list of the things that recharge your batteries and be sure to incorporate them into your week.

6. My mother is a boss.

If these past six months as a new mama have taught me anything it is that my mother is an absolute boss. Not to be braggadocios (brag a lot), but my siblings and I turned out pretty great. My mom raised three kids while working full time and managed to be at all of our activities and cook meals from scratch and keep a clean house… like HOW? I’m a new mom of one and have no idea how she does it. Being a mother has taught me to appreciate my mother and all the other moms out there.

Thank you for reading 6 Things I Learned in 6 Months as a New Mom. The past six months have taught me dozens of lessons, but I hope you enjoyed these few and that was able to bring you a little help and encouragement. For more about hygge living with baby check out these posts below:

What Helped Me Prepare to be a First Time Mom
How to Make Mornings More Manageable As a Mom
20 Things I Learned in the First 20 Weeks of Pregnancy
Pros and Cons of Pregnancy During a Pandemic

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Love always,