Valuable tips for new moms

1. Sleep when your baby is asleep

This is probably the most milked-out tip, but that doesn't make it any less true. The younger your baby, the more often he or she is hungry.

On average, in the initial phase, there are about eight feeding moments per day. A day consists of 24 hours.

If we divide these 24 hours by eight, we arrive at: 1 feeding every 3 hours. If you compare this with the uninterrupted(!) eight hours a night that you probably slept before motherhood, you may now understand a little better why you should sleep when your baby is asleep.

If this doesn't work, at least try to rest. And, however beautiful and peaceful they may be...Never, and I repeat Never wake up a sleeping baby!

2. Maternal instinct is a real thing

If it feels good, then it feels good. But if it doesn't feel right, there's probably a reason. So, trust your intuition. It never lies.

This sentence is so important. As a new mom, it can often feel like someone knows better than you. Often because they have already had several children, or because they are already grandmothers.

Yes, they have more experience, but this doesn't mean you should go against your instincts. Clearly indicate your limits and do this as soon as possible.

As I mentioned before, there is no manual for raising children, so listen to all the advice, but make your own choices.

You want the best for your child and you know your child best. Take it from me; It's better to call the doctor too often than too little.

3. Don't forget to take care of yourself

You can only give what you have. So if your own glass is half full, you only have half a glass to share with your newborn.

It's so important not to let yourself go. If you meditate, keep it up!

Are you a gym freak, keep busy! Stick to your old routines as much as possible and don't neglect them. Protect your energy at all costs!

Sometimes this can be as simple as spending a few minutes longer in the shower.

Does it feel good? Then do it. If you have no idea at all about how to make this a priority in this new phase, check out my: 5 simple self-care tips for moms (the tips from day 1).

4. Accept help

Often mothers think they are falling short when they need help taking care of their baby. Nothing is less true.

In the initial phase there is so much that comes at you; it's not at all surprising that you feel overwhelmed by this and can't get out of it yourself.

The good news is: you don't have to do it all alone. Being a mother also means that sometimes you have to accept help so that you can function better.

Either the help of your partner, but also grandmothers & grandfathers, uncles & aunts or someone from your circle of friends.

Grab this help with both hands; your little one will also benefit from this. 

5. ENJOY!

Another cliche. Time goes by so fast, so enjoy every second of it. Be in the moment as much as possible and cherish the little things.

The wonderful baby smell, the cute baby sounds and even the angry fists at the umpteenth cry. Enjoy the moments when your baby sleeps and take in his or her peaceful face.

Every phase is special. Keep this in mind and make sure you don't lose track of time. Really, before you know it, they're running around and you're longing for those first few months. 

Every mother experiences being a mother differently and no experience is the same. Therefore, find your own way and try to listen carefully to your own needs and the needs of your baby.

The above tips have helped me a lot and I hope that you as a new mom can apply them too. Good luck!