Moments of motherhood
The Joyful Journey of First-Time Moms
Unexpected Blessings
I never realized I could hold so much love in my heart for such a tiny human being. I thought the love I have for my husband was already immeasurable, but becoming a mother showed me how love can grow and expand in beautiful ways. In the fall of 2024, we welcomed our first baby into the world. The anticipation of meeting our baby boy filled our hearts with pure joy and excitement as we prepared for his arrival.
I still remember being in my third trimester, overcome with emotion and crying tears of happiness at the thought of becoming a parent so soon. Can you relate to that feeling? It was such a whirlwind—filled with reading, praying, and preparing (or at least trying to!) for the arrival of our sweet little boy.
When our baby finally arrived, the blessings of motherhood caught me by surprise. This new season of life has been filled with moments of learning and growth, especially as I’ve learned to give myself grace during such a vulnerable and tender time. In these early months, I’ve caught a glimpse of how our Father in Heaven sees us—an understanding that fills my heart with even more gratitude and love. What were some of your favorite moments in early motherhood?
As those early weeks turned into months, I began to realize just how much I was learning—not just about my baby, but about myself. Motherhood became an opportunity to trust my instincts, let go of perfection, and embrace the unique journey we were on.
Learning to trust my instincts and embrace what feels natural has made all the difference early on in my motherhood. Your way of living as a parent may look different from others, and people might question your choices – but here’s the truth: their opinions don’t matter. What truly matters is that it works for you and your baby.
Don’t compare yourself to others – it only steals the joy of living your unique dream, not theirs.
Motherhood has been such a gift to me. You can’t hold a baby too much or spoil them. It’s in our nature to love them deeply and respond to their needs, no matter the hour or what anyone else says.
When you hold, smell, and gaze into your baby’s eyes, you’re building a love and connection that will last a lifetime. This is your reminder mama: you are enough. No one knows your baby better than you do. If you are looking for a beautiful book on nurturing your baby, I highly recommend The Nurture Revolution by Greer Kirshenbaum.
Beauty of Simplicity
My baby has taught me the beauty of slowing down and truly being present. I’ve never been one to rush through life, but now, I find myself feeling time fly by too fast already. He’s shown me how precious the simplest moments are—like the way his tiny fingers curl around mine during a quiet cuddle or how his wide-eyed wonder turns an ordinary walk outside into an adventure. How do you remind yourself to stay present during the busy moments?
What’s even more humbling is realizing that I’m now living a prayer I used to pray for. Those nights I spent dreaming of being a mom, holding my baby, and creating a home full of love with his father are now my reality. Together, his father and I are learning to embrace these fleeting moments, to soak in the quiet cuddles and joyful giggles, knowing we are building a foundation of love for our child. How often do we wish time away, forgetting that we may already be living the answer to a prayer we once held so dear?
As parents, we are a team—united in the joy and responsibility of raising him. Watching our baby discover the world, feeling his tiny hand in ours, and knowing we are doing this together makes every moment even more meaningful. These moments are gifts, reminders to cherish the blessings of right now, and to hold on tightly to this beautiful season of life.
Key notes
- Motherhood reveals a profound love that deepens the connection between partners and child in unexpected and heartwarming ways.
- Early motherhood is a season of growth, where trusting instincts, embracing vulnerability, and letting go of perfection allows for a unique journey of parenting free from comparison.
- Motherhood serves as a reminder to live in the blessings once prayed for, cherishing every tender moment with a child while building a foundation of love.
I’ll never forget the first time my baby smiled at me—it felt like time stood still, and in that moment, all the sleepless nights and challenges melted away. That simple, joyful smile reminded me of the deep, unconditional love that motherhood brings. It’s these little moments, the ones that seem so small at the time, that end up being the ones we cherish forever.
Mothers of Newborns
Those early days with a newborn can feel like a whirlwind of emotions—love, exhaustion, joy, and even doubt. It’s important to remind yourself that you’re doing an incredible job, even when it doesn’t feel like it. Here are a few gentle reminders for this precious season:
Here are a few gentle reminders for this precious season:
- Take it one moment at a time. Newborns don’t come with a manual, and you don’t have to have all the answers right away. Trust that you’ll figure things out as you go.
- Sleep when you can. It’s advice that’s easier said than done, but grabbing rest when your baby sleeps can make a big difference in your energy and mood.
- Don’t worry about perfection. Your baby doesn’t need you to be perfect; they just need your love and care. Be kind to yourself, and let go of unrealistic expectations.
- Capture the little moments. Those tiny hands, sleepy snuggles, and first coos are fleeting. Take time to soak them in and, if possible, snap a picture or write down a memory for later.
- Don’t hesitate to ask for help. Whether it’s from a partner, family, or friends, it’s okay to lean on others. Asking for help isn’t a sign of weakness—it’s a way to make sure you’re taking care of yourself too.
- Savor the moments, even the hard ones. The sleepless nights, the endless diapers, and the overwhelming days can feel tough in the moment, but they pass quickly. Take time to appreciate the small things, because before you know it, those fleeting moments will become cherished memories.
- Find routines that work for you. Whether it’s a simple morning ritual, a bedtime routine, or a helpful app for tracking naps or feeding, finding a routine that fits your family can bring much-needed structure to your day.
- Utilize helpful resources. There are so many great tools and communities to help guide you through motherhood. Whether it’s a parenting book, a support group, or online resources, don’t hesitate to tap into what resonates with you for guidance and reassurance.
Bringing home a newborn is an exciting and overwhelming time, but it’s also essential to prioritize your recovery. The 5-5-5 rule is a simple guideline to help you ease into this new chapter while giving your body the time it needs to heal:
- 5 days in bed: Spend the first five days mostly resting in bed with your baby. Focus on skin-to-skin contact, bonding, and allowing your body to recover from childbirth.
- 5 days around the bed: Gradually start moving around your bedroom, sitting up more often, and engaging in light activity, but still prioritize rest and recovery.
- 5 days near the bed: Begin transitioning to spending time in other parts of your home, but continue to take it slow and avoid overexertion.
This rule isn’t rigid—it’s about honoring your body’s needs and allowing yourself to recover at your own pace. Lean on your support system during this time, and don’t hesitate to ask for help with meals, household tasks, or caring for older children.
3 Things I’ve Learned in Motherhood
1. Love Knows No Bounds
Motherhood has taught me that love can grow infinitely. I thought I already knew the depths of love through my relationship with my husband, but holding my baby for the first time showed me an entirely new dimension of love. It’s an all-encompassing, selfless love that fills your heart in ways you never imagined.
2. Perfection Is Not the Goal
Early on, I learned to let go of the need to be the perfect mom. My baby doesn’t need perfection; he needs love, attention, and care. Trusting my instincts and embracing what works for our family has given me the freedom to enjoy motherhood without unnecessary pressure or comparison.
3. The Present Moment Is a Gift
Life with a baby moves quickly, and it’s easy to get caught up in what’s next. But my baby has shown me the beauty of slowing down and savoring the little things—the warmth of a cuddle, the joy of his laughter, and the wonder in his eyes as he discovers the world. These fleeting moments are treasures to hold onto.
Motherhood has been a journey of immense growth, and I will always be continually learning during this chapter of life.
Take a moment today to reflect on what makes your motherhood journey unique. I’d love to hear from you! If you’re a new mom (or mother at all!), what are some things you’re most grateful for on this journey? Feel free to share your experiences and insights in the comments—let’s support and uplift one another as we navigate this beautiful chapter of motherhood!
As we share our stories, it’s also important to acknowledge the small ways we can care for ourselves during this season. For me, I found myself focusing all my time and attention on our little one, which made me deeply grateful for any help around the house—even if it was just for an hour. Those moments of support gave me a chance to recharge, whether it was enjoying a hot meal, taking a quick nap, or taking a hot shower. Remember, self-care doesn’t take away from your role as a mom—it strengthens it.
Motherhood is a journey unlike any other—a season of growth, love, and discovery that teaches us more about ourselves than we ever thought possible. As you navigate this chapter, remember to savor the moments, embrace the imperfections, and lean into the support of those around you.
To all the new moms out there: you’re doing an incredible job, and your love is more than enough. Let’s celebrate the beauty of motherhood together—feel free to join our community by sharing your share your own stories and reflections as a mom in the comments below.
Does this quote resonate with you?
“Children are not a distraction from more important work. They are the most important work.”
– Dr. John Trainer
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