Things New Mothers Need to Know: Tips for First-Time Moms

“Life will be full of ups and downs, it will be one tough ride. But your love for your child will be the anchor that will see you through it all”

The above quote, I think, beautifully summarizes what motherhood is all about. When a child is born a mother is born too. You step into one of the most beautiful phases of life. This journey throws surprises daily. You might have read many books on child care or you could have attended various classes, but trust me, there is nothing that will prepare you for motherhood.

Most of the books I read or the class I attended was about the do’s and don’ts of motherhood. No one ever told me about the challenges I will face as a new mother, thus, being prepared for them was not an option. From my experience, let me tell you some things, which might be able to prepare you a bit.

Milk Machine

One of the most important things new mothers need to know is that newborn feeding is frequent and demanding. When you are discharged from the hospital and during the follow-up checkups, your pediatrician will repeatedly stress one key point—a newborn baby needs to be fed every 2 to 2.5 hours. Since my daughter was a preemie, I was told to be extra careful about her feeding schedule. The nurse clearly instructed us to wake her up and feed her even if she didn’t cry or ask for milk.

I still remember setting alarms throughout the night, trying to sleep in between, and waking her up for every feed—even when she had no interest in drinking. It was exhausting.

I was also not able to exclusively breastfeed, so each feeding session would take almost half an hour. I would breastfeed her for around 15 minutes and then supplement with formula. On top of that, we were advised not to use bottles, so we had to feed her using a feeder cup (Medela adjustable reusable cup), which made the entire process even more time-consuming.

By the end of the day-or more honestly, by the end of the night-it felt like all I was doing was feeding her. And as if that wasn’t enough, I also had to pump in between feeds to increase my milk supply.

Another one of the major things new mothers need to know is that newborns do not follow a fixed routine. Their schedule is unpredictable, and you never know when they will sleep or wake up. During those early days, life completely revolves around feeding, and sometimes you can’t help but feel like you’ve turned into a milk machine.

There is no sleep pattern

All books, Google and of course your doctor will tell you the number of hours they baby will sleep or rather should sleep. Each child is different and thus, do not compare and lose your sleep over it. The child will not force himself to be up. He will sleep as and when they want to and there is nothing you can do to set a schedule for a new born baby.

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You Cannot Spoil Them

You will get a lot of unsolicited advice on how you must not hold your baby too much. I beg to differ. This baby is too small to be spoilt. In fact, the more he is hugged by his mother, he will grow better. I remember when I used to put the baby to sleep in my arms or hug her, I was told, I will repent. She is 16 months now and sleeps on her own and will not sleep in my arms. I already miss it. You will get many chances of not spoiling them. Hug them, hold them and kiss them. After all, you waited for so long for them.

Fed Is Best

One of the most important things new mothers need to know is that breast milk is undoubtedly the best and most nutritious option for a baby. It provides essential nutrients, builds immunity, and yes-it is free. However, while everyone around you may make breastfeeding sound easy and natural, the reality is that breastfeeding is not simple for many mothers.

It can take time, practice, and a lot of patience. So instead of putting pressure on yourself, be prepared and give yourself time to learn.

Another key point among the things new mothers need to know is that exclusive breastfeeding is not always possible—and that is completely okay. If you are unable to breastfeed fully, you can supplement with formula. Just make sure you choose formula milk and not cow’s milk, especially in the early months.

Most importantly, do not lose sleep worrying that your child will have low immunity or won’t grow up intelligent if you cannot breastfeed exclusively. A baby needs a healthy mother more than anything else. Feeding your baby—whether through breastfeeding, formula, or a combination of both-is what truly matters.

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The Poop

You will find changes in the poop color and pattern and please do not get hyper every time. It is normal for them. As long as the poop is not black or red, do not stress about it. They can poop a few times during the day or poop every alternate day. Don’t worry. This is all normal. Enjoy changing diapers.

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Farts and Burps are Good

When a new born drinks milk they tend to swallow a lot of air too. Thus, it is important for them to get rid of it either by farting or by burping. Massages, cycling and tummy time are some of the ways you can use to help them release the gas and be comfortable. Remember, a child gets very uncomfortable when they are not able to pass gas and can cry a lot.

Do Not Forget Yourself

Yes, you have just stepped into a huge responsibility, but as a new mother, you must not ignore your own health. Postpartum recovery is just as important as newborn care. Your body and mind need time to rest, heal, and adjust before this new routine completely takes over your life.

Make sure you eat healthy, drink plenty of water, and stay hydrated with nourishing fluids like coconut water and fresh juices. Also, try to sleep whenever the baby sleeps-even short naps can make a big difference during the first few weeks after delivery.

At this stage, meeting guests or trying to keep everyone in the family happy is not the priority. The most important thing right now is your recovery after childbirth.

If possible, consider getting a gentle postpartum massage, as it can help reduce body pain, improve blood circulation, and support faster healing. Always remember-your body has been through a lot during pregnancy and childbirth, whether it was a normal delivery or a C-section delivery.

So give yourself time. Take care of your health, listen to your body, and focus on healing. A healthy mother is the best gift you can give your baby.

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Ask for Help

It is very common to notice that once the baby arrives, the mother suddenly loses all attention. Everyone becomes focused only on the newborn, and the mother’s emotions, health, and recovery often get ignored. Many people even say, “This is how it is now,” as if it is normal for a mother to disappear after childbirth.

But please don’t believe that.

You are still important. In fact, you are more important than ever—not just for your family, but especially for your baby. A healthy and happy mother is the foundation of a baby’s well-being.

During this phase, it is also normal to feel low, overwhelmed, or emotionally drained. Postpartum depression is common, and it is nothing to be ashamed of. If you feel depressed, anxious, or constantly exhausted, do not suffer silently. Talk to someone you trust, meet people, join a new mom support group, or consult a doctor or therapist if needed.

Your mental health matters, and your recovery matters.

Mummy, take care of yourself. You need to be strong and healthy-not because others expect it, but because your baby needs you. No one in this world can love and care for your little angel the way you can.

Sleep Deprived

Sleep deprivation is the worst side effect of motherhood. It takes a toll on you mentally and physically. Thus, most of the things you are not able to do or go wrong are because of lack of sleep. Try and take power naps with the baby when you can.

You are Perfect

One thing you will quickly notice as a new mother is that people around you will constantly compare you and your baby to others. They may compare your child with cousins, a neighbor’s baby, or even a friend’s child-and honestly, this is one of the most common (and most irritating) things new parents experience.

Most of the time, these comparisons come with negative remarks, unnecessary opinions, or unwanted parenting advice. The best thing you can do for your peace of mind is to ignore such comments completely.

Always remind yourselfyou are a good mother. Never doubt your parenting skills because of what others say. There is no official definition of a “perfect mother,” and even if there was, every mother who gives her best would deserve that title.

The truth is, babies do not come with an instruction manual. Every child is different, and every baby grows at their own pace. Their sleeping patterns, feeding routine, habits, and moods can change overnight. As a mother, you have to stay flexible because babies are unpredictable, and each day brings something new to learn.

Instead of stressing over people’s opinions, focus on enjoying your motherhood journey. And most importantly, to protect your mental health as a new mom, learn to set boundaries and tune out unnecessary comments-whether they come from relatives, friends, or even family members.

At the end of the day, you are the mother, and you know what is best for your baby.