Advice For Mamas & Mamas To Be

A little while ago I asked my fellow tweeters to e-mail me with their advice for mothers & mothers to be. Today I want to share some of the wisdom that they passed on to me. Here are a few snippets from their responses with a few of my own mixed in:

01. Don't try to be a super mom -- being a regular mom is good enough.
02. If something works for you and your baby, and it is neither rude nor dangerous, then you do it, no matter how many protests from busybodies and shocked looks from your friends that you get. (It is so important to do what feels right for the both of you.)
03. You can never have enough: facecloths, wraps, blankets, diapers, towels, socks or onesies.
04. If you have a boy -- remember to point his equipment down when changing his diaper.
05. Ask for help, even if you don't think you need it. You can only play the mama-martyr for so long. Besides, motherhood was never meant to be a solo sport. (I often have a hard time with this one.)
06. Sleep. Nap. Close your eyes. Put your head on the kitchen table. Do whatever you can to recharge your batteries, even if it's just in ten minute spurts. (So important!)
07. Don't become a hermit. Maintain contact with the outside world. Babies are portable, whether you carry them next to your body, take them for a ride in your stroller, or take them on a journey across town by bus or car. You'll both arrive home refreshed and energized by the change of scene. (Gretchen & I walk downtown & back almost everyday. It makes me feel like a part of the world & is great for getting a little exercise!)
08. If someone offers to help you with your dishes, laundry, cleaning your bathroom etc. they generally mean it & aren't just asking to be nice. Let them do it, or let them hold your baby while you do it. Either way you'll feel better.
09. Never underestimate the rejuvenating power or a warm coffee or tea.
10. Wear your baby -- you can get so much more accomplished with your hands free & it's really great for babies & toddlers alike. (Gretchen could be the spokesbaby for babywearing -- we're getting really good at it.)
11. Don't blame yourself if your baby is crying & you can't help them to stop. You are doing the best you can & that is what matters. (You're a fabulous mother -- remind yourself of this daily.)

This is nowhere close to being an exhaustive list, but it's a start.

In addition to these wise words, here are a few fabulous posts that I have enjoyed so far:
01. Before I Was a Mom
02. On Momversation: Why Do You Care How I Parent My Child?
03. Gentle Baby and Toddler Sleep Tips
04. What No One Tells a First Time Mom
05. First Few Weeks at Home with your New Baby
06. Top Ten Things to Do When You're Pregnant
07. 10 Daily Survival Tips for Moms
08. 1o Things All New Parents Should Know

So there you have it, some genuine advice, some laughs & some kick ass mothering wisdom. I hope you can all take away some positive things from this post.

Please feel free to share your own advice or favourite posts in the comments.

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Thank you to Kate, Raye & Ann for their contributions.