10 Things I Wish I Knew as a New Mom
I grew up in a big family. I’m the 8th of 10 children. By the time I became a mom, I had already watched nieces and nephews arrive, grow, stumble, laugh, and thrive. I had seen diapers changed, babies soothed, toddlers disciplined, and teenagers shaped. I thought I had a fair idea of what motherhood would look like.
But nothing — absolutely nothing — prepares you for parenting until it’s your turn.
Motherhood doesn’t just teach you how to care for a child. It teaches you about yourself. It stretches your heart, your patience, and your understanding in ways no amount of observation ever could. Now that I’m walking this road myself, here are ten things I wish someone had gently reminded me in those early weeks.
1. Your baby is getting to know you — and you are getting to know them
Even with all I had seen growing up, holding my own baby felt new. Sacred. Unfamiliar. There is no perfect beginning. Just learning each other. Loving. Adjusting. And growing together.
2. Rest is a form of wisdom
I had watched many moms push through exhaustion. I thought strength meant doing more. Motherhood taught me otherwise. Rest is not laziness. It’s care. Sleep when you can. Pause when your body asks.
3. Motherhood comes with endless decisions — take them one at a time
Having seen many parenting styles, I felt the pressure to “get it right.” But I learned quickly that Google, opinions, and comparisons don’t get a vote in your home. One decision at a time is enough.
4. You don’t have to enjoy every moment to cherish motherhood
Some days feel tender and beautiful. Others feel heavy and stretching. Both can exist together. Loving your child doesn’t require loving every moment.
5. Your emotions don’t make you weak — they make you human
Even after watching others walk this path, the emotional weight surprised me. Tears. Joy. Fear. Gratitude. Give yourself grace. You are becoming someone new.
6. You will find your rhythm
Growing up in a large family showed me many ways to parent. Becoming a mom taught me that my rhythm would be different — and that’s okay. Your pace. Your flow. Your family.
7. Ask for help — and receive it
Parenting was never meant to be done alone. Lean on your partner. Your siblings. Your community. Your church family. Even strong women need support.
8. Your baby needs a lovely mom, not a perfect one
I’ve seen many great parents up close. None were perfect. Love carries more weight than perfection ever will.
9. Marriage needs intention in this season
Babies change the rhythm of everything. Small check-ins. Short hugs. Kind words. These moments protect your foundation.
10. You are the exact mother your child needs
God entrusted this child to you. With your story. Your upbringing. Your heart. Trust His choice — even on the days you doubt yourself.
Motherhood is a gift. A stewardship. And even when you feel unsure, tired, or overwhelmed, you are growing beautifully — one day, one lesson, one loving moment at a time.
You’re not behind, You’re becoming!
