Eye-Opening Parenting Tips Every New Mom Could Benefit From

Congratulations, you're a new mom! While you're most likely dealing with lack of sleep, the intense healing process after giving birth, and just the pure rush of emotions and hormones that come after giving birth to a beautiful little human, know that you're not alone. Every new mom has gone through some version of this, and it always helps to have a supportive community to offer advice, tips, and tricks. Because let's be real, mamas. This can be a very lonely, lonely time — even if you have another human latched on to you 24/7.

Aside from community (which we'll get to in a few seconds), here are some parenting tips every new parents should know.

1. Divide the baby work equally with your partner

Of course, this is assuming you have a partner. But if you do, it's so crucial to have a real conversation with your S.O. and tell them you need their help — and you will. You can't be expected to be the only one who cradles your little one every hour they cry during the night. You can't change every single diaper. While some things only you, as a mother, can do (i.e. breastfeeding), there are so many tasks you can delegate. So, be sure to communicate your needs loud and clear. You'll need the help and it's more than okay to ask. After all, this is your S.O.'s child, too.

2. Accept help if it's offered

If a mother-in-law or even friend reaches out telling you they'd love to help out, you may want to accept. It's honestly make your life so much easier! Especially if you need to run an errand without your baby being attached to your hip, or even if you want to just be *alone* for an hour or two, enlist the help of your support system. You are not weak or a bad mom if you're accepting help. You're understanding your limits.

3. Take care of your body

Your body just did an incredible thing: It created a human and it brought that human into this world. Understandable, your body is really tired, and it needs some major care. Make sure you're giving yourself enough time to shower, take care of cracked (sometimes bleeding or blistered) nipples if you've chosen to breastfeed, and, since you're definitely beyond sore down there, create DIY soothing underwear (get a pad, smother it in aloe, pop it in the freezer, and once it's chilled, put it on — the relief is unimaginable). Also? Remember to eat! So many new moms are overwhelmed by their baby's needs, they forget their own. Now's definitely the time to ask for breakfast in bed from your partner.

4. Cherish this time — it goes by fast

Days might simultaneously last forever and be over in the blink of an eye. The point is to truly soak this time in and really get to know your little one. It won't be long until they're crawling, walking, and running (away from you, even!). Enjoy the sweetness. We know: You're exhausted, in pain, and want nothing more than to sleep and maybe eating five bowls of mac 'n cheese — alone. But trust us that you'll look back on this time and wish it lasted even longer.

5. Join a community

Community is *so* important when you're a new mom. Even though you may have plenty of friends and family around you, they're most likely not in the same boat as you. Truly Mama is an online community for new moms that provides tips, advice, product recommendations, and more. We said this before, but we'll say it again: You're not alone. You have support, and the more tools you have, the more manageable it is navigating the new mom life.

6. Rest

This is a simple yet important tip. Motherhood can be tiring and exhausting. Mothers often go above and beyond to ensure that they are doing everything for their children. Lack of sleep, rest, and food are harmful to your body and mind and this can also negatively impact your child. You must take breaks. Society always depicts mothers as superwomen, but in the end, you are human. Rest well, to be a better parent.

7. Know that it's okay not to be perfect

Will you mess up and forget your baby's nap time? Probably. Will you show up at the grocery store in your maternity bra and sweats? 100%. Will you accidentally put the milk away in the pantry where all the dry food is? Yup, hello postpartum brain! Will you wonder if you're going to be a good mom? Yes. All new parents want to be the perfect parents, and the truth is, they probably won't be. They'll make mistakes, and that's normal. What's important is that you try, and that you let your child know how much you love them. Because unconditional love beats everything else.