4 Things I'll Be Doing Differently for Baby #2
As a first time mom, i’ve learned so much about motherhood.
What works and what doesn’t.
So, in preparation for baby #2, here are four things I would like to do differently this go-around.
Let’s get into it
Help during Postpartum Recovery - If it’s offered, I’m taking it. With my first, It was just my husband and I for the first couple of weeks. We decided to not have as many visitors and not take any help from our parents, which at the time we thought would help with us getting our routine together. But from a mom who just had an emergency c-section, I needed that help. Waking up in the middle of the night and taking care of a newborn was a lot. Although my husband was as helpful as he could be, he still required sleep and help from me. So it was just a lot for me. If I could afford a night nurse, I would , but having help for the nights from my mom would’ve been nice. So this time around, I’m taking any help that is offered. I don’t need to do everything to be considered a good mom
Not rushing milestones - Due to my lack of sleep and exhaustion, I was so ready to be out of the newborn stage but looking back at it I wish I would have savored those moments. If the toddler stage has taught me anything, it’s to appreciate the little things. By that I mean, it’s nice to see them growing up and learning and changing but it goes by so fast. I miss the newborn cuddles and the newborn laughs.
Being more intentional - With my first, I was not as confident with my decisions when it came to his care, his food, etc. I usually did what people told me to do and didn’t really consider my own opinion or do my own research. Although, Micah has been good and is developmentally on track, there are moments when I should’ve asked more questions or did my own research.
Read more books - I honestly thought I would be a mom who did the reading before bed time or played learning games with my kid but after going back to work, I’ve gotten lazy. That’s why putting my first baby in daycare was the best decision I ever made but I’ve also realized that the learning doesn’t end at daycare. I also have to re-enforce whatever he has learned at home. So, hopefully during maternity leave I’ll be able to get into it with my first baby and continue with my second baby.
As a first time mom, you’re winging it. So, by the time you have the second kid you feel like you got a little bit of a hold on parenthood. But one thing about parenthood, is that no matter how many years you’ve been doing it you’re constantly learning and evolving as your children age. So, while these four things might help me kick motherhood in the butt a little bit better, I’m still learning. I’m almost 2 years into the game and I definitely don’t know everything but I’m willing to grow to ensure my kids have the best mother possible.
So, if you’re anything like me, just pat yourself on the back because every day you get up to tackle your kids and handle business is a successful parenting day in my books.
Let’s kick parenting in the butt and help each other out, let me know in the comments, things you’ve learned about parenthood/motherhood.
Let’s connect.
Tasha Battle (@tashathompsontv) • Instagram photos and videos