I still remember the moment I found out I was going to be a mom. It was surreal—exciting, overwhelming, and honestly, terrifying. As a first-time mom, nothing could have prepared me for the emotional rollercoaster I was about to ride. That’s why I’m writing this—to capture everything I’ve learned so far, in hopes that another first-time mom out there might find comfort in knowing she’s not alone.
The Early Days of Realization
When I first realized I was pregnant, I immediately started Googling things like “what to expect as a first-time mom” and “how to prepare for baby.” There’s so much information out there, and I felt like I was drowning in checklists and unsolicited advice.
What stood out the most was how little people talked about the emotional changes. I had mood swings, I cried over commercials, and sometimes I panicked about whether I was even ready to do this. But I learned quickly that every first-time mom feels this way at some point. It’s all part of the journey.
My Baby Essentials Checklist (What Actually Helped)
I admit, I went a little overboard on baby shopping. But now that I’ve been through it, here’s what I actually used in those first few weeks:
- A crib with a firm mattress
- Swaddle blankets (lifesavers!)
- Diapers and wipes—tons of them
- A breastfeeding pillow
- Bottles and a sterilizer
- Onesies, socks, and mittens
- A baby thermometer and nail clippers
As a first-time mom, I thought I needed every trendy baby gadget on Instagram. But truthfully, babies don’t need much in the beginning. Keeping it simple helped me focus on what really mattered: cuddles, sleep (for both of us), and learning how to read my baby’s cues.
How I Prepared Before Labor
If you’re a planner like me, you’re probably already creating a hospital bag checklist or printing out a birth plan. And yes, I did both!
Here’s what helped me feel ready:
- I packed early—around 35 weeks. My hospital bag had everything from snacks to baby onesies.
- I created a birth plan, not because I expected everything to go perfectly, but because writing it gave me peace of mind.
- I joined a prenatal class online, which was super helpful in learning new mom tips I wouldn’t have thought of on my own.
Preparing this way gave me confidence, and confidence is something every first-time mom needs—even if nothing goes as planned (and believe me, some things didn’t).
The First Month Was a Blur
No one warned me just how chaotic the first month would be. I was so focused on the birth that I barely thought about what would come after. Let me just say this: the first few weeks as a first-time mom are no joke.
I barely slept. I forgot to eat. My baby cried and I cried, too. But here’s what got me through:
- I stopped trying to do everything “right” and just did my best.
- I tracked my baby’s feeding and diaper schedule in a notebook.
- I learned to sleep when the baby sleeps (yes, it’s cliché but true).
- I accepted help—even when I didn’t want to.
Every first-time mom should know: it’s okay to feel lost. That doesn’t mean you’re failing. You’re growing into a new version of yourself—and that takes time.
Why Self-Care Saved Me
Some days I felt like I was disappearing. Between the diapers, the 3 a.m. feedings, and trying to figure out breastfeeding, I forgot that I mattered, too.
So I started small. I drank more water. I took 15-minute showers like they were spa treatments. I walked around the block while someone watched the baby. I messaged other first-time moms I found in Facebook groups just to say “me too.”
Those tiny self-care habits helped me feel human again. And when I felt good, I could take better care of my baby. It’s a cycle. If you’re reading this as a tired first-time mom, let this be your permission to take care of you, too.
Things I Wish I Did Differently
If I could go back, here’s what I’d tell the old me:
- Don’t compare yourself to other moms. What works for them might not work for you—and that’s okay.
- Don’t overspend on baby gear. The baby doesn’t care if your nursery is Pinterest-worthy.
- Don’t ignore your own needs. A rested mom is a better mom.
- Don’t hesitate to ask for help—again and again if needed.
Every mistake I made taught me something new. That’s part of being a first-time mom—you learn as you go, and that’s perfectly normal.
Final Words to Myself (and You, If You’re a First-Time Mom Too)
So here I am, months later, looking back at all the chaos and love and growth. I still have so much to learn, but I’ve come so far. I’ve learned that being a first-time mom doesn’t mean you have to be perfect. It just means showing up every day and doing your best.
If you’re reading this and you’re also a first-time mom, I hope you know how strong you are. You were made for this, even when it feels like you weren’t. And if you’re still preparing for baby’s arrival, just remember: love, patience, and preparation go a long way.
You’ve got this, mama.
✨ P.S. FAQs I Asked Myself as a First-Time Mom
What should I prioritize before baby arrives?
Focus on baby essentials, pack your hospital bag early, and prepare mentally for big changes.
What helped me the most in the first month?
Keeping routines simple, tracking feeds and diapers, asking for help, and giving myself grace.
How did I take care of myself?
By drinking water, resting when possible, and staying connected to people who reminded me that I wasn’t alone.
Writing this diary entry helped me reflect—and if it helps even one other first-time mom, it’s worth it. 💛