I remember the transition into motherhood being a bit like a slap in the face (but with all the smooshy love feelings. . .of course).
“You mean they are going to just let me walk out of the hospital with this baby? But I don’t know what I’m doing!”
And that quote came from someone (me) with a Master’s Degree in 0-3 child development, a lifetime of babysitting experience and at least seven Cabbage Patch Kids.
It’s hard to go from only worrying about your needs (and your spouse’s) to keeping a human being alive. . .24/7.
This week God impressed upon my heart the need to encourage the new mom readers/listeners. He kept repeating himself.
Then I got Victoria Wilson‘s email message about guest posting on my site from the perspective of a new mom. And I did the natural (crazy) thing and scheduled a time to interview/chat with her. . .and recorded our convo to publish for y’all.
If you know a new mom who needs encouragement that she’s not alone in all-the-feelings, then pass this podcast along.
What we chat about:
- Importance of knowing you aren’t alone in your mental struggles with this new role.
- The mom spectrum–from not wanting to be a mom to always wanting to be a mom, but having a hard time with the reality.
- How your marriage is affected by a new baby–the mom’s center shifting towards the child and the husband being left out.
- How to not micromanage your husband’s interaction with the baby.
- The appropriate use of technology to keep your marriage healthy.
- Remembering you have children in your home less time than you will be a mother to adult children.
- Coming to an agreement with your husband on parenting issues–sleep training, etc.
- The benefit of husbands who aren’t overly influenced by parenting trends. . . listening to his perspective before running them over with all-the-articles.
- When parenting resources conflict, what should parents do?
- Remembering God made you for your baby and trusting He gave you all you need to care for him/her.
- Physical strength from the Lord is a real thing.
- How motherhood takes you to your most broken, most reliant place.
- My husband’s favorite advice for new parents.
- How to transition from no kids to kids, with your girl friendships.
- Ideas for connecting with other new moms.
- Tips for extroverts in getting social needs met.
- Importance of having a “thing” you pour yourself into outside of motherhood.
- Don’t use every nap to clean up the house–a permission slip to nap yourself and do your soul thing.
- Making time in your schedule for God–figure out what time works best for you.
Connect with Victoria:
Blog :: Twitter :: Facebook :: Instagram :: Pinterest
Show Notes:
- www.VictoriaEasterWilson.com/GodCentered –Victoria’s favorite new mom reads
- Healthy Sleep Habits, Happy Childby Marc Weissbluth (**Amazon affliate link)
- “For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb.” (Psalm 139:13)
- Gone Girl (not “Girl Gone” like I labeled it on the podcast…oi vey!) by Gillian Flynn**
- Victoria’s new novel, “Re’and”.
- Women of the Word: How to Study the Bible with Both Our Hearts and Our Mindsby Jen Wilkin**
“He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart; he gently leads those that have young.” Isaiah 40:11
He gently leads you. . .
be gentle to yourself, sweet new mom.
How to listen to the podcast:
1.Listen on the blog. Click through to GodCenteredMom.com and click the play button at the beginning of this post.
2. Listen on your smartphone, iPad or iPod Touch – There are a lot of great podcasting apps. Apple has a free one (that I mentioned) in the app store, there is also one called Downcast. It allows you to search for shows, subscribe to them and even speed up the audio. If you don’t have an iDevice, you can listen via Stitcher.
3. Subscribe to the Podcast – access the podcast in iTunes (Click here to access via iTunes). You can also search for it on your smartphone app (like the ones listed above) and subscribe.
*If you missed past episodes, you can listen via iTunes or click on this page of the GodCenteredMom site to find a listing of all the episodes.
**Check out this page for instructions on how to leave a rating or review on iTunes: GodCenteredMom.com/review
Thank you so much for the opportunity to share, Heather! Really praying that new moms are encouraged. I listened to our talk this morning, to remind myself of all those gems of wisdom you shared! It occurred to me that any parent says they would die for their kids. It is so much harder to live, daily for them. To die to self, to give up your life for someone else. Which, of course, is the example Jesus set for us. Praying that all us moms stay God-centered!
a true joy. and yes, an excellent point. dying to self is uber hard. especially when the hours add up and the days string together and weeks go by. . .but I also notice in the Gospels how often Jesus stepped away from the demands to be alone and to pray. May we as moms make time for quiet and re-filling so we are able to pour out from a full heart. blessings friend! You are a natural podcaster. fabulous!
Just listened! Very cool! Heather, I work in the nursery at NWB and had little Knox in my room when he was a cuddler 🙂 and I went to college with Victoria! Small world.
I don’t have kids yet, but I LOVE reading your blog, Heather. It is so encouraging even for a non-mother. I am also hoping to be a little more consistent with writing/blogging and I find such encouragement by your transparency and honesty in your writing. So THANK YOU!
Rachel, what a small world!!! Thanks for letting me know you listened and for all your kind words. Glad you are being inspired and encouraged. Thank you most for loving on sweet babies in the nursery. . .what a gift you give those families. blessings!!
Great conversation! It is so true that the struggles of a new mom are so unique and challenging. Thank you to Victoria for sharing what is going on in her life as a new mom.
wasn’t God awesome to point me towards Victoria? She is a natural interviewee.
Loved hearing about the struggles of a new mom. I entered motherhood with a two and a half year old from India, but the issues that are at play are still so similar.
I didn’t have a crying infant, but dealing with all the little details of parenting was still a struggle. It’s so true that even when your core values and beliefs absolutely match up, there are so many little things that come up each day that can be a struggle.
And the struggle to deny ourselves and just serve our children. Wow, it’s huge. 18 months into this parenting thing (with a four year-old!) and I’m still majorly working on this one. It’s hard, hard work. If I thought I was an “ok Christian” and person before becoming a Mom, I’m now completely convinced of my reliance on God to work through me. I’m so glad He shows up every day to help this self-centered child of His 🙂
Such a great point! Thanks for sharing your story. No matter how old our children are when they enter our homes, it is a huge adjustment to go into full-time child care provider mode. And oh the growth and sanctification process we go through in putting our needs aside for the benefit of the ones we love. blessings.