What to Expect in the First Year of Motherhood

Baby Expert Series, Part 3

In part three of our Baby Expert Blog Series, we had the pleasure of sitting down with mommy influencer, Alexandra French, to talk about hot topics related to that very first year of motherhood. From questions about relationships and self care to child development and common parenthood challenges, Alexandra has a wealth of knowledge to share.

Balancing Parenthood with Work and Relationships

Balancing motherhood, career, and relationships is an intricate dance that can be perfected with:

• Careful planning
• Open communication
• Self-compassion
• Multitasking
• Flexibility

The first year of motherhood is an exhilarating yet challenging journey, as new moms navigate the delicate balance of parenthood, work, and relationships. As Alexandra pointed out, juggling the demands of a newborn with professional responsibilities and maintaining a healthy relationship adds layers of complexity to the daily lives of new mommas, especially if you’re a momma of multiples or already have a young child at home.

It's important to remember that no one is perfect. Mistakes are going to happen and no two households are the same. Eventually, every momma finds her own rhythm of what works for her family.

Self-Care: Finding Time for Yourself Amid the Newborn Chaos

For new moms immersed in the whirlwind of caring for a newborn, self-care can often feel like an elusive luxury. However, amidst the chaos of diaper changes and sleepless nights, finding even small pockets of time for self-nurturing activities is crucial. Selfcare looks different for everyone, and can include:

• Going for a solo walk around the neighborhood
• Enjoying a hot cup of tea or coffee while someone else holds the baby
• Scheduling a workout or two throughout the week
• Indulging in a quick skincare routine during naptime
• Escaping the house for an hour or two to read a few chapters of a book
• Penciling in a girl’s night with friends a couple time a month

At the end of the day, prioritizing self-care is vital for both mental and physical well-being. Recognizing that nurturing oneself is not a selfish act but a necessity allows new moms to recharge, fostering a healthier and more resilient mindset to tackle the demands of motherhood.

To help you achieve your self care goals, Alexandra stressed the importance of creating a support system. Enlisting the help of spouses and partners, family, or friends to watch the baby for brief intervals can provide valuable opportunities for moms to focus on their well-being. Don’t be afraid to voice your needs and set realistic expectations for sharing responsibilities so you can embark on your self-care journey without guilt.

Embracing self-compassion is also important during the first year because there are so many challenges that pop up seemingly out of nowhere. As Alexandra noted, collicky babies, sleepless nights, troubles with breastfeeding, lack of intimacy with a spouse or partner…there are so many challenges that new moms have to tackle that can really strike a blow to your self confidence. During these times of struggle, give yourself some grace and remember you’re doing your best.

Child Development

Navigating the intricacies of a baby's development can be both exciting and overwhelming for new moms. Two main child development topics we discussed with Alexabdra centered around language development and sleep routines.

Language Development

Language development is a key aspect during the early years, and engaging in simple yet consistent activities like the following helps foster language skills:

• Reading aloud
• Conversing and singing
• Teaching sign language

Sign language in particular is a popular mode of communication for many new parents. Alexandra taught it to her children that it became an effective way to learn what her children needed when they were incapable of full speech.

It’s important to remember that babies are like sponges, absorbing the sounds and rhythms of language, so incorporating the above practices into daily routines establishes a strong foundation for future communication. Additionally, incorporating sensory play and interactive experiences into the baby's day, such as exploring different textures or introducing age-appropriate toys, contributes to holistic development.

Sleep Routines

Establishing a sleep routine was another crucial aspect of child development for Alexandra and her family because it had a direct impact on both the baby and the rest of the household. Alexandra stressed the importance of consistency. Some tips for establishing a sleep routine that signals to the baby that it's time to wind down include:

• Create a calming bedtime ritual
• Dim the lights
• Play soothing lullabies
• Create a consistent sleep environment (i.e., put baby in their crib each night)

While every baby is unique, paying attention to cues and gradually introducing a bedtime routine aids in fostering healthy sleep habits. As new moms navigate the various facets of child development, it's essential to embrace the individuality of each child and enjoy the journey of discovery and growth together.

Resources and Advice for a Successful Year of Mommyhood

Embarking on the journey of motherhood is a remarkable experience, and having the right baby products and resources can significantly ease the transition into the first year. When we asked Alexandra what she thought were some of the most important products and resources to have on hand during the first year of motherhood, she noted that having a reliable video baby monitor is important. Other essential items like a roomy diaper bag, a comfortable nursing pillow, and a sturdy stroller can make day-to-day tasks smoother.

Investing in well-researched baby gear that suits the family's lifestyle ensures both practicality and comfort. Alongside physical products, the support of a robust network of resources is equally invaluable. Connecting with other moms through parenting forums or local mom groups provides a sense of camaraderie and a platform to share experiences, advice, and tips. Friends and family become an indispensable support system, offering assistance with childcare, meal preparation, or simply lending a listening ear during challenging moments.

In addition to tangible resources, books on parenting and child development become trusted guides for navigating the complexities of the first year. Reading insightful literature tailored to different parenting styles and approaches empowers new moms with knowledge and confidence. From timeless classics to contemporary bestsellers, the wealth of information available contributes to informed decision-making and fosters a deeper understanding of the incredible journey into motherhood.

Our insightful discussion with mommy influencer Alexandra French illuminated crucial aspects of the first year of motherhood. Addressing topics ranging from balancing parenthood with work and relationships to the indispensable need for self-care, Alexandra provided valuable insights into navigating the intricate dance of new motherhood. The challenges are palpable, but with careful planning, open communication, self-compassion, multitasking, and flexibility, new moms can find their unique rhythm. Acknowledging that perfection is unattainable and each household is distinct, Alexandra emphasized the importance of personal discovery in what works best for individual families.

For many first time parents, child development is a big focal point, with language development and sleep routines taking center stage. Alexandra underscored the significance of consistent activities like reading aloud, conversing, and teaching sign language for fostering language skills. She also pointed out that the versatility of sign language in communication is a valuable tool for understanding a baby's needs. Additionally, the importance of establishing a soothing bedtime routine was emphasized, providing insights into creating a sleep-conducive environment.

The first year of motherhood is a rich tapestry of challenges, growth, and discovery. Alexandra's expertise provides new moms with valuable tools to navigate this intricate journey with resilience, self-compassion, and a focus on nurturing both themselves and their little ones.

Alexandra French is a momma to two children, a realtor in Atlanta, Georgia, and the founder of the incredible organization, Gift of Surrogacy Foundation. Follow here on Instagram and check out her foundation to see how she’s working hard to bring the dream of creating a family to life for so many moms and dads around the country!