How I Survived My First Year of Motherhood
Motherhood is often described as a journey, and it truly is—a profound, ever-evolving experience. Both you and your baby are learning to navigate this new world together. You adjust to unfamiliar emotions, rhythms, and routines while discovering each other more deeply every day. Those first 12 months with George were filled with love, joy, exhaustion, and unexpected personal growth. Becoming a mom wasn’t easy, but each day brought me closer to understanding my son and myself in ways I never imagined. Surviving that first year wasn’t about perfection; it was about finding support, resources, and plenty of grace.
Embracing the Wonder Weeks App
One of the first things that helped me find my footing was discovering the Wonder Weeks app. As a new mom, it often felt like I was guessing why George was upset. Some days, he was fussy for no apparent reason, and sleepless nights made everything harder to figure out. The Wonder Weeks app was a game-changer. It tracks your baby’s developmental “leaps”—those sudden growth periods when their world expands, and they begin learning new skills.
Understanding what was going on in his little mind gave me clarity. The app didn’t just explain his fussy behavior; it helped me see what skills George was developing, which brought much-needed relief. Plus, it offered games and activities to engage his growth, all for free. On the tough days, the Wonder Weeks app reassured me that George wasn’t just being difficult—he was growing.
Finding Solace in “What to Expect: The First Year“
What to Expect: The First Year may seem old-school to some, but for me, it was a comforting resource during moments of doubt. The internet is full of conflicting advice, which can leave a new mom feeling lost. This book was my anchor, providing clear answers to questions I didn’t even know I had. One of my biggest fears during that first year was introducing solid foods. The thought of George choking kept me stuck on purees far longer than necessary. But What to Expect, along with the Solid Starts app, gave me the confidence to navigate that transition smoothly.
The Fear of Introducing Food and How Solid Starts Helped
Feeding a baby should be joyful, but for me, it was a source of stress. Introducing solids felt like walking through a minefield. I constantly feared choking, which led me to delay moving on from purees. Solid Starts, came to my rescue, breaking down the baby-led weaning process with clear, step-by-step guidance. The app provided visual cues and instructions that made me trust George’s ability to handle new foods. Little by little, I let go of my fear and embraced the messy, exciting adventure of watching him explore new tastes and textures.
Leaning on My Support System: A Love Letter to Family and Friends
If I’ve learned anything, it’s that no one survives the first year of motherhood alone. My family and friends were my bedrock, especially during the chaotic early months. The first three months with a newborn are particularly tough. You’re figuring out how to be a mom while recovering from childbirth—emotionally and physically. George cried a lot, and for some reason, he would only calm down when I was standing (shout out to the Ergobaby Embrace carrier for literally supporting us). As a C-section mom, standing for hours felt impossible. My mom, stepmom, and mother-in-law became my lifeline. They came over regularly, giving me the time to shower, nap, or just breathe. Their help was invaluable.
My friends also played a huge role. From late-night texts to surprise coffee deliveries, they carried me through some of the hardest moments. Even the smallest gestures made a world of difference. It’s the people around you who remind you that you’re never alone in the trenches of motherhood.
The Emotional Struggles of Being a Working Mom
I have deep respect for stay-at-home moms. Early on, I realized that as much as I love George, I also need to work. Going back to work gave me a sense of balance, but it brought emotional challenges, too. I was fortunate to land a job that allowed me flexibility, but the guilt still crept in. Was I spending enough time with George? Was I missing out?
The dual demands of work and motherhood create an emotional tug-of-war, but I learned that it’s not about doing it all perfectly. It’s about finding a rhythm that works for your family. I became more intentional with my time with George, making sure I was fully present and savoring our moments together with a deeper sense of purpose.
The Unshakable Support of My Husband
I can’t talk about surviving the first year without recognizing my husband. He was my rock through it all, offering endless support and patience. From taking on household chores to helping with midnight feedings, he gave me the space to breathe and recalibrate. He listened when I needed to vent and reminded me that we’re a team.
His quiet strength carried me through the hardest days, and I know we’ve grown stronger as a couple because of the challenges we’ve faced together in parenthood.
Reflection: Embracing the Journey with Gratitude
As I reflect on the past year, I realize how much it has transformed me into a more confident and capable mom. The uncertainty and doubt I felt in those early days have slowly given way to a deeper trust in my instincts. With each challenge, I’ve grown more assured in my ability to handle whatever comes our way.
What I cherish most now are the little moments—the way George’s eyes light up when he discovers something new, his laughter at the simplest things, and the joy in watching him learn and grow every day. These small, seemingly ordinary moments have become the most extraordinary part of motherhood, filling my heart with love and pride beyond anything I could have imagined.
