Being a mom in our generation is a tough gig. As we stumble along the path of motherhood, injuring our backs, sponging the spit-up off our clothes and constantly wondering “What’s that smell?” who do we turn to for parenting advice? Women used to be surrounded by wise experienced grandmothers, aunties and neighbors who showed them the ropes. These days it’s rare for us to have such close-knit communities and this is why a rookie mom needs her comrades. A fellow mom knows best how challenging the role is. A fellow mom understands that many aspects of raising a little one are anxiety-provoking or confusing. Most importantly a fellow mom will offer honest, down-to-earth advice.

Each mother experiences different successes and challenges and has her own way of dealing with them. I recently read a hilarious blog post from a mom confessing that her only way to get her baby to sleep was to hang her boob over the side of the crib for ten minutes. This particular tip isn’t really one we’d select to pass on to the masses, but proves there’s never only one way to get the job done. There’s an army of veteran moms out there sitting on tips just too good to be kept under wraps. It’s only fair to distribute their wealth of knowledge amongst the rookies.

Here are just five nuggets of wisdom from the tip of the parenting advice iceberg we’d like to share with our comrades:

Sleep is not for the weak: Sleep when your baby sleeps. OK, there’s nothing groundbreaking in that advice; you must have heard it a million times before, but it’s well worth stressing again. Lack of sleep can wreak havoc with your physical and mental state. The world is simply a better place when you’ve had a decent night’s sleep and as a new mom one of those is hard to come by. So if you’re tired forget the chores, resist the temptation to tune in to Oprah or browse the mommy blogs and nap with Baby instead.

Breastfeeding doesn’t always come naturally: It’s surprisingly common to encounter difficulties with breastfeeding; only one in ten women get off to a flying start. With the onus on you to make it work you may find it stressful and overwhelming if things don’t go according to plan. But it’s worthwhile persevering because with the right support most breastfeeding challenges can be overcome. Usually getting the correct latch is the key to comfortable, effective breastfeeding so ask your community health nurse or doctor for help.

Baby knows best: Whether it’s breastfeeding, formula feeding or feeding your baby ‘real’ food, it’s a scary process and many new moms will be insecure about whether they are going about it in the right way. The best advice is to let your baby self-regulate his intake. Nearly all babies take exactly what they need if parents trust them and watch their signals. As long as he is gaining weight as expected and seems alert and healthy he is probably getting enough nourishment even if in your eyes it seems he’s not eating enough.

Take time off: A change is as good as a rest and no one is more deserving of a rest than a hardworking mom who’s been caring for Baby 24/7, seven days a week. The tedium of dealing with a baby’s limitless and unreasonable demands coupled with never-ending baby related chores can take a toll on your emotions. Moms need to take at least a couple of hours a week to put themselves first. Whether it’s exercise, socializing, pampering or retail therapy it’s important to relax and rediscover yourself as a woman rather than a mother.

Yes, you’re a normal mom: The first year of motherhood is an emotional roller-coaster. You might be tired, emotional, anxious and suffering from mommy brain. Life as you knew it has been turned upside down. Your best bet is to get out to some local mother and baby activities, meet some fellow rookie moms and arm yourself with a strong support structure. As soon as you start to chat to some comrades you’ll be reassured that what you are feeling is perfectly normal and you are not alone!

So take heart new moms. You are normal, your frustrations and challenges are shared across the globe and you will do a great job caring for your baby. Before you know it you will be an expert and it will be time to pass on your wisdom to the rookies.

The Survival Guide for Rookie Moms (Erica Wells and Lorraine Regel)

The Survival Guide for Rookie Moms is filled with “Survival Secrets“, “Comrades’ Recommendations” and “Tips from the Trenches” that will aid a new mom’s attempts to navigate her way in this weird and wonderful new world. Our book holds a few other surprises with its unique presentation and easy to find information …. but we don’t want to give away all our secrets …… so order your copy of the perfect baby shower gift “The Survival Guide For Rookie Moms” now at www.survival4moms.com

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