The average age of a new mom has increased over the past decade. Now most women are beginning to have babies in their 30’s. I am a young mom. I had my first at 25 and my second at 28. Most of my mom friends are 5+ years older than me. I chose to be a young mom.
I once had a co-worker say to me, “I want to be a young mom like you”. My response to her was, “I made a choice. Many women choose to get their career started and going before they settle down to have kids. I chose to have kids first and get settled in my career later.” My parents had me young and I love that they still get down and play and run around with my own children, I want to be able to do that.
I had a play-date with that same co-worker the other day and she too had her son at a young age. She seemed overwhelmed and exhausted. I said to her, “Please let me come over and give you a break.” She needed to know she is not alone. You are not alone. We are all in this together, going through the same struggles as mothers, no matter what age.
Being a new mom brings on many emotions. You are excited and scared at the same time. I will always remember the day I got the positive test with my daughter. I was crying and shaking feeling so many emotions at once. A million thoughts go through your head; can I do this, how do I do this, what will he/she be like?
Your handed that baby in your arms and I remember thinking, what do I do now? Before my first I read the books, I talked to mom friends, I talked to my mom and my mother in law. Trying to collect as much information as I could. I have a degree in Early Childhood Development I learned a lot of what to expect in school, but I still felt lost.
The truth is it does come naturally, you figure it out. One day at a time. You will be given advice wanted and unwanted. You have to take it all, the good and bad advice with a grain of salt and form your own opinions. This is your baby and you know what is best. No matter how old you are, this is your child and you know what is best for them. The “mommy wars” will continue; is formula or breast best, what age should your child be sleeping through the night, what way should your child be sleeping back or stomach, when should your child be potty trained. You could ask everyone you know and each person could give you a different answer. The answer is follow your own instincts, follow your child’s cues because whatever you are doing is good enough. If your child is happy and fed you’re doing a great job mom!
