7 Pieces of Advice That Actually Helped Me as a First-Time Mum

Before I became a mum for the first time, I was given lots of advice. Some of it was helpful, some of it… not so much. But a few little nuggets really stuck with me — and when I was in the thick of those newborn days, they made all the difference.

So, if you’re an expecting mum or brand-new to this motherhood journey, here are 7 pieces of advice I was given that were actually helpful.

1. Get up, shower & get dressed every day

It sounds simple, but it really does help. Even if it’s just clean PJs or activewear, do your skincare, brush your hair, maybe put on a little makeup if that’s your thing. These tiny acts of self-care can lift your mood and help you feel more like you again — not just “mum.”

There will be days when it feels easier to stay in the same clothes you slept in, and that’s okay too. But I found that taking those few minutes in the morning — even if the baby was in the bouncer watching me — made a huge difference to how I felt about myself and how I faced the day.

It’s not about looking polished or perfect, it’s about creating a small ritual that reminds you you still matter too. A hot shower, fresh clothes, and a little routine just for you can set the tone for the day and give you a mental boost when things feel overwhelming.

And honestly? Sometimes the shower was the only moment in the day when I felt truly alone — not touched, not needed, just me. When you’re constantly “on” and being pulled in every direction, that little pocket of time to breathe and reset can feel like gold.

2. Remember: you’re already your baby’s safe place

Before they’re even born, you are their comfort and their world. They don’t need every gadget or the fanciest nursery — they need you.

Your baby already knows the sound of your voice (and your partner’s too), the rhythm of your heartbeat, and the comfort of your smell. You are familiar, safe, and soothing to them in a way no product or baby brand could ever be.

I was once reminded that in many parts of the world, parents raise happy, thriving babies with far less than what we’re told we “need.” That thought helped me tune out the noise of marketing and focus on what really matters — connection, closeness, and love.

3. Ask for & accept help

This one is easier said than done, but so important. You don’t have to do everything alone. Your body has just been through something incredible (and sometimes traumatic), and recovery takes time. Motherhood can be messy and lonely — letting people in to help doesn’t make you less of a mum, it makes you supported.

And remember, accepting help doesn’t affect or harm your connection with your baby. If anything, it allows you to show up more present, calm, and rested for them. You can’t pour from an empty cup — filling your own up first means you’ll have more to give your little one. 💜

4. Go to your mother’s group

I’ll be honest — I was really hesitant about mother’s group. And with COVID, mine ended up being online, which at first felt a little strange. But I’m so glad I showed up, because even through a screen I met one really special friend who completely understood what I was going through.

We had babies the same age, we were both in the thick of it, and we just got each other. The best part? She lived nearby. That meant we could get out for a walk together, grab a coffee when the babies napped in the pram, or even go for a wine in the arvo when the day had felt long.

That one connection turned out to be such a lifeline for me in those early months. Whether it’s online or in person, finding another mum who’s walking a similar path (and ideally close by) can make all the difference — because doing it together is so much better than doing it alone. 💜

5. Get outside

Even after a sleepless night, step outside. A walk around the block or a quick trip to your local café can shift everything. Fresh air and daylight don’t just help clear the fog of sleep deprivation — they also help set your baby’s circadian rhythm (teaching them day from night). And honestly? They do wonders for your mental health too.

I tried to make it a habit to get out every morning, even if it was just for some fresh air, daylight, and a much-needed coffee. Later in the day, especially when my little one started protesting her afternoon nap, an assisted nap in the pram or carrier became a highlight. I’d pop on a podcast, push the pram, and pound the pavement — it gave her the rest she needed and gave me a chance to reset too.

Getting outside also helps break that cabin fever feeling that so many of us experience in those early weeks at home. A change of scenery — even just for 20 minutes — can shift your whole mood and make the day feel lighter.

6. Buy clothes that fit now

Don’t wait to “bounce back.” Your body has just done something incredible, and it deserves kindness. A pair of jeans or a simple top that actually fits your body right now can do wonders for your confidence and how you feel each day.

Remember — it took nine months to grow your beautiful baby, and it will take time (often much longer than those quick “6 week” expectations) for your body to heal and recover. Be gentle with yourself, give your body love, and take it easy. You are worth it. 💕

I also found that taking a few new things to the hospital — a fresh t-shirt, a cosy jumper, or new leggings — made a huge difference and instantly lifted my mood. And don’t underestimate the power of the right basics: buying comfortable undies and properly fitted bras is so important. I learned this the hard way — I had the wrong sized racer-back bras in hospital, and when my milk came in and everything expanded (a lot!), it completely threw my neck out. Honestly, that pain ended up being worse than my c-section recovery! Highly recommend the Bonds Maternity collection especially their Damn Dry Milk Leaks Proof Bralette. These were such a saviour second time around, especially for a mumma with severe oversupply issues!

7. Celebrate the small wins

Some days it feels like nothing gets done — and that can be so discouraging. But the truth is, small wins are big wins in motherhood. If you got out of the house? Amazing. Showered before midday? Go you. Baby napped in their bassinet for even 20 minutes? That’s huge.

Every little win is worth celebrating, because they all add up. These moments are proof that you’re moving forward, even on the days that feel like a blur. And when you start noticing and acknowledging them, you’ll see how much you really are doing — for yourself, for your baby, and for your family.

It might not look like much from the outside, but those tiny steps — loading the dishwasher, having a hot coffee, sending a message to a friend, or even managing to put your undies on alone (especially after a c-section) — they matter. They remind you that progress in motherhood isn’t always about milestones or picture-perfect moments. Sometimes it’s simply about surviving the day, and that is more than enough.

Give yourself permission to celebrate the little things. They are the building blocks of your confidence as a mum, and they’re what carry you through the harder days. 💜

Final Thoughts

Motherhood is beautiful, but it’s also raw, exhausting, and overwhelming at times. These little pieces of advice helped me find my footing, and I hope they bring comfort and encouragement to you too.

💜 If you’re feeling like you need extra support, please know you don’t have to do this alone. Reach out anytime — I’m here to support expecting mummas and new mummas through this precious (yet often overwhelming) season.

I can provide you with gentle, practical guidance to help set your newborn up for restful nights from the very beginning, and teach you the settling techniques I wish I had known when I was in those early days with my girls. Together, we can make this journey feel lighter, calmer, and more supported.

👉 [Book a Free Discovery Call here]

or send through an email: mybabysleepconsultant@gmail.com