Guest Post by Blake.

Becoming a mother for the first time is very likely the most exciting time of a women’s life. It can also be the most overwhelming and nerve-wracking. Here are some tips for getting through the preparation and early months of motherhood.

Top 5 Do’s for First Time Mothers

1. Do prepare as much as you can in advance. Have the nursery ready, diapers stockpiled and bag ready for the hospital. Pack your freezer with casseroles, individual servings of soups and breakfast burritos to heat up for quick meals. Put important papers in a folder, including health insurance information and important phone numbers.

2. Do cherish the time you have before the baby arrives. Relish naps, uninterrupted TV time, date nights with your partner and other activities you enjoy.

3. Do ask for help. Friends and family will likely offer their assistance. Take them up on it. They can help with laundry, cooking, errands and baby wrangling.

4. Do take care of yourself. Take advantage of healthy convenience foods such as pre-washed and cut salad, fruits and vegetables, peanut butter and tuna packets. Take the baby on a walk around the block. Ask your partner or someone else you trust to care for the baby for a few hours so you can have a solid block of sleep or get a massage (your health insurance might even cover the costs).

5. Do stop to enjoy the little moments. The piles of laundry and dishes can wait. Take time to enjoy watching your baby sleep peacefully or babble with contentment in the swing.

Top 5 Don’ts for First Time Mothers

1. Don’t try to read every book on the market. In addition to all of the books written by experts, tons of celebrities now have books out with their tips on pregnancy and parenting. You will go into information overload if you try to read all of the buzzed about books. Read what really interests you (if any) or ask around for top recommendations from moms you trust. Feel free to skip the books altogether if you want!

2. Don’t fall into the guilt trip. Some mothers return to work because they can’t afford to miss out on the health insurance benefits. Others don’t want to put their careers on hold. The choice to go back to work is fine. So is the choice to stay home. There is no universally correct decision. Make the right choice for your family and cut yourself some slack for it.

3. Don’t isolate yourself. Having a new baby can be very lonely. Call friends and family members or invite them over for a visit. Check out Mommy & Me groups. Pack the stroller and go to the mall for some people watching.

4. Don’t bite off more than you can chew. If you don’t think cloth diapers, homemade baby food or pumping breast milk while at work fits into your lifestyle, it is okay to skip it. Your baby will be fine.

5. Don’t be afraid to politely tell people to mind their own business. Everyone from your mother to your pediatrician to the stranger in line behind you at the grocery store is going to offer you advice and opinions on raising your child. It is okay to say, “Thank you, but I’m finding my own way as a mother.”

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Special Thanks to My Guest Blogger.

Blake is a mother of three beautiful girls ages 12, 5, and 2. My husband is in the military who I love very much! Being positive is just a way of life for me.