Staying Confident as a New Mom: Trusting Your Intuition Through Baby’s Milestones

Becoming a mom breaks open your heart, right? It’s one of the most a profound and rewarding experiences. And, it’s also challenging! This is especially true when baby’s fussy, and you’re not quite sure what’s going on. During the developmental milestones, it can be even more stressful —whether it’s teething, learning to roll over or discovering new ways to communicate. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, you’re not alone. 

The good news is: You’ve got this! You have a powerful inner resource, to help you get through all the uncertainty. It’s your intuition.

“Everything you need to carry, birth and raise your child is within.”

Trust Yourself - Especially when Baby’s Fussy

It's completely normal for your baby to go through phases of fussiness. She may hungry, tired, overstimulated, or going through a developmental leap. And as a new mom, this can feel like a whirlwind of emotions.

Trust that your intuition will guide you. Even in moments when you feel unsure or frazzled, your intuition, or maternal instinct, is available. It’s learning to pause momentarily, so you can check in with your body and thoughts and begin to listen to your quiet and wise voice that knows you and your baby so well. 

Letting go of Control

It’s impossible control every variable. And, you will make mistakes. After all, you and your baby are learning how to be in the world - together. You’re on this journey - together.

Learning how to be in the world - together.

Plus, your baby’s behavior will be unpredictable, at times. Many new moms tell me that just when they think they’ve established a routine, baby seemingly disrupts it.  Your intuition is a guiding force that helps you respond to your child’s needs in the best way you know how. 

Understanding Milestones and the Emotional Ups and Downs

During developmental milestones, it’s easy to second-guess yourself. Milestones can bring significant changes in your baby’s mood, sleep patterns and behavior.

While milestones are exciting, they require adjustment—for you and your baby. Babies often get fussy, clingy or cranky when they’re learning something new. They may experience discomfort, frustration, or a need for more comfort and reassurance from you. 

During these transitions, your baby needs you the most. Even when you’re feeling exhausted or frustrated, do your best stay calm and relaxed. Comfort baby by holding, cuddling and nursing him helps build secure attachment. Your ability to be present and to soothe will help your baby feel secure, and you’ll feel more confident as a mom too. 

(And, if you’ lose it’ once in awhile, it means your human. (FYI- Every mother ‘loses it’ from time to time.)

“ All is impermanent.”

Practical Tips for Staying Calm and Confident and Listening to Your Intuition

Challenging moments are temporary. You and your baby are resilient. Trust that you’ll get through these moments - together. 

Here are my Top Tips for You

1. Take a Deep Breath
   Pause, for just a moment. Take a deep, conscious breath and remind yourself you’re doing the best you can. This will help regulate your nervous system, which in turn help regulate Baby’s nervous system.

2. Ask for Help When You Need It
   If you’re feeling exhausted, frustrated or weepy, ask for help. You’re not meant to do this alone. Get help from your partner, family, friend or doula. This will help you restore and it could prevent a maternal mood disorder from taking hold. 

3. Take Time for Self-care

   You need time for healing and restoration. Even if it’s a few minutes alone in the bath, this will help you process the significant changes you and baby are going through and help you tune in to your inner voice, your inner knowing. It’s only when you take care of yourself, that can you take care of your baby.

4. Celebrate the Milestones
   As your baby hits new milestones, take a moment to celebrate—not just the achievement, but the fact that you’re doing this together. Whether it’s capturing a picture of their first steps or just feeling a sense of relief that teething is finally over, give yourself credit for being there through it all.

5. Let Go of Comparison
   It’s easy to get caught up in comparing your baby’s progress to other babies, especially with the endless stream of advice from family members, friends and social media. No two babies are the same. You and baby are a team. Trust that you’ll learn, grow and develop at your own pace.

6. Connect with Other Moms
   Sometimes the best way to boost your confidence is to hear that you’re not alone. The reassurance from other moms can be powerful.You can share, vent, laugh and cry.

The Bottom Line: You’re Doing Great

The journey of motherhood is full of highs and lows. Some days will feel smooth and peaceful, while others will test your patience. Through it all, trust yourself. You know your baby best. Be confident that your love and intuition will guide you. Honor and celebrate it all.