Do you doubt your parenting instincts? Discover the secrets to becoming a successful mom.

Whether you were prepared to be a mother or not, you’re one now. Handling the pressures of being a good mother to your child can be overwhelming, but you are not alone. Though many believe so, mothering does not come nature to all women. Like most women, you may rely on books to help you adjust to your new life as a parent. Here are a few extra pointers to help you along the way.

  1. Breastfeeding can be difficult, but not impossible

Breastfeeding can take some time for your baby to get used to. Identifying the correct latch position is crucial to successfully breastfeeding. If you have friends you know who have breastfed before, don’t be afraid to ask for help or guidance. Most breastfeeding issues can easily be solved by asking for support. Make sure to get as much help as need while in the hospital. That’s what they’re there for.

  1. Everyone will offer unwarranted advice

If you are a new mother, you may now be experiencing the phase where everyone wants to tell you how to parent. This can cause you to feel like you aren’t properly doing your job or like you aren’t good enough. This is not true. All babies are different, which means your child must adjust to you just like you will have to adjust to them.

New mothers often experience a desire of wanting to do everything right, but sometimes things just go wrong. Learning to listen to your maternal instincts is an important part of successful parenting. It’s great that your friends and family want to offer advice, but not all advise is good advice. You are the parent, what you say goes.

  1. Don’t compare your child to other children

Comparing your child’s developments and milestones to that of another child is unwise. This can cause you to feel like you and your child are racing with other babies and parents. Often parents try to encourage their child to walk before they are ready. Refrain from doing this. If you allow nature to run its course, your child will make it their all on their own.

  1. Babies get bumps

It is normal for babies to get bumps around the face, neck, nose, chin, and forehead. A lot of new mothers tend to overreact when they encounter this. These small rashes are caused by the mother’s hormones still circulating in the baby’s body, so don’t panic. Not much can be done to speed up the process back to clear skin. Gently clean your baby’s face during baths.

*Remember, the less you stress the better off your baby will be.