How to Survive (and Thrive) as a New Mum: Tips from My First Year

Becoming a new mum is one of life’s most beautiful and challenging experiences, and your baby’s first year will be full of surprises. If you're a mum-to-be, you’ve probably spent a lot of time dreaming about what motherhood will look like—maybe imagining those sweet, peaceful moments with your newborn. But as every first-time mum quickly discovers, the reality is often a bit messier and unpredictable than expected!

From sleep deprivation to figuring out how to juggle your new responsibilities, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. But trust me, it’s possible to not just survive but actually thrive in your baby’s first year. Here are five tips that helped me navigate those early months and come out on the other side with my sanity (mostly) intact.

Embrace the Power of ‘Baby Steps’

When you're a new mum, everything can feel like a giant leap. You might feel like you have to master everything at once—feeding, changing, and keeping your baby happy while managing the household. But the truth is, taking things one “baby step” at a time is the key to surviving your baby’s first year. Don’t try to do it all in one go.

Whether it’s tackling the laundry mountain, making it through the night feed, or simply getting out of the house for a walk, breaking it all down into smaller, manageable tasks will help you feel more in control. Don’t rush the process! Being a mum-to-be means embracing a whole new rhythm and adjusting to a completely different lifestyle. Baby steps will get you there.

It’s Okay to Ask for Help (Seriously!)

As a new mum, there’s often a sense of pressure to do everything yourself, but let me tell you—this is one of the fastest ways to burn out. Whether it's family, friends, or even hiring a professional, asking for help will make a world of difference. It’s not a sign of weakness, it’s a sign of strength.

Need a nap? Ask your partner to take the next feeding shift. Feeling overwhelmed? Reach out to a friend and let them bring you a meal (because honestly, who has time to cook?). As a mum-to-be, you may have dreamed of being the perfect parent, but remember—perfection doesn’t exist. What does exist is the need for community. So, don’t hesitate to lean on the people around you.

Create Your New Normal

The first year with your baby is all about discovering what works for you and your family. Your pre-baby life and routine? Those might have gone out the window the minute you went into labor. But that’s okay! Instead of stressing about what you “should” be doing, focus on creating a new normal that fits your new role as a mum.

Whether it’s taking a walk at dawn with your newborn in the stroller or discovering a new favorite snack that gets you through late-night feeds, find the routines that make sense for you. As a mum-to-be, you might have imagined something different, but it’s about rolling with the changes and embracing your own version of “normal.” This is your journey, so don’t compare it to anyone else’s.

Don’t Skip the ‘Me Time’ (Even if It’s Just 10 Minutes!)

As much as you love your baby, being a new mum is hard work, and sometimes you just need a break. But here’s the thing: if you don’t take care of yourself, you won’t be able to take care of anyone else. It doesn’t have to be a spa day (although that would be lovely!), but finding small moments of “me time” is essential.

It could be as simple as sipping a cup of coffee in peace while your baby naps, taking a long shower, or sitting down to read a chapter of your favorite book. These small moments of self-care will recharge your batteries and help you stay emotionally balanced. So, even if it’s just ten minutes, prioritize yourself—you deserve it.

Celebrate the Small Wins

When you’re a new mum, it’s easy to get caught up in everything you think you “should” be doing. But trust me, the small wins are just as important as the big milestones. Did you manage to get a shower before noon? That’s a win! Baby finally slept for four hours straight? Celebrate it!

The first year of motherhood is full of challenges, and you deserve to give yourself credit for all the little victories that come your way. You’ve got this, and those small moments of success will help keep you going through the sleepless nights and unpredictable days.

Being a mum-to-be or a new mum can feel like you’re constantly figuring things out on the fly, but remember—there’s no “perfect” way to do it. Your baby’s first year will be full of joy, laughter, frustration, and growth. It’s okay if things don’t go according to plan, and it’s okay to ask for help, take breaks, and embrace the chaos.

Most importantly, give yourself grace. You’re doing an amazing job, and you’ll look back on this first year with pride, knowing you made it through with love, patience, and a whole lot of humor.

So, take a deep breath, mum-to-be or new mum—this adventure is just beginning, and you’re ready for it!

Thank you for reading my blog! I’m Rachel, a maternity and newborn photographer based in Wiltshire, UK. I specialise in capturing the beautiful journey of parenthood, from bump to baby and beyond. My cosy studio is a welcoming space where I create timeless memories for families, preserving those precious moments you’ll cherish forever. If you’d like to learn more about my services or book a session, feel free to visit my Newborn Photography Page. I’d love to help you capture your special moments!