When I first became a mom, I was completely and utterly exhausted. I had never been so tired and overwhelmed in my entire life.  I longed for some encouragement from some other moms. Now that I am on the other side of motherhood (life with a toddler!) I want to send encouragement for a new mom who might be out there, struggling with her journey into motherhood.

Hi, new mom, here’s some encouragement for you:

It will get easier.

I know it’s so hard right now.

Your body is in so much pain, you are beyond exhausted, and you can’t quite seem to figure out this whole breastfeeding thing. (or bottle–for that matter!)

You are doing all you can to just survive the next five minutes and that is perfectly okay.

You are strong.

One month down the road and you will look back and be amazed at how you survived your first month of motherhood.

You have been taking care of a new little life, as your body has been literally ripped apart.

Everything is going to be okay.

It’s okay to feel completely helpless.

It’s okay to feel terrified.

And it’s okay to feel like you can’t spend another moment not getting any sleep.

Please know, you WILL SURVIVE.

You will make it through.

Everything will be okay.

You will thrive, mama.

Don’t Worry.

Trust your instincts.  Trust yourself.

And finally, don’t worry about anything else other than taking care of the baby AND yourself, in this moment.  

Don’t worry about anything tomorrow, or a month from now, or a year from now.

Don’t worry about when you have to go back to work.

Jesus tells us so clearly, in Matthew 6:34:

“Don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow has enough troubles of it’s own.”

Take this verse and hold onto it.

“Be joyful, always, pray continually, and give thanks in all circumstances.”

1st Thessalonians 5:16

I have noticed that the more I give thanks to God, the less I worry.  The more I pray and present my request unto him, the more at peace at feel. Even though you are exhausted, thank the Lord for this new little life.  Thank him for the precious gift he has given you. Pray for his strength and guidance.  Pray for rest and for comfort. He has not left you!

See Related: Psalms for Motherhood, Jesus Calls You Beautiful, How To Start Reading Your Bible

I’ve been there, my friend.

I know how utterly and excruciatingly hard it is to have a newborn.

To be in a literal state of exhaustion.

You are not alone.

You are normal, and you are a great mom.

Take hold of this encouragement for a new mom, and share it with those you know who are also new moms<3

Blessings,

-Leah