14 Things You Should Tell Your New-Mom Friends About Motherhood

There's the parenting info that the baby books tell you, and then there are those precious nuggets that only your nearest and dearest friends for whom becoming a parent is still a recent reality will divulge. It's these personal details that are usually most appreciated by novice moms, as their honesty and candor makes them invaluable. If you have a friend with a first baby on the way (or a first baby already at home), this is the scoop she's looking for. Help a girl out!

01
Your New Life May Not Look the Way You Envisioned It
Danielle Guenther Photography

Your New Life May Not Look the Way You Envisioned It

Whether it's because you're trying to breastfeed and the baby won't latch, or your little guy or girl has a case of colic, parenthood doesn't always look the way you think it will, especially not in the early days.

02
You Shouldn't Be Afraid to Ask For Help
Flickr user surlygirl

You Shouldn't Be Afraid to Ask For Help

And in doing so, you just might make a grandma's day.

03
You'll Never Really Be Alone Again
Flickr user Ed Yourdon

You'll Never Really Be Alone Again

Once you become a mom, your heart and mind are always with your kids, whether you're physically with them or not. It takes some getting used to, but it's a constant reminder that you're doing the most important job in the world.

04
Breastfeeding? Your Days Will Revolve Around It
Flickr user paxye

Breastfeeding? Your Days Will Revolve Around It

Don't let them underestimate this — it's a commitment!

05
Your Friendships May Evolve
Flickr user Thomas Hawk

Your Friendships May Evolve

You may find that you have less in common with friends who you used to relate to, and more to talk about with the other women at mommy-and-me music class than you'd ever imagined possible.

06
You Won't Get Graded On Your Swaddling Skills
Flickr user Deann Barrera

You Won't Get Graded On Your Swaddling Skills

. . . Or anything else, for that matter. So relax. You'll figure it all out. Promise.

08
Take Those Naps Wherever and Whenever You Can Get Them
Flickr user Eric Lanning

Take Those Naps Wherever and Whenever You Can Get Them

Everyone wins.

09
Don't Stress About Milestones
Flickr user Tela Chhe

Don't Stress About Milestones

Some babies take their first steps at 10 months, others 17. Chances are, this won't come up during the college application process.

10
When You Least Expect It, You'll Feel Like You're Nailing This
Flickr user Jack Fussell

When You Least Expect It, You'll Feel Like You're Nailing This

Remember those moments on the bad days and sleepless nights.

11
Don't Mourn Them Growing Up Quickly — It Only Gets Better
Flickr user Jack Fussell

Don't Mourn Them Growing Up Quickly — It Only Gets Better

Didn't think it was possible? Just wait until that first "Love you, Mommy!"

12
Don't Feel Guilty About Needing "Me" Time
Flickr user Ed Yourdon

Don't Feel Guilty About Needing "Me" Time

You deserve it. Those hobbies and people that defined you preparenthood will save your sanity now that you're a mom.

13
Don't Neglect Your Relationship
Flickr user Vincent Hu

Don't Neglect Your Relationship

Your attentions will both be focused elsewhere once kids enter the picture — but don't forget that in the beginning, it was just the two of you.