You waited nine months to hold your baby in your arms, but now what?

Being a new parent is exciting, fantastic, overwhelming, exhausting and a whole new world. We asked moms in the Preggie community what tricks they have up their sleeves in order to stay sane. Here are some awesome tips for new and experienced moms alike!

1️⃣→ Me time – Just 10 minutes alone in the bathroom is restorative.

💬 Granted I love my kiddos but sometimes I got to have a moment where I can go pee without being hollered for, or sitting down to eat without someone needing more ketchup.

💬 I like to do crafts and take quiet walks alone. I also meditate from time to time and get lost in great books when I can. Listening to classical music while I cook and clean makes them feel like less of a chore.

2️⃣→ Creating your mom tribe – Mom friends are essential to enjoying motherhood!

💬 I’m beyond thankful for all the amazing Preggie friends I’ve made. Thanks so much for all the messages and support. I’m so glad to have all these women to talk to now. It means so much to me! Love how girls on here stick together.

💬 My friends are all cheering me on and so understanding. I am so blessed!

3️⃣→ Sleep and relax as much as you can – Rest when your baby is napping and if cosleeping works for you, then do it.

💬 My daughter is 6 weeks and I’m strictly breastfeeding and let me tell you, we get some sleep at night because of cosleeping!! It’s absolutely great!! She does not sleep between me and my husband, not till she starts rolling.

💬 I’ve coslept with all 3 babes and plan on doing it with our 4th. They are perfectly fine. I did have an in-bed cosleeper when they were newborn though and my husband slept on the couch for a while but it’s what works for us. Made me feel like they were safer next to me. Wouldn’t do it any other way.

4️⃣→ Adult beverages – Maybe the real secret…

💬 You know you’re a mom when you have the coffee pot on 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

💬 Wine!

5️⃣→ Remember to connect with your partner – It doesn’t have to be as elaborate as date night.

💬 Reading a good book and cuddling up with my fiance and doing a movie night.

💬 Awesome sex.

6️⃣→ Netflix, Hulu, DVR, DVDs, video games, movies, TV…

💬 Crime shows on Hulu 🙂

💬 Video games and becoming one of my kids and playing right along with them.

7️⃣→ Hot bath or long shower — Simple pampering is all it takes!

💬 A good soak in the tub with bubbles and some scented candles!

8️⃣→ Gratitude – Children are a blessing.

💬 I decided after I had a still born and complained that entire pregnancy about all my pregnancy symptoms that if I got pregnant again I would embrace every bit of my pregnancy… Well, I’m pregnant again and I have done exactly that embrace every bit of being pregnant… Cause when it’s all said and done I know I will miss it.

💬 Sane? What is sanity? I’ve forgotten what that feels like 😂 Music is my number one to keep me calm and get me through the toughest of days. Music, and singing. Oh, and praying! Honestly, every night I thank my lucky stars for my children. It might be tough sometimes, but it’s so worth it! And nothing worth fighting for ever comes easy.

9️⃣→ Keeping positive

💬 Praying and reminding myself that they won’t be little forever.

💬 Praying, thinking positive, telling myself it will be over soon lol.

1️⃣0️⃣→ Crafts – It’s meditative and takes your mind off things.

💬 Honestly, crocheting things for other people. It helps me focus on something and slow the pace a bit.