Motherhood Survival: 10 Simple Hacks to Thrive in the First Year
Here are 10 Easy Tips to Get Through the First Year of Motherhood
The first year of motherhood? It’s a mixture of complete chaos and utter ecstasy. Your baby seems to have perfected the skill of pushing all your buttons (and your limitations) on some days, while on others, you feel like you’re doing it perfectly. You’re not alone if you feel overburdened or like you’re barely surviving. Here are 10 easy hacks to help you thrive, survive, and perhaps even have a bit more fun along the way in your Motherhood journey.
1. I know it’s easier said than done, but sleep when your baby sleeps!
I think I could hire a night nurse if I had a $1 for each time I heard this. But really—**go to sleep when your baby goes to sleep**. Your body needs a break, even if it may be tempting to clean or browse on your phone. Simply lying down with your eyes closed can boost your energy levels even if you have trouble falling asleep. The washing can wait, I promise.
2. Adopt Pre-Made Baby Food (Really, It’s Alright!)
If you’re like me, you might have had ambitious ideas to make your own homemade organic baby food. But you know what? When you have a big to-do list and are exhausted, pre-made baby food is a lifesaver. Getting those jars or pouches is perfectly acceptable; the goal is to feed your child stress-free. Sometimes it’s best to keep things simple.
3. For the sake of your sanity, put together a basket of necessities for the baby.
You’ll quickly learn as a new mother that you can’t foresee when you’ll need to calm your infant or change a diaper. For this reason, I made a baby essentials basket and kept it in the living room, bedroom, and even the car whenever I was in there! Put a pacifier, wipes, diapers, a burp cloth, and possibly an extra onesie inside. When you’re trying to balance a crying infant with a ton of other stuff, it’s a huge game-changer.
4. You’re not Superwoman, therefore don’t be scared to ask for help!
Mothers are frequently asked to do everything. Let’s face it, though: you don’t have to do it all. Never hesitate to seek assistance from friends, family, or your partner. To be honest, a little nap or a 15-minute shower break can significantly improve your mood. And if you want to go coffee and someone offers to hold the baby? Say “yes.” Each and every time.
5. Become an expert at multitasking, but don’t go overboard!
As a mother, you will quickly discover that multitasking is essential. Combining jobs might help you feel like you’re accomplishing something, whether you’re folding laundry while your baby naps or conversing with a friend while nursing. Here’s the trick, though: Avoid overexerting yourself. It’s acceptable to concentrate on one subject at a time on some days. The fact that you’re trying your hardest is sufficient.
6. Make a judgment-free investment in comfortable clothing
Let’s be honest: your body will most likely feel a little different after giving birth. Wearing clothes that make you feel nice and comfortable is something you deserve. I’m referring about comfortable socks, stretchy blouses, and soft leggings—items that you can wear while nursing, chasing after your kid, or simply lounging around without feeling clad in restrictive clothing. Mama, comfort is essential.
7. Establish a Flexible Routine (Adaptability is Your Friend)
The problem is that life with a newborn is unpredictable, even though babies thrive on routine. Therefore, aim to create a loose routine but be patient when things don’t work out. It’s fantastic if you have a rough schedule for feeding, naps, and nighttime. However, it’s acceptable if your child chooses to remain up all night, as mine did. Being adaptable will help you stay sane.
8. Mama, one task at a time
Everyone has experienced the sensation of being tugged in a million different ways at once. The problem is that attempting to complete everything at once may leave you feeling overburdened. Rather, concentrate on one task at a time. Before the baby wakes up, finish the dishes, fold the laundry, and then have a cup of coffee. I promise you that breaking things up into manageable portions will make you feel lot better than trying to do everything at once.
9. You Matter Too, Don’t Ignore Postpartum Care!
It’s simple to forget about yourself in the midst of all the chaos of caring for your child. However, the importance of postpartum care is equal to that of baby care. Even if it’s only a few peaceful minutes every day, make time for your physical recuperation. Drink plenty of water, eat healthily, and get the emotional support you require. Do not be afraid to get treatment from a therapist or doctor if you are experiencing anxiety or depression.
10. Savor the Small Things, Even When They’re Difficult”
I understand how difficult it is to appreciate each moment when you’re worn out and covered in vomit. But really, make an effort to cling to those precious tiny moments**. You don’t realize how quickly those moments fly by, as when your baby grins for the first time, cuddles up to you, or giggles. Even on the difficult days, try to enjoy the experience, take pictures, and share the milestones.
Concluding remarks
Motherhood: The Deep Questions, Answered
What is the meaning of motherhood?
Motherhood is more than biology — it’s a lifelong commitment to nurture, guide, protect, and love a child.
It’s a role filled with meaning, sacrifice, joy, identity shifts, and growth — often all at once.
In depth: Motherhood means showing up even when you’re tired, finding strength you didn’t know you had, and building a bond that often defies logic. It’s messy, magical, exhausting, and enriching — a constantly evolving role that redefines who you are in ways you never expected.
What does motherhood feel like?
It feels like love and fear holding hands — overwhelming, beautiful, chaotic, and sometimes lonely.
It’s joy in tiny socks and tears over forgotten lunches — a heart permanently worn outside your body.
In detail: Motherhood feels like a storm and a sanctuary. Some days it’s laughter and baby snuggles, other days it’s questioning everything while hiding in the bathroom. It’s feeling stretched thin and fuller than ever at the same time.
What is the difference between motherhood and parenting?
Motherhood is personal; parenting is practical.
Motherhood refers to the emotional and identity-based experience of being a mother, while parenting includes the day-to-day actions of raising a child.
In detail: You can parent without being a biological mother — dads, guardians, and caregivers all parent. But motherhood is deeply rooted in the emotional, hormonal, and psychological identity of nurturing a child as a mom. Parenting is the “how”; motherhood is the “who.”
How tough is motherhood?
It’s the toughest job with no clock-out time, filled with invisible labor — but also deep, unconditional love.
Tough isn’t the same as bad — but yes, it will test every fiber of your being.
In depth: Motherhood challenges your patience, energy, and sense of self. You’ll face sleep deprivation, emotional overload, and guilt. But over time, it also builds resilience, empathy, and a love that reshapes your entire worldview.
Is anyone else just surviving parenthood?
Absolutely. You are far from alone.
Many parents are in survival mode — doing their best to get through the day with sanity (mostly) intact.
In detail: Despite what social media portrays, most moms and dads are juggling laundry, lunches, emotional meltdowns, and unanswered texts. Survival mode doesn’t mean you’re failing — it means you’re human and doing your best under pressure. And that’s enough.
What was your most hard realization about motherhood?
That love doesn’t prevent burnout — and sometimes you’ll feel lost in your role.
Realizing that you can deeply love your kids and still feel overwhelmed was tough but freeing.
In depth: The hardest realization was that sacrifice doesn’t always feel rewarding. Sometimes it feels invisible. Understanding that it’s okay to want more — rest, space, identity, joy outside your children — was a turning point in reclaiming peace in motherhood.
What have you learned that’s made motherhood more peaceful?
Letting go of perfection.
The peace came when I stopped chasing “doing it all” and embraced “doing what matters.”
In detail: Learning that my kids don’t need a perfect mom — just a present one — changed everything. Peace came from routines that worked for us, from asking for help without guilt, and from saying no to the noise of external opinions.
What is the internal battle with the idea of motherhood?
It’s the pull between wanting to be everything and needing to be something for yourself.
It’s navigating love, fear, ambition, identity, and expectation all at once.
In detail: The internal battle is real — especially when you’re told you should feel fulfilled but feel overwhelmed. It’s reconciling the mom you imagined you’d be with the one you are. And it’s okay. It’s part of the transformation.
How to survive the first year of motherhood?
Focus on the bare essentials: baby’s needs, your healing, and finding support — not perfection.
Eat when you can, sleep when you can, and let everything else wait.
In detail: The first year is about adjusting, bonding, and surviving. Accept help, lower expectations, and create simple routines. Join a support group, say yes to rest, and know that this season — the fog, the fear, the fierce love — will pass. You are doing enough.
Final Note
Motherhood is layered. It’s survival and soft moments. It’s deep love and deep doubts. Whatever season you’re in — whether you’re barely getting by or slowly finding joy again — you are not alone.
Finding what works for you and your child is more important than striving for perfection in order to survive the first year of motherhood. There will be difficult days, and that’s acceptable. You’re not alone in this, and you’re doing fantastically. Don’t be scared to ask for help when you need it, follow your gut, and take things one day at a time. Although being a mother is challenging, it’s also one of the most fulfilling experiences you will ever have.
Please share any tips you may have for surviving your first year of your Motherhood in the comments section below! Let’s help one another.
