5 Helpful Resources for Navigating Motherhood as a Busy Mom
Being involved with the whirlwind journey of motherhood for just a year, I've come to realize the importance of having handy resources for navigating motherhood.
So, I've curated this ultimate collection of resources to help fellow moms navigate the beautiful chaos of motherhood more easily.
Since I know you’re a busy mom, don’t worry, I’ve kept this post short and to the point. So, let’s go.
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Benefits of Utilizing Resources for Navigating Motherhood
The right resources can tremendously influence your experience and progress in motherhood.
Whether it's seeking advice on sleep training, finding creative activities to entertain the little ones, or simply seeking support from other moms who understand, having access to reliable resources can make all the difference in the world.
I couldn’t imagine going without Facebook communities, TikTok, and Instagram during my first few months postpartum - but hey, I guess mamas used to do it!
But still, we have these resources for navigating motherhood now so we might as well make the most use of them.
Whether you're a first-time mama or an experienced one, you probably will face mom guilt. The first step is to find out where the guilt is coming from. My free Letting Go of Mom Guilt Journal will help you do that. Grab it now by signing up below:
List of Resources for Navigating Motherhood
Category: Self-Care and Wellness
Self-Care Planner
I’ve finally settled on a self-care morning and nighttime ritual I love. To help me remember the steps, I personally use Notion but you can use cute trackers like this one to help you check off your different self-care goals.
Prioritizing self-care has been essential for me as a busy mom who is solo-parenting most of the time while working on my business, cleaning the home, and working part-time.
Having a plan is a gentle reminder to take time for myself, even when things get hectic.
Other Self-Care Tools
Here are some self-care tools I personally use, mostly inspired by Ayurvedic and East Asian practices:
- Tongue scraper - I scrape my tongue and brush my teeth right when I get out of bed
- Gua Sha - After my skincare, I focus on my breath and use the Gua Sha to massage my face and reduce swelling which makes me feel alert and more awake in the morning
- Magnesium spray - Helps me relax my legs, shoulders, and feet while I stretch before bed
- Dry Brush - I take 5 to 10 minutes to give myself a lymphatic massage and dry brush my whole body while my baby boy plays before my shower and breakfast
- Jojoba Oil - I apply this all over my body after I dry brush and before I hope into a 5-minute cold shower
This sounds like a lot but I can get these routines done relatively quick while my son plays.
I’m working toward getting up earlier so I can have it done before we wake though. Work in progress!
Some objections to practicing self-care in this way is that it eats away at time.
And, yes, it takes time to do these things but ask yourself: What would you be doing instead? Would you rather feel worked up and stressed out in the morning to the point you don’t enjoy your time with your family, or would you like to feel more awake and take on the hustle and bustle of motherhood with confidence?
Mindfulness Apps
I meditate about twice a day, but I also take a few moments to focus on my breath while I go on walks and during meals too.
Typically, I meditate for about 5 minutes in the morning and put one on while I’m lying in bed to fall asleep to.
I’m not the type who can just do it on my own though, I much rather use apps to fall along to.
I use the Fitbit app since I have a free trial, but Headspace is wonderful as well if you have the money. There’s even a free app called Medito that’s excellent.
Mindfulness apps are lifesavers for me when I need a moment of peace and calm. Whether it's a quick meditation session or a guided breathing exercise, these apps help me stay grounded and present.
Another app that covers wellness overall is Alomoves (not sponsored). It has classes for yoga, meditation, and pilates, and has tutorials for dry brushing, using the Gua Sha and even face yoga (who knew that was a thing!)
Category: Parenting Support
Parenting Forums/Communities
Websites like BabyCenter or WhatToExpect have vibrant online communities where moms can ask questions, seek advice, and connect with other parents who are going through similar experiences.
They also have excellent articles that cover various topics about caring for your baby from the newborn stage up until toddlerhood.
These websites were my go-to to learn about what’s normal development, how often to feed my baby, and to get sleep tips.
The forums are like having a virtual support group at your fingertips.
My preference for communities is Facebook communities.
I have to admit that some of these communities are large and occasionally have "mom shaming." But you can find ones that are local to where you live with fewer people.
I’m in the process of building a tight-knit community on Facebook myself!
Parenting Books
From sleep training to understanding your postpartum brain and body, there's a wealth of parenting books to help guide you through the various stages of motherhood.
I've found books like "Cribsheet," “Mom Brain,” and "What No One Tells You" to be incredibly informative and reassuring.
Need more advice and tips on taking care of yourself and managing your responsibilities? Check out these posts:
ONE POWERFUL STEP TO CARVE OUT ME-TIME WITHOUT THE GUILT
MOVING FROM PUTTING EVERYONE FIRST TO PRIORITIZING MY HAPPINESS
THE ULTIMATE CHECKLIST FOR SELF-CARE DURING MOTHERHOOD
THE TOP 10 AFFORDABLE AMAZON MUST-HAVES FOR MOMS
How to Utilize These Resources Effectively
With motherhood, not only is it valuable to have these resources at your disposal, but it's equally crucial to know how to use them optimally. Here are some pointers:
Schedule Self-Care Time
Block out dedicated time in your schedule for self-care activities, whether it's a bubble bath, a yoga session, or simply reading a book.
Attending therapy and seeing another adult are good activities to schedule as well.
Engage with Online Communities
Don't be afraid to ask questions and share your experiences in parenting forums.
Chances are, other moms out there can offer valuable insights and support.
I always like to remind moms that if we don’t share our experiences, it turns into a cycle where we think we’re alone in our experience because no one else talks about it.
Set Realistic Expectations
Remember that no one is perfect, and it's okay to ask for help when you need it. Be kind to yourself and take things one day at a time.
If you’re not used to practicing self-care or taking the time to educate yourself on babies, postpartum, parenting, etc., just take a scaffold approach.
Pick up just one habit at first. Once you’re used to that habit, add on more habits.
It’s unrealistic to start using all of these resources at once and I don’t want to set you up for disappointment!
Conclusion
With these resources at your fingertips, navigating motherhood as a busy mom should be less overwhelming.
Remember, you're not alone on this journey, and a wealth of support and guidance is available to help you along the way.
I’m also available as a resource to you!
You can grab my free Letting Go of Mom Guilt journal to help you navigate motherhood while dealing with mom guilt.
And I have a community of moms with whom I share valuable tips, advice, and insights almost daily.
I go live every week to talk about mom guilt, self-doubt, low self-worth, perfectionism, time management, and other difficult experiences moms go through.
Make sure to grab the journal by signing up below and don’t forget to join my community by clicking here while you’re at it!