A Day in the life of a New Single Mom

Congratulations new mom on the arrival of your new family member!

After months of anticipation and preparation, you finally have the opportunity to meet your precious little one. The journey of giving birth is filled with emotions, but it is also incredibly rewarding for both mothers and fathers. Even before the baby’s arrival, new moms to be have a lot on their plate with monthly checkups, work, and getting everything ready for the baby.

The transition from being pregnant to having a baby can bring about significant changes for new mothers. It can be a life-altering experience, especially for single mothers, with a profound emotional impact. However, it is also a time filled with immense joy and happiness, making it one of the most special moments in a woman’s life.

To all the expecting and new mothers out there, as a fellow new mom (single mom), I want to share a glimpse into my daily life with a newborn. It is a rollercoaster ride with its ups and downs, but it is truly a joyous experience. Let’s delve into a day in the life of a new single mom, shall we?

Morning Time

Mornings usually start early for me. With a newborn, I often find myself waking up multiple times in the middle of the night, leaving me sleep-deprived in the morning. After giving birth, exhaustion and soreness are common, and there is still a lot happening physically. Once I freshen up and brush my teeth, I attend to my baby, who is usually still asleep and ready for the first feeding of the day.

As a new mom, I always check on my baby to ensure he is breathing. It’s an instinctive motherly thing. I gently unwrap him from his swaddle, lift him from his bassinet, and lovingly plant kisses on his cheeks. After changing his diapers, I place him in his cozy baby nest bed.

Feeding Time

Feeding time is a combination of breastfeeding and bottle feeding for me. I pump breast milk and store it in a glass container in the refrigerator. When it’s time for the baby to feed, I use this super fast bottle warmer, it’s an essential item for every parent, as it quickly warms up the milk for your baby. I also supplement his feed with my preferred infant formula, Kendamil. My little one prefers Philips Avent bottles, which I make sure to wash in the dishwasher and steam sterilize to maintain cleanliness. Typically, I feed my newborn two ounces every 2-3 hours. After each feeding, I burp him, and he usually falls asleep right away.

Earliest Signs of Pregnancy

When you have a baby, it’s easy to forget about taking care of yourself, including eating. As you glance at the clock, you notice it’s already noon. By this time, my little one  would have had three feeds and a diaper change after each feed to ensure his sensitive bottom remains rash-free.

Mommy Time

While my baby naps, I typically have an hour to quickly prepare breakfast, usually opting for toast with eggs and cheese or oatmeal with tea or coffee. It’s essential to make a straightforward dish to avoid it getting cold in case your baby wakes up. I am grateful for supportive family members during this time, especially as a single mom juggling multiple responsibilities.

Bath Time

During the day, I give my baby a warm bath. To prepare for bath time, I gather all the necessary items and set up his baby bath in the tub. I carefully wash him with shampoo, being mindful of his healing navel string. Afterward, I wrap him in a bath towel, apply baby lotion and oil gel, change his diaper, and dress him in his sleep and play outfit. He’s now ready to take on the day!

Next, he would be due for his next feeding followed by a nap in his swing.

Mommy Time

The best time to take a break is when your baby is asleep. It’s challenging to accomplish much in that short window of time. If a family member offers to watch my son, I take a quick shower and prepare for the day in about 10 minutes. Finding time for my skincare routine or styling my hair is a luxury I rarely have. As a new mom, time management and efficiency are crucial skills to master. However, it is crucial to prioritize self-care during the postpartum period as it greatly contributes to both mental and physical well-being. Engaging in simple activities like taking a walk and enjoying fresh air can be incredibly fulfilling.

Baby Play Time

Playtime is an opportunity to bond with your baby. I place my son on his kick & play mat to listen the piano and also track his eye movements with high-contrast toys to develop his senses. I engage in playtime with my son, make silly faces at him and cherish every moment we spend together throughout the day. These are precious memories that will stay with me forever. 

Bed Time

By evening, my baby would be asleep, and when he wakes up, it’s time for another round of feeding and mommy duties. In the evening, my baby would be peacefully sleeping, and upon waking up, I would prepare him for bed by gently cleaning his face, hands, and body with a warm washcloth, and changing his diapers. I would then use his tiny toothbrush to clean his gums and tongue. After reading him a bedtime story, I would softly rock him to sleep. Spending quality time cuddling with my son is incredibly valuable to me.

It took some time for my son to adjust to sleeping in the bassinet, but I kept working on it. I spent numerous nights soothing him back to sleep when he woke up, keeping a watchful eye on him as he slept. As a new mom, I always had concerns about my baby’s well-being. At the end of the day, I reflect on the blessings of motherhood.

Here it is! A glimpse into the daily life of a new mom, who is balancing her responsibilities as a mom, her personal life as a single woman, and being there for her loved ones. It can become overwhelming if you allow it to, but it is undeniably the most incredible and wonderful phase of my life. I feel fortunate to be a mother and I have an immense love for my child. Motherhood presents its challenges, but it teaches you to be resilient, courageous, and to prioritize self-love while caring for another human being. Remember, you are your little one’s hero.

Please share the difficulties that come with being a new mother in the comments section below.