Mom's survival checklist: 5 tips for sanity - The Orange County Register

There must be something in the water in Orange County. I have three friends due in the next four weeks. Baby fever is alive and well!

In honor of baby fever and moms-to-be, I?ve assembled a list of the top advice and wisdom I've learned from the moms in my life.

These tips can apply to new or veteran moms. Read on and let me know what you?d add to this mom?s survival checklist.

1. Get ready for the day. First things first. If you only follow one piece of advice from this column, it's this: get yourself showered or at least dressed at your first opportunity. If you don't, you can all too easily fall into the trap of staying in your pajamas all day long, which does a number on you mentally and physically. (Trust me, I would know!)

Think of it this way: On an airplane, in case of emergency, we're told to put on our oxygen mask first, before our child?s. And it makes sense ? we can?t be of help to our kiddos if we pass out, right? So apply that to your everyday life as a mom. You won't be much good to your family if you don't first take care of yourself.

2. Get out. Once you are dressed, get outside. Even if it's for a 15-minute walk, the fresh air will make a difference for you and your child. For a change of scenery, drive or walk to a park or outdoor shopping venue. Here in Orange County we're fortunate to have plenty of outdoor strolling options nearby, from Irvine Spectrum Center to Fashion Island to beautiful beaches and boardwalks.

3. Trust your instincts. If you think something's "off" with your child, you're probably right. Trust your inner voice and don't let anyone or any book tell you differently. This also applies to medical advice. Play an active role in your child's health care, and don't be afraid to ask questions. Parents know their children better than any pediatrician and will always be their best advocates.

4. Know when to say "no." I'm still working on this one. (I can hear my husband laughing already). I want to do it all -- maintain my freelance work, keep a clean and organized home and prepare home-cooked meals -- all while being the best mom and wife I can be. I've discovered this is close to impossible, despite my best intentions. Set attainable goals, and celebrate them when you accomplish them. Be the best mom and partner you can be without sacrificing your sanity and health.

5. Talk to other moms. This is especially important for new moms, but remains a constant throughout motherhood. We need to talk it out with other moms who get it. Who else can empathize with teething woes or breastfeeding issues? Whether you already have a social circle to rely on or whether you seek out new mommy friends, just get social. There are great opportunities for connecting with new moms in OC, including groups like SoCal Moms Connect or classes and support groups at Granola Babies in Costa Mesa or Milkalicious in Aliso Viejo.

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Kristin Chessman is an Orange County-based writer and new mom. She shares her musings on all-things-baby every Tuesday on OCMoms.com. Follow Kristin on Twitter @KristinChessman.?

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