This post is part of the New Mom Monday series! A series about moms and their advice to new moms! Books and videos can only teach us so much, but there’s something special about hearing from real life moms. Honest, true, and always beautifully inspiring!!

What’s your Name?

Tamara Goyette

Tell us a little about yourself!

I am a first time mom to a wonderful, spunky, redheaded daughter, and married to the love of my life. Becoming a mom has been hard as we have experienced two miscarriages, but have been blessed with two rainbow babies, our first born, and another daughter due this October. I love reading a good book, or watching a movie while curled up on the couch drinking a cup of tea. I love getting to travel, even if it is just exploring places local, and close to home.

How many kids do you have? What are their names and ages?

I have a daughter, Evie, who will be 3 soon. Daughter number 2 will be making her grand arrival in October.

How do you find your “me time”?

Some days I have to ask for it, and make sure dear hubby knows this Mama is in need of a break. Recently though I was blessed with a whole day that I got to do whatever I wanted. It was glorious. When I do get “me time” I often find myself running errands that are much easier to do without a toddler with me, and that my husband does not normally enjoy going with me for. Such as going shopping for clothing. It’s also often when I book in a hair appointment, or a pedicure. It’s nice to just relax, and focus on myself for a bit. I always end up feeling recharged in no time. Other days, “me time” doesn’t happen until my daughter is in bed for the night and then I get a chance to focus on whatever I’d like to do or get done.

What is the best baby related book you’ve ever read?

I honestly found baby fact books to not be very helpful, they were more so intimidating than anything else. What really helped, and was best for me was talking to friends, and ladies who have been mom’s much longer than I have. They were all open and honest about everything, and willing to answer any questions I had, and still have come up.

What’s the most useful baby product you have? Why do you love it?

I LOVE my Ergo baby carrier. It has been a huge help since very early on. I was able to put my daughter in it when was a newborn, and dry my hair after having a quick shower. She would fall a sleep thanks to the white noise of the hairdryer. We still use it today now that she is a toddler. I have even used it recently and had no issues with my baby belly, and a 28lb toddler on my back. Best investment ever!

If you could say something to yourself when you first brought home your first baby, what would you say?

Just roll with it. Our daughter had severe reflux, and it made things very interesting. Everything from the first drive home, to her sleeping in the bassinet had to be altered so that we knew she was okay. We learned quickly to just roll with things, and we figured out what worked best for her, and for all of us as a new family.

How much planning did you do before your baby was born, and how do you think that it helped or didn’t help?

We bought all of the basics before; car seat, stroller, crib, etc… it was all there. Even when we thought we were prepared, and had everything we needed we still ended up having to go out shopping the day after our firstborn arrived. We had no newborn hats, no burp cloths, and I needed pain medication. As much planning as we did, we still were not fully prepared. I’m sure our second child will surprise us too despite having baby items already in the home.

What do you believe are the top three pieces of advice a new mom or someone trying to conceive should know?

1. Go with your mommy instincts, they really do exist.
2. Take all advice with a grain of salt, you will figure out what works best for you and your baby.
3. Don’t hesitate to ask for help, even if it is 2am

What is your best memory so far of being a mom?

I cherish the times during the day and night, that I spent with my daughter curled up in my arms and she would sleep for hours. Sure I could have put her down to sleep in her bassinet or crib, but I didn’t want to. I knew those moments in time would be short, and not last forever.

Give us the short form version of your birth story.

My daughter arrived on the night of a full moon, oddly enough the birthing unit at the hospital was not busy. Even the staff were commenting on this. I had to go to the hospital right away to get antibiotics, due to having strep b during pregnancy. This was a good thing because it meant I was not going to be sent home if I was not dilated enough. I didn’t have a very strict birth plan, I decided to see what happen and decide in the moment what was needed. I did eventually have an epidural, and was I ever thankful for it. By the time came for me to push, my daughter’s heart rate was crashing. The doctor was using a vacuum at the same time of my pushing to try and get her out fast, but our daughter was posterior making things interesting. At one point I was giving verbal consent for a c-section, that thankfully was not needed because after 30 minutes of pushing she did finally arrive. Her umbilical cord was up over her shoulder and around her neck. This was what was causing her heartbeat to go down. She was placed on my chest for a moment before being rushed to the side to be checked over, her daddy kept a very close watch on her. Soon enough she was back on my chest, and in my arms. I will never forget the moment her eyes looked up at me for the first time. I was in love instantly. You can read all the details about my daughter’s birth story here.

Lastly, for fun, define motherhood!

Motherhood is the honour of getting to raise a child, wether the child is their own by blood, adoption, or they are the honorary mother. It is a challenge filled with many ups, and downs, but so many incredible rewards.

To hear more from Tamara Goyette be sure to visit her blog Discovering Parenthood and follow her on Facebook HERE