“How to be a good mother” has 46,000 searches on Google every month. Most mothers struggle with these thoughts—am I good enough? Am I doing it right? Even before your baby is born, you might have that nagging voice whispering in the back of your mind: What if I mess it up?
As you prepare for a new baby, you may focus on the physical preparations: setting up a crib, eating the right food, having the right checklist, etc. But emotional and spiritual preparations are just as important.
This preparation can make pregnancy a special time of intentional prayer, growth, and reflection.
Praying for motherhood
Praying for your baby during pregnancy is important, but so is praying for yourself and your growing family.
Talk to God as you would a friend. What are you worried about? Excited about? Nervous about? During this time, you can cast “all your anxieties on Him, because He cares for you” (1 Peter 5:7 ESV).
Think about your family. Will siblings be ready for the new baby? How are you praying for your husband during this time? Take some time during your pregnancy to lift each family member up in prayer and ask God to prepare their hearts and spirits for the new baby.
As you pray, take time to sit in silence and let the Lord speak back to you. In the quiet, let His Word wash over you with hope, encouragement, and strength.
Building community
Community is important. These are the people you can count on, call for baby advice, vent to when you haven’t slept a full night in weeks, and lean on for assistance when you need a break. And in turn, they know you’re equally there for them.
The Bible is clear on the importance of community. We’re called to “bear one another’s burdens” (Galatians 6:2), to “be united in the same mind” (1 Corinthians 1:10), and to “live in harmony with one another” (Romans 12:16).
As you build your community, make sure to include people from all stages of life.
Be there for older people who may need company or some help around the house. They’ve already been where you are now and can provide counsel for various problems that may arise (Titus 2:3-5).
Seek out people in the same stage as you, who know what you’re going through in the moment and can empathize with you. You can watch each other’s kids and support each other through the mutual challenges of raising children.
Connect with people who are younger; friends who need someone to look up to and emulate, who you can mentor, encourage, and support as they grow.
You might feel anxious wondering: Will I be a good mom? The answer is yes.
Scripture about mothers and motherhood
Take time to read the Bible and let God’s word refresh your heart and spirit.
- “For You formed my inward parts; You knitted me together in my mother’s womb. I praise You for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are Your works; my soul knows it very well.” – Psalm 139:13-14
- “She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come.” – Proverbs 31:25
- “As one whom his mother comforts, so I will comfort you.” – Isaiah 66:13
- “Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward.” – Psalm 127:3
- “I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.” – 3 John 1:4
- “Listen, my son, to your father’s instruction and do not forsake your mother’s teaching. They are a garland to grace your head and a chain to adorn your neck.” – Proverbs 1:8-9
How to be a good mother
When you’re finally holding your newborn in your arms and gazing down into their face, you might feel that doubt creeping up again: Will I be a good mom?
The answer is yes.
You won’t be a perfect mom—no one is. But you will love your child with your entire heart, work together as a family to raise them according to God’s Word, and care for them through all the ups and downs of life.
That makes for a good mom.
“Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: ‘Many women have done excellently, but you surpass them all.‘”
[Proverbs 31:28-29]
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