Tips to start you off on your new road as a mum
It can be daunting walking into the unknown, but here’s our little tips to help you get into the swing of being mum
You’ll never be ready, they tell you. Life will never be the same again...Well, yes, it’s true, no matter how prepared you think you are pre-baby, once that newborn is in your arms it can be a bit of a rollercoaster, especially when you factor in the lack of routine, sleep and normality!
Having said that, there are some things you can do to make those first few days and weeks a bit easier. And it gets easier, we promise...
1. Don’t expect too much: Sometimes it can all be a bit overwhelming and while you may feel a rush of love, you may also experience blind panic. Take each day as it comes and try not to run before you can walk.
2. Sleep when you can: If Junior is napping - and they do a lot of sleeping in the early days - don’t stress about housework, have a snooze too. Your routine will be all over the place for a while and you need to rest when you can.
3. Mind yourself: Try to eat healthily and drink lots of water. You’re going to need your strength.
4. Postnatal aids: Have cabbage leaves in the fridge ready to put down your bra as they will greatly ease the postnatal sore boobs. Have Arnica on hand too to help with bruising and some Rescue Remedy for the baby blues. You may also experience the joys of back pain, constipation and piles after childbirth too!
5. Accept help: There are no prizes for martyrdom. If a family member offers to cook a few dinners, do some laundry or mop the floor, let them. You have enough to do taking care of the baby.
6. Visitors are lovely - if you’re up to it. If you’re not, put them off for another day - they will understand. And let them make their own cuppa!
7. Stock up: Have dinners cooked in advance of baby coming and freeze them. You’ll be glad of a few lasagnas when you come out of hospital and even if others cook for you, the extra meals won’t go to waste.
8. Find people in same boat: Motherhood can be lonely, particularly if you’re used to a 9-5. Use your time off work to get out and about when you can. You may think you’d rather watch paint dry than go to Baby Rhyme Time classes but it helps to get out and socialise and it’s a great way to meet new mums.
9. Take advice with pinch of salt: People mean well but when you are offered a plethora of conflicting advice it can be head-wrecking. Every baby is different, trust your instincts. It’s fine to get other people’s opinions, but don’t take it as gospel. For medical matters, always ask a doctor or health visitor.
10. And, most of all, enjoy the babymoon: Take this precious time to get to know your baby, enjoy some cuddles and let everything else take a backseat. Time goes by so quickly, so make the most of it!
For other important and interesting information surrounding pregnancy and birth, be sure to check out our general Pregnancy information hub, our first pregnancy steps advice or our pregnancy week by week guide.