if you had only one piece of advice to give to a mother what would it be?

[dubbada]

exactly that,

tip: forgive yourself its okay to get things wrong. tomorrows another day

Laugh.

you are not your child you can guide them - but you will never control them as they are their own people

wear sunscreen

Don't stress the small stuff and choose your battles wisely!!

This is something I have recently been told by my very supportive and bloody brilliant health visitor - there is no shame in postnatal depression, you wouldn't hide a broken leg, feel afraid to get it look at or refuse treatment for it. Don't think of this illness any differently.

"The days might often seem long, but the years are always fast - so both enjoy yourselves as much as you can."

Old lady in Sainsburgers when DS was about 4 months and I had loo roll hanging out the bottom of my (still maternity) jeans.

Be kind to yourself.

Remember you're a wife/partner/sister/daughter/friend too and they all need your love and time too. And you need your own time too. To have a bath, poo, cry, sleep, read, Mumsnet...ask for and accept help.

Never turn the offer of a meal cooked or bought for you.

Your life will change. But for the better.

Enjoy every moment - it's over in a flash.