Ladies
I am a first time mum to a one year old.
If I could go back and tell myself a few things I think it would have changed some of the hardest times.
I can't. So I thought I'd just write a message to others.
- It's hard. And it's ok to find it hard. It wouldn't be mumming if it wasn't! The highs and lows are extreme
- crying is absolutely fine.
- Thirst is real. Keep a water bottle close always.
- brand new mums, latch is everything. I destroyed my nipples by day 3. But I managed to power through, it's possible with a few little added extras to the process
- if breast feeding doesn't work for you that's absolutely 100% fine.
- it's the mental state to contend with - but they're not tiny for long. Cluster feeding is a total arse but forget about everything else. Don't worry about the house. Yourself looking tidy. Just embrace you and baby time. Chuck some crap TV on. Surround yourself with snacks and just relish these moments.
- sometimes they just scream. And you think your supply has dwindled. Or they're lactose intolerant. Or they had terrible wind. Or they hate you. Sometimes....they just seem to scream and fuss like a goodun.
- they seemed to have a routine then it stopped? That apparently is being a baby. Their sleep patterns change so much stop trying to change them yourself. Roll with it.
- sleep deprivation is beyond real. I found getting out the house helped a lot more than moping around feeling sorry for myself I was so tired. Sleep will come eventually
- on that note - relish a good night's sleep every time you get one but don't expect that to be the norm!
- automatic sensor lights on the landing are amazing.
Probably have more.
But just remember - you are doing possibly the hardest thing in the world being a parent. It isn't always rainbows and butterflies.
In relationship - Just be kind to each other. (Mums we do way more than dads but they often get the hero complex so let them run with that sometimes )
Xxx