When I was pregnant with Mini Mumbler, I don’t think I actually really thought about having a baby, and what we would need to do. Of course, we had the car seats, clothes, crib etc and had been to antenatal classes, but I think I had this weird sense that it would be second nature and a maternal inner knowledge would amazingly appear!
How wrong was I!!!
We were chucked in at the deep end with a baby who was completely reliant on us and we were completely responsible for! I don’t think anything can prepare you for the massive change but some wise words from other Mum’s will help make the journey a bit smoother!
You are not a failure for asking for help; whether it’s someone to clean your toilet or help with feeding! [Vicki]
Don’t feel pressured into having visitors until you’re ready! My husband and I didn’t want visitors at the hospital. Then it was just our parents and siblings the day we got home and everyone else had to wait for an invite (some friends waited a couple of weeks). [Helen]
Take your time, let your mind and body adjust. [Sarah]
Build a village! [Sheryl]
“This too shall pass” – Just know and remember that everything is temporary and whatever you’re struggling with, it will end/change/get easier [Becky]
When you feel up to it, get out and about. Go to mother and baby groups. I found this great to plan in, plus I got to eat cake and chat with other mums. [Sarah]
You don’t have to feel all happy and loved up all the time or even at first, its a big change [Abbie]
Get a sling! … a sling makes it possible for you to get on with other things [Madeleine]
Go with the flow and trust your instincts. You grew your baby and will know what suits you both in time. Everyone will have an opinion, some will help others not so much but even they will help reaffirm what you want/believe to be best. [Lauren]
You can’t spoil a baby with cuddles!! [Emily]
Thank you to Wakefield Mumblers for sharing their knowledge and experience!