Being a mamma isn't easy and we learn new things everyday. I am going to share a few tips I wish I had've known way back at the beginning of my mam journey. These are simple tips but sometimes simple is better. These are for the expectant mamma, new mamma, or planning to be a mamma, they could even be for the second, third time around mamma. So here goes :)
And remember babies cry!!! That's how they tell us what's wrong with them.
1.Sleep when your baby sleeps. I know this is not always possible if you have older children that need taking care of but if they are at school try to take a little nap. I wish I had've taken this advice more seriously because I ran myself into the ground doing too many things at one time. If someone offers to mind your older child(ren) don't say 'no' hop right into bed with your new baby and get some rest.
2. Let people help you! if someone is visiting and offers to wash the dishes or sweep the floors, let them! They wouldn't offer if they didn't want to do it. And vice versa if you're visiting a friend or family member with a new baby offer to help them with housework. Being a new mam is very hard.
3. Don't stress about the dirty floor or the piles of washing that need to be done. The house can fall apart around you. They will be there tomorrow. Take time out with your new bundle of joy, they're tiny for such a short amount of time. Take this time to bond with your baby, bonding is so important. If I'm honest it took a long time to fully bond with my son, and I think it was because I didn't spend enough time just him and I when he was a newborn. I wanted to take him out and show him off. Of course, that's great but there has to be a balance between the two.
4.Be patient. Sometimes babies test your patients and there are days that you feel like crying. Patience is a virtue I have learned enormously this past year. It is one of the most important traits a mother should have. If you get angry every time your baby does something, they are going to learn anger is a normal part of daily life and it's ok to shout and yell at people. You can tell your child 'no' in a calm manner that doesn't involve shouting or cursing. It is one of my pet hates when I hear parents shouting and cursing at a child. It's so much easier to tell why what they have done is wrong!
5.Cherish every minute you have with your baby! My little man is one year old and this has been the fastest year in history! Enjoy the cuddles, tears, frustration and love because all these things are part of raising a little person. I would be lying if I sat hear and said Im a perfect parent. I make more mistakes them I like to admit sometimes but my heart is in the right place and I love my baby more than anyone will ever know.
This is my little man and I at a carnival. We went ice skating while my aunty watched Senan (she was too scared) heehee. It was ssooooo cold though and it started to lash rain as we were leaving.
I hope my little tips helps someone out there, whether your a new mam or have fifty kids ( not really but you know what I mean haha). If you are struggling just remember it will get easier and you will get more sleep. It might not feel this way now, at the very beginning of your journey but you will get into the swing of things. Before you know you will be a pro and your baby will love every minute of being with his/her mam. You are the one person that they find comfort and support in. Why do you think they cry when you put them down and will only sleep if they're are beside you in bed. This feels very strange at the start but you will relish the close bond between you and your baby. I really hope my words help you, even if one person reads this and feel comfort in knowing they're not alone. Always remember it's ok to say your not ok :)
All my love Becks xxxxxx
