Survivng the first few weeks of motherhood.

Becoming a mum for the first time is a very scary, daunting and exciting time. You are about to embark on a new chapter in your life and everything can feel a little overwhelming. I had this idea in my head that I would feel tired and a little sore for a few days and then I will be this "super mum"! doing it all, out socialising, my house all nice and tidy all whilst still having time to do my hair and make up and looking fresh faced...wrong!!! For me anyway this was not the case. I was tired, emotional,completely overwhelmed and uncomfortable. I felt a huge pressure, mainly pressure I put on myself, to do it all and not accept help from anyone and I beat myself and got emotional when I couldn't. I realised when I had my second child that its okay to accept help and take rest when its offered. It doesn't matter if your house is a little untidy or your still wearing pjs after your first week at home. This is the time for you to bond with your baby, get to know each other.

The first few weeks are so precious and you don't get them back, so take the time and be selfish if you need to be. If you don't feel up to going out or having visitors round then don't, most will understand especially if they themselves have children. With my first I had every man and his dog round in the first week to visit and it was daunting, draining and emotional. Of course everyone comes with good intentions and excitement but when you are surviving on little sleep, playing hostess is not what you want to be doing. Have a think about who and when you want people to visit. Perhaps close family and friends over the first couple of weeks and then the rest when you feel up to it. Don't worry about upsetting or offending people, like I said, they will understand and especially those who have children. Accept help from your family and your partner. My husband was forever telling me to go lay down, or rest when I was trying to be "super mum". You will have plenty of time be doing the washing, cooking and cleaning and looking after the baby by yourself, so make the most of the help and enjoy cuddling and bonding with your baby.


The weeks leading up to your due date think about stocking up your freezer and cupboards. Freeze meat or make up meals to freeze. Stock healthy snacks as you will need to eat healthy and drink plenty to keep your energy levels up, especially if you are breastfeeding, (of course throw in some little treats as well) This way there wont be any need for a big food shop in those early weeks, just a quick trip for the essentials like milk, bread and fruit etc. Also take advantage of supermarket "baby events" and stock up on lots of nappies, wipes, maternity pads etc so that your not having to rush out every few days to buy these things. You really can get some good deals so keep an eye out. Take it in turns with your partner to get up during the night, or if your the one getting up in the night have a lay in and get your partner to get up in the morning with the baby. I was really lucky that my husband is really hands on and I don't think I could have survived those first few weeks without him.

                                                                           (Elise)

Finally...I've already said it but really just enjoy those first weeks of bonding and adjusting to motherhood, there is no need to rush or feel pressured to be doing things. Accept help but of course not letting anyone overtake as family can do that without meaning to. As hard as the first few weeks are it really is amazing...enjoy!

                                                                
                                                                    (Charlie)

Tasha xxx