Becoming a mum for the first time is an intense, exciting and overwhelming time all at once. We experience a plethora of emotions that can be hard to process at the best of times, but the one thing we constantly need to remind ourselves of is the fact that everything will be okay.
Your own mum, your sisters, your mum friends will all share their words of wisdom with you. You’ll prowl through parenting websites, scan pregnancy books and quiz your doctor about everything and anything.
As mums-to-be, we can’t help but feel a little bit nervous about the looming responsibility that is becoming a parent, but fear not, because it is one of the greatest honours.
We’ve conjured up a list of six small things that are great to know before you become a new mum to help ease your fears, worries and doubts.
1: Crying is normal
Newsflash, crying doesn’t make you weak. It is so important not to beat yourself up when you get upset, frustrated or overwhelmed. Crying is good for the soul. Nobody will ever think less of you for sobbing so let the tears fall. Elizabeth Gilbert once said: “Do not apologize for crying. Without this emotion, we are only robots.”
2: Capturing memories
One of the best things about being a mum is the never-ending memories you share with your tiny tot. One thing we wish we did more of is to take more photos. Everyone tells us how quickly the years go by and they’re too right. Snapping photos of everyday moments to look back on is one of the sweetest things to do, especially when you look back on them when they’re all grown up.
3: You’re their first friend
There’s no doubt your tiny tot will make dozens and dozens of friends throughout their life, but knowing that you’ll be their very first friend on the planet is the sweetest thing. You develop a bond from the moment your bundle of joy is conceived to the second the midwife places them in your arms and it’s one that will only develop and strengthen as they grow up. Remind yourself of that on the days when you’re feeling defeated.
4: Their tiny clothes
Is there really anything cuter than tiny dresses, socks, dungarees and jumpers? No, we didn’t think so. Shopping for your baby boy or girl is an experience like no other. The joy we get when picking out their Christmas dress or their first pair of shoes just fills our hearts with joy. Think of how adorable they’re going to look in their winter woollies- mini bobble hats are just far too adorable.
5: The constant milestones
As a mum you’re going to go through some of the biggest milestones with your son or daughter. You’ll be by their side when they say their first word. You’ll be there to give them their first bubble-filled bath. You’ll wave goodbye to them at the school gate on their first day. You’ll be there to cuddle them after their first heartbreak. Your baby boy or girl will become your very own little sidekick from the moment they arrive.
6: Releasing your inner child
Get ready to relive your own childhood once your mini-me arrives because you’ll be embracing your inner kid from here on out and you’re going to love it. You can read your favourite fairytales to your toddler, go on the swings in the park with your daughter, run around the playground with your son, eat leftover jam sandwiches for dinner, watch Disney movies like there’s no tomorrow and get your face-painted without being judged because you’re a mum and you can do anything.
