Being a mum is one of the most rewarding, hardworking jobs out there. And one that never ends from the moment that gorgeous little baby is handed over to you. And, being a mum for the first time can be, put simply, terrifying.
Not only have you been given the biggest responsibility ever, your hormones are all over the place, and everything suddenly looks very different. And it can be daunting.
As mums, we understand that feeling of fear and elation that is coursing through your veins, just remember, you’re not alone, you’re doing just fine and with each day that passes you’re achieving great things.
And on that note, here are just a few of the things every mum should hear, whether it’s on your first baby or your fourth, if they’re just tiny newborns, or a growing munchkin of six months. I know that knowing these things in advance would have made my life just a little bit easier.
1. It IS hard
No matter what Instagram, Pinterest or that friend from school that you started following on social media 10 years ago would have you believe, being a new mum is incredibly hard. It is not all cute breastfeeding photos or coffees with fellow mamas, it is exhausting and tiring. And you are NOT the only one who is finding it hard.
2. Expect a “poonami”. Or two. Or even more.
The unexpected moments of joy will happen, but so too will be the less joyous poonami moments. When you have changed them for the fourth time that morning, and you’re on the umpteenth load of washing, it will happen. Or the sudden wakeful moment at 3am, when it’s more than just a nappy change, you know it has happened. But you’ll get through it.
Thankfully, Pampers are a great addition to your nappy routine with Pampers® New Baby nappies. Pampers New Baby has an unique DermaComfort layer with absorbent pores that instantly pulls wetness and mess away from skin and lock them inside the nappy. So baby’s delicate skin remains dry and protected
In addition, they have Soft & Stretchy Flexi Side Wings that gently hug your baby in a soft and breathable touch, a navel-friendly shape that protects your baby's delicate tummy with a perfectly contoured fit, along with a quick dry core that absorbs liquid instantly to keep your baby dry and protected for up to 12 hours and double leg cuffs that gently adapt around baby's legs protecting from leaks.
And not forgetting the Wetness Indicator that lets you know when it might be time for a change – which avoids having to wake your sleeping little one unnecessarily.
Thankfully this all means that there is much less extreme nappy leakages (to you and me that basically means less poonami situations). Phew!
3. You are NOT the only one
Whether your baby is struggling to latch on or you're feeling incredibly overwhelmed, you are not the only one. While it might feel like that at times, it is important to understand that there is someone out there who is going through the exact same thing. And you are NOT alone. It might be when they are just tiny newbies and you’re trying to get to grips, or when you feel like you should have it all in hand at 6 months, 12 months – it’s not always that simple, so give yourself and your little one a break.
4. It is OK to cry
Not only are your emotions all over the place, but, girl, you've just been catapulted into an entirely different world filled with nappies and sleepless nights. It is OK to cry. It does not mean that you are failing. It does not mean that you don't love your baby. It just means that you are human. That you are tired. That you are a mum. Please don't ever try to hide those tears.
5. Ask for and accept help offered
You’d be surprised how willing friends and family will be to help out if they know you’re willing to accept it.
And remember, accepting it makes sense - even if it’s only so you can take a nap, or a shower, or have a cup of tea before it goes cold. These moments will make your day that little bit easier to manage. You do not have to do everything yourself.
6. Print off those photos
Everybody has hundreds of photos of your little darling on your phone - sleeping, smiling and just being cute. Don’t forget to print some of them off for albums, so you don’t lose them to a phone switch or a computer crashing. It's cheap enough to print them – of course you just have to find the time to do it!
7. You do you
There are people out there who will find the need to point out things about your parenting, to tell you that you are doing 'such and such' wrong. People who will have usually well-meaning advice can sometimes come across as judgemental and critical. Take it like water off a duck's back. Nod along to their words but only take on what you agree with. There is no one way to parent. No one has it sussed out.
