tinymumma
Mummy to a rainbow boy
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When I was in third tri, there was a thread from a new mama about things she wish she knew before she had her baby. My DS is almost 2 months old and I thought I would post a thread for you ladies xo
1. The "jetlag". I remember my midwives telling me a lot of babies are born with "jetlag". For the first two weeks I felt like I had everything under control. He slept through (basically, only waking a maximum of three times, then straight back to sleep). He was an amazing sleeper during the day and hardly ever fussed. Then I hit 3 weeks and I swear I had a different baby. If this happens to you, don't worry. It's not something you have done. Trust me xo It does get better.
2. The lack of sleep. Everyone knows that when you have a baby, sleep deprivation is that new annoying friend who just won't leave! There is nothing you can do to prepare yourself but again, it does get better.
3. Sleep issues continued. Let your house go for a little bit. If LO is asleep and there is washing or dishes to do leave them. Sleep, don't feel bad. Take that time.
4. It's ok to look after yourself. I went through a phase (if I'm honest with myself I'm still in it), where I let myself fall to the wayside. I wouldn't shower for days on end. Stayed in the same clothes. Forgot to brush me teeth, forgot to eat. Basically stopped looking after yourself. It's ok to go and have a shower, do your hair, heck put a bit of makeup on if that makes you feel better. Don't forget to look after yourself. You will find the time.
5. If LO is awake, you don't have to be holding them the whole time. If there are things you really need to get done (like that bathroom trip you've been putting off for the last three feeds) and LO is awake, it's ok to leave them for a few minutes. As long as they have a clean bum, are fed and burped, it's ok to let them watch the curtains move (my DS's favourite). You don't have to constantly be making silly faces and talking like a crazy woman just because they're awake.
6. Don't get down on your body. You're in pain, feel like your lady bits are the size of a watermelon, your stomach is all wobby and you still look like you're in your third trimester. Birth is quite an intense process on your body. You'll be surprised at how quickly you start feeling better. At the time, it feels like forever but once you look back and you think about what you've just been through, you do bounce back pretty quickly, all things considered.
7 And most importantly, don't be afraid to ask for help. Even if it's just someone to watch LO while you have a shower, catch some shut eye, whatever it is. It's ok. You haven't failed as a mother
Baby blues are normal but if you keep feeling down, don't be afraid to talk to someone. PND is debilatating. Look out for the signs. You cannot give yourself to LO if you're mental health is going down the tubes.
Becoming a mother is a magical and amazing experience. Although hard at times, every second is worth it. There is nothing on the planet that can compare to the love you have for your child
You're almost there mummies
1. The "jetlag". I remember my midwives telling me a lot of babies are born with "jetlag". For the first two weeks I felt like I had everything under control. He slept through (basically, only waking a maximum of three times, then straight back to sleep). He was an amazing sleeper during the day and hardly ever fussed. Then I hit 3 weeks and I swear I had a different baby. If this happens to you, don't worry. It's not something you have done. Trust me xo It does get better.
2. The lack of sleep. Everyone knows that when you have a baby, sleep deprivation is that new annoying friend who just won't leave! There is nothing you can do to prepare yourself but again, it does get better.
3. Sleep issues continued. Let your house go for a little bit. If LO is asleep and there is washing or dishes to do leave them. Sleep, don't feel bad. Take that time.
4. It's ok to look after yourself. I went through a phase (if I'm honest with myself I'm still in it), where I let myself fall to the wayside. I wouldn't shower for days on end. Stayed in the same clothes. Forgot to brush me teeth, forgot to eat. Basically stopped looking after yourself. It's ok to go and have a shower, do your hair, heck put a bit of makeup on if that makes you feel better. Don't forget to look after yourself. You will find the time.
5. If LO is awake, you don't have to be holding them the whole time. If there are things you really need to get done (like that bathroom trip you've been putting off for the last three feeds) and LO is awake, it's ok to leave them for a few minutes. As long as they have a clean bum, are fed and burped, it's ok to let them watch the curtains move (my DS's favourite). You don't have to constantly be making silly faces and talking like a crazy woman just because they're awake.
6. Don't get down on your body. You're in pain, feel like your lady bits are the size of a watermelon, your stomach is all wobby and you still look like you're in your third trimester. Birth is quite an intense process on your body. You'll be surprised at how quickly you start feeling better. At the time, it feels like forever but once you look back and you think about what you've just been through, you do bounce back pretty quickly, all things considered.
7 And most importantly, don't be afraid to ask for help. Even if it's just someone to watch LO while you have a shower, catch some shut eye, whatever it is. It's ok. You haven't failed as a mother
Baby blues are normal but if you keep feeling down, don't be afraid to talk to someone. PND is debilatating. Look out for the signs. You cannot give yourself to LO if you're mental health is going down the tubes. Becoming a mother is a magical and amazing experience. Although hard at times, every second is worth it. There is nothing on the planet that can compare to the love you have for your child
You're almost there mummies
