6 things I wish I’d known as a first time Mum.

And just like that, it seems I no longer have a teeny tiny newborn but a real life baby! As we move into our 3-6 month era, I thought I’d take a moment to reflect on 6 things I wish I’d known as a first time Mum.

Six things I wish I’d known…

1) That there will be moments where you look your baby in the eyes and the love is so overwhelming that it’ll move you to tears. Other times, surrendering to the fact that life is no longer, and will likely never be the same again, is also very overwhelming! Then a shift happens and the new somehow seems even better than what was, or there’s a little dance between the tug of the former freedoms and pull from watching your tiny person grow and develop.

2) That it seems like digestive issues (colic, suspected dairy allergies, reflux, constipation, diarrhoea etc.) are the norm, not the exception. Don’t panic! I wish I’d known to expect this more. If your bub is free of any digestive complaints, you have hit the jackpot!

3) To remove any expectations e.g. “I’ll never use a dummy, I’ll exclusively breastfeed for 6 months, I’ll have a natural birth in a pool.” Of course it’s amazing if you’d like to do these things and it works out, but don’t put pressure on yourself which could leave you disappointed. It’s also ok to change your mind. I for one thought I’d never use a dummy (I don’t even know why), but watching how much relief Mikey can get from it when he’s in discomfort is amazing. I am now a big fan.

4) That no matter how much you longed for a baby and desperately wanted to hold them in your arms, it will be tough at times. That there are the Hollywood moments of pushing the pram in the sunshine whilst holding a flat white—and it also doesn’t always go that way. In fact, more often than not, it doesn’t. To the mums whose babies are wailing in the park and the only option is to get the boobs out, I see you and salute you! To this point, to smile in solidarity to anyone breastfeeding in public! Having to lock yourself away is lonely and boring!! I feel so grateful that this has been so much more of a norm these days.

5) To know that whatever option you’d like to take for the “easy life” at one of the most demanding times is ok. Putting yourself first is putting your baby first. Don’t over-stress about “bad habits.” I don’t know any teenagers still being carried around in slings or using dummies.

6) Women (and men), but mostly women, are just beyond unbelievably incredibly amazing!! Who runs the world…