Being a new mom can feel like the toughest job in the world, yet it’s also one of the most rewarding things you’ll ever do.
It’s full of highs and some lows and will change your life forever. And regardless of all the books you might read, nothing will truly prepare you for the transformation your life is going through.
With hormones somersaulting, a squidgy body and a severe lack of sleep to contend with, it’s no surprise that you feel batshit crazy a lot of the time!
But – with Cathal now two-and-a-half months old – there are a few things I’ve learnt that may help you navigate those early weeks…
1) Trust your instinct
You know what your baby needs better than anyone else. In a few short weeks, you will be familiar with his/her cues and be able to tell the difference between hunger, tiredness and wind. It doesn’t happen instantly so give yourself a break, you need to get to know your little one as they do you.
2) Accept help
The first few weeks are intense so you will need any and all help available. Don’t be afraid to ask for it or accept it when it’s offered. Anyone who can mind you (cooking, cleaning) while you mind your little one and help make the transition into motherhood that little bit smoother, is very welcome indeed.
3) Tears and tantrums
I’m not talking about baby here! Beware of the knock-on effect of tiredness as you may feel like you are losing your mind. You are not, it’s normal and you’ll be OK.
3) Boss baby
Your newborn rules the roost. For your own sanity, surrender to this reality. From feeding to winding, cuddling to nappy changes and the all important if at times elusive, sleeping schedule; they will let you know how your day will go so the sooner you accept it and just go with it, the easier it’s be.
4) Vulnerability
The responsibility of motherhood can feel overwhelming at times. Don’t panic, you are doing great.
5) Babies are great teachers
They test your stamina, patience, and your organisational skills! Looking after a newborn is more effective than any meditation on inner strength and resilience that I’ve ever done.
6) Mommy guilt
From my struggle with breastfeeding to leaving him for an hour or two here and there with his daddy or grandparents, the guilt I have felt has been potent and very real. Whenever you feel it creeping in, have a word with yourself and drop it. It’s counterproductive and draining.
7) Accepting your post baby body
This one is tough and one I am still working on it if I’m honest. Instead of being critical of chunky thighs and spongy bellies, we should be celebrating our amazing bodies that have grown and given birth to our beautiful babies.
8) Power of sound
Burps and farts are the best sound ever as they signal the release of trapped air and in turn a happy baby. Oh and if he/she won’t settle I find switching the vacuum cleaner on, works a treat! The magic of white noise.
Thinking of the most vunerable; the elderly, homeless & heavily pregnant.
Hope you are OK wherever you are. Breathe.
#Ophelia #ThisWillPass— Síle Seoige (@SileSeoige) October 16, 2017
9) Watch your posture
The combination of getting used to holding your baby, bending over to change nappies, and lack of exercise can lead to twinges and stiffness. Try and do some stretches whenever you think of it. The last thing you want is to damage your back or pull a muscle.
10) Look after momma too
Simply getting dressed and brushing your teeth may be a struggle some days but it is so important to look after ourselves, as well as our babies. I’ve been fuelling on way too many carbs and treats for weeks now to keep my energy up so I have slowly started to pull back from the bold options (not always succeeding) as I reintroduce more nutrition into my diet
However, I’m not going to lie, it’s very hard. Being time-poor and tired means I often make poor choices; the Nutribullet and the slow cooker are now back in action so I’ll get there… eventually!
11) Baby Brain
Brain farts happen on a daily basis. I put salt into the fridge the other day and I’m crap at remembering names. Supposedly it comes back!
12) Pelvic persistence
Pelvic floor exercises might be the last thing you feel like doing after giving birth but they help postnatal healing and are vital for long-term reproductive health. So breathe in and on the exhale, clench!
13) Online shopping is your friend
When the thought of leaving the house with baby is enough to bring you out in a cold sweat, simply go online and order what you need from food to clothing to baby gadgets. Life is a lot less stressful when you do, believe me.
14) Upstairs downstairs
Living in a bungalow would be so much easier but being organised really helps, so get yourself a sturdy bag or a box and every morning and every night take what you need with you for the day and night ahead. It’ll save unnecessary trips up and down the stairs looking for baby grows or nappies.
15) Breathe
It does get easier. If you’re in the early days and struggling; simply breathe and take things a step at a time. Perhaps as the weeks roll on, you adjust more as does your baby, but it does improve.
it may not feel like it right now but it does.
Until next week…
Grá mór,
Síle xxx
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