I have learned so much over the years after having my girls. But there are some things I really wish I had learned sooner.
Looking back, these are the things I think every mum needs to know to survive the early years with sanity intact:
1. Get out of the house, don’t stay cooped-up all the time, its good to get out.
2. Create a support network, family, friends, neighbours, online community.
3. Know your go-to people – who can spare you some milk? Who has the wine? Who is there for you when you need a good cry?
4. Accept help when it's offered and learn to ask for it when it isn’t
5. Stay away from Doctor Google. You will only drive yourself mad looking things up and come up with the worst conclusion
6. Most Public Health Nurse's (PHN’s) have a free morning clinic, ask your PHN when and where.
7. Don't hide your feelings. Being a parent is hard, and nobody is perfect.
8. Never feel ashamed if you’re finding things tough, it's okay to let people know how you feel.
9. EAT. I can’t stress this one enough, you need to look after yourself too. Five smaller meals regularly is better than three big ones, especially when you’re on-the-go all day.
10. Do something small for yourself, have a nice hot bath or a long shower, take a nap when the baby is napping. The house won’t fall apart if you take a break.
11. Treat yourself, not just the baby: buy a magazine, some chocolate, even a new bag. Or paint your nails or get your hair done.
12. Meet other mums. This one can be scary but remember, we all need friends – talk to other mums at the park or playgroup.
13. Make dry shampoo your best friend, some days you will just have time for a quick shower and not your hair, this will freshen it up, or if you don't have any, try baby talc.
14. Take lots and lots of pictures.
15. Laugh, dance around, roll on the floor, be silly. Just go with it...
I hope you find these tips helpful, remember, the most important thing is to look after yourself as well as your family. You are important too, you know.
Sara lives in Co Wicklow with her partner Owen and two girls, Abigail and Ella. She blogs on whereismymindgone about life as a stay-at-home mum (SAHM) to preserve her sanity.
