The Best Advice For A First-time Mum? Our Readers’ suggestions…

It's all well and good to have been through the process of being pregnant and having kids, but how can we possibly describe something so personal to another woman? That's precisely what we tried to do when we published The One Piece Of Invaluable Advice That First-time Mums Need To Know - to impart practical and friendly advice for anyone who needed it. Of course, our fabulous readers chimed in too and have come up with some of the most heartfelt and positive messages for expectant mums we have ever read. Big high fives from all of us, to all of you, for wanting to make it that much easier and more supportive for other mums-in-waiting. Here are some of the best words of advice that you sent in:

"Best piece of advice I got was if your baby is crying and you feel like it's getting too much it's OK. Put baby in a safe place (ie cot/ bassinet) stick on the kettle have a cuppa and a cry" - Karen Ní Dhochartaigh "Don't be too hard on yourself. I remember there was an episode of How I Met Your Mother where Lily talks about how even though she loves her baby, sometimes she has moments where she wishes she could run away and not have to worry about being a mum. I think most women can relate to that. Everyone is afraid to admit when they're upset and they're struggling, but we've all been there. Being a mum is tough but it's worth it" - Jessica Masterson

"You never know how it's going to be until you become a mother. My lesson to myself was, to lower my expectations of getting anything done, other than taking care of the baby. And time does pass so quickly!" - Carmel O'Shea "Don't stress over housework etc. Enjoy your time with your baby... they grow so fast!! Looking back I wish I had taken this advice myself instead of stressing over meaningless things" - Sarah Byrne "Don't forget to laugh. I spent so much time and effort trying to be perfect that I couldn't smile or laugh about any of it. You need to be able to laugh at the absurdity of sleepless nights, spit up, dirty nappies, messy house and you questioning your every move" - Jac Edwards "Sleep when the baby is sleeping.. Also, clean when the baby is cleaning, shop when is shopping, cook when the baby is cooking" - Aimé Ó Cuinn ÓhEathrín

 

"If people insist on visiting in the first few precious weeks, answer the door in your dressing gown. Tell them where the kettle and mugs are, and then sit down on your comfy chair. If they ask can they bring anything, name a dinner dish or ask for some nappies, formula or other grocery item that you need. If they ask can they do anything, be a gracious host and point out a pile of laundry or dishes that need sorting. Truly helpful people will come in, stay standing, and say "tell me what needs doing", others will stay away" - Jenny Hanlon "Take every piece of advice with s pinch of salt - smile politely and nod but go with your own gut and instincts no one knows your little one like you do - and every baby and mammy are different - and don't forget to enjoy and treasure every precious moment" - Louise Fagan McCart "Appreciate your husbands help, no he is not doing everything wrong with the baby, you, the house, and he is not the devil incarnate .. Believe it or not he is on your side and wants to help his hormonal sleep deprived nutter of a wife!! Oh and breathe, you are doing your best and you are a great mom already, the hormones WILL balance out and you will feel yourself again in awhile" - Ciara Pierce

       

"Enjoy every minute play love laugh tickle kiss cuddle there's always time for housework when your baby/child is sleeping don't get bogged down in the picture perfect mom life enjoy your time with your child.." - Rosie Byrne

Have you any other words of advice to add? Join the conversation on Twitter @HerFamilyDotie