It is the most magical of times- it is also the most overwhelming of times. The lack of sleep, the wiggly human you have just been handed, the laundry and the tears (and that is just you!)
Being a new mum comes with a huge amount of happiness but it is also exhausting. We totally get it! Here's a list of our eight favourite new mum truths that no book would dare contain:
1. Your house will look like a bomb hit it – this is not a reflection on your parenting skills and you don’t have to talk through a crack in the door. Your plump happy baby is much more important than plump matching cushions.
2. Sleep deprivation is an
actual torture method - don’t expect to be anything less than bonkers if you’re awake for days at a stretch. You might even hallucinate a bit, but it’ll take your mind off the mounting laundry.
3. Oh, and another thing. About the laundry- make friends with your washing machine, because you two will be seeing a lot of each other. Babies are known for their prolific skill with bodily fluid emission and like to wait for a new outfit before output.
4. Being a new mum involves a lot of repetition. Once you find what works, you keep doing it. You may be able to change nappies without regaining consciousness. A brand new skill-set!
5. All those books you read about routine and discipline? Baby is not familiar with them and will cry because they are hungry; tired, uncomfortable or for the craic. They are not trying to push your buttons - that comes with age.
6. Motherhood is a rollercoaster, and you can be the queen of the mamas one moment; plummeting into a chasm of despair and exhaustion the next. Normal; all normal.
7. You will find out who your real friends are; often other mums who will whisper sanity-retaining tips and hints in your ear, or babysit for an hour. Keep these women close.
And don't forget to enjoy every moment. Soon these will be hazy memories you will scrunch your face up to remember and you will miss those crazy moments where you almost asked the local chipper to pick up nappies on the way and when you cried because it looked like the baby winked at you.
Good luck, mamas.
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