Brought to you by Aldi.
Newsflash: Maternity leave is no picnic.
From getting to grips with feeding and changing to feeling like you're walking around in someone else's (much more voluptuous) body, the six months leave all working mums are entitled to when they give birth tend to pass by in the blink of an eye.
Sure, you may have had notions about spinning and baking and baby album-making, but the reality is that teaching yourself how to care for another human being can be utterly exhausting.
The trick to enjoying it all is twofold: firstly, don't beat yourself up about the little things.
Secondly, treat yourself well. That means considering your happiness with almost as much reverence as you place on your new arrival.
Here are five little treats that will help make your maternity leave magic:
Listen in
It's a little hard to read when it's pitch dark, 3am and there's a baby on your boob. Download the latest podcasts or your favourite books on tape and treat yourself to a fascinating interview or an enthralling story as you feed or push the buggy through the park.
Take a nap instead
This advice applies to absolutely everything. Need to clean the counter top? Take a nap instead. Feeling guilty because you haven't written thank-you cards to all the lovely friends and family members who sent baby gifts? Take a nap instead. Just realised the bins need to go out? Take a nap instead.
Relish the chaos
There are very few times in life when it's perfectly acceptable to throw the schedule out the window and do what makes you happy. Maternity leave is one of those times. Up all night singing lullabies? Pop a scoop of ice cream in your morning coffee. Raining out? Put the kettle on, dig out your cosiest socks and prepare for a Jeremy Kyle marathon. Treat yo'self.
See the sights
While daytime TV has a certain charm, getting out and about is a surefire way to boost your mood. If the local park doesn't interest you, don't panic. Check out what's going on in your local neighbourhood or town. Stock your buggy or baby bag with everything you need and explore your city like a tourist. A quick google will show you the best spots for a feed or change along the way during your little adventure.
Become your own gourmet chef
What's your favourite food? Ever tried cooking it? Now's your chance. Google the top chefs or dig out a cookbook. Stroll the buggy to the shops for ingredients, then set about preparing your dream cuisine for dinner. Make extra so you can freeze some for a rainy day. Hello beef wellington and thrice-cooked chips.
For more information on the award-winning Mamia range, visit the Aldi website.
