Advice for First Time Mums

Submitted by JaneUK on Thu, 08/16/2012 - 02:58

New Mum and BabyFIRST TIME MUMS

There is nothing like talking to someone who has already been through having a baby. Second time mums are experienced at motherhood and can often offer invaluable advice. They have been there, done that and proudly wear the t-shirt. They have endured the steep learning curve a new mum has to go through and are now often facing a new challenge of juggling their first child with a new baby.
 
As with all things in life, some advice may prove useful, whilst other tips you may take with a pinch of salt. However, we can usually all benefit in some way from those who do have some expertise.
 

HELPFUL TIPS AND ADVICE

Trust Your Instincts – As a first time Mum to be everyone will want to give you their own little tips and advice but go with your gut instincts. You know your baby better than anyone so have the confidence to trust your instincts, believe me you will be right most of the time.

Switch off Autopilot – When it comes to your baby sleeping, try not to rush to them every time they whimper. Check on them from time to time but try not to overdo it and check on them every hour of the day or night!

Stop the Guilt – Being a new Mum can bring on tremendous feelings of guilt. You want to try and do everything and feel guilty when you can’t or when you need to grab some time for yourself. A happy mum means a happy baby so stop the guilt and if you need to leave your baby with a family member or friend to get some jobs done or have time for yourself then please do it without feeling guilty.

Enjoy the Chaos – It’s amazing how something so small can cause such chaos and mess but just enjoy your new baby and don’t stress about the house. A little mess never hurt anyone and babies grow up so quickly you need to make sure you spend time with your newborn. This one on one time is to be treasured, when number two comes along you’ll be busy looking after your firstborn to appreciate the time with your second baby in the same way.

Baby FeetThere’s No Rush – there seems to be pressure put on a new mums to make sure they have everything ready before the new baby. However, new babies really need very little at the start of their life. As long as they have the essentials to care for them, the nursery can wait a couple of months, especially since your baby is likely to be in the same room as you for at least the first couple of months.

Just Go – being alone at home with a new baby can be a very daunting experience. You are undergoing a huge learning curve trying to master new tasks and sometimes it can become overwhelming. If you feel the need for space, just make sure your baby is safe and then leave the room to have some time out to calm yourself and gather your thoughts. Nothing bad will happen and you will feel much better in yourself.
 

Routine Isn’t Everything – Every baby is different, that’s what makes them so special and what works for one won’t necessarily work for another. Sometimes if you try and force a routine on a baby and it doesn’t work then you can stress yourself out and think you have failed. Some babies naturally find their own routine so spend the first few weeks watching and getting to know your baby and then see what you think would work best for you and your baby.