I became a mother as soon as I saw the red line on my pregnancy test. From that very moment, my life changed forever and what a whirlwind it's been ever since. I remember falling pregnant with Noah, my first born like it was only yesterday. I ran around my living room, squealing, crying happy tears! Up until that point, it was probably the best day of my life.
At the time the thought of pregnancy, labour and parenting was just as exciting as it was terrifying. With it being my first pregnancy, every aspect of it was new and something I'd never experienced before, but I felt ready. Pregnancy was such a roller coaster but those very first feelings, of my very first baby fluttering inside my belly was just something else. I think that was when everything felt real and my heart felt like it was going to burst with love.
At the time the thought of pregnancy, labour and parenting was just as exciting as it was terrifying. With it being my first pregnancy, every aspect of it was new and something I'd never experienced before, but I felt ready. Pregnancy was such a roller coaster but those very first feelings, of my very first baby fluttering inside my belly was just something else. I think that was when everything felt real and my heart felt like it was going to burst with love.
Throughout my pregnancy with Noah, through to my labour and his birth I was showered with advice, whether it was wanted or not. I often found the advice thrown my way was contradictory, perhaps because so many people had different views and opinions that they just had to share. As a first time Mum it was a bit too much, it made everything confusing and at times it led me to second guess every decision and choice that I made.
Having Ava, our second child has been a whole different experience. It's just as magical watching her grow and learn every day but long gone are the doubts and fears I had back when I became a first time Mum. I don't know if it's experience or age but I'm now totally confident and I very rarely doubt my parenting choices.
If I could write a letter and send it to myself as a first time Mum, it would be full of reassuring messages. I'd tell myself to believe in myself more and to take what other people say with a pinch of salt. Vicks BabyRub and BritMums recently sent me a personalised notepad and pen so I decided to do just that. I wrote an open letter to myself as a first time Mum.
Having Ava, our second child has been a whole different experience. It's just as magical watching her grow and learn every day but long gone are the doubts and fears I had back when I became a first time Mum. I don't know if it's experience or age but I'm now totally confident and I very rarely doubt my parenting choices.
If I could write a letter and send it to myself as a first time Mum, it would be full of reassuring messages. I'd tell myself to believe in myself more and to take what other people say with a pinch of salt. Vicks BabyRub and BritMums recently sent me a personalised notepad and pen so I decided to do just that. I wrote an open letter to myself as a first time Mum.
I have to say it was rather therapeutic to write everything down. My letter lists the things I've come to realise over the years, things which I try to embrace and abide by on a daily basis.
A long with the pad and pen they also sent me a tub of Vicks BabyRub, a first of it's kind, multi purpose product which contains moisturising and soothing comfort for the most delicate of skin. It has the gentle scent of Rosemary, Lavender and Aloe Vera which creates the most heavenly combination.
A Vicks BabyRub massage has now become part of our nightly routine. Giving Ava a baby massage seems to really help her to unwind and relax. As I breastfeed there's not much Nick can do when it comes to settling Ava for bed, so it's been great for him to be able to do this for her. We've also made use of the rub when she's been over tired or over stimulated. Vicks BabyRub is mild enough to use on a daily basis, it's non medicated and suitable for babies from the age of 6 months.
If you are about to become a first time Mum then I hope reading my tips have helped somewhat. I really wish that someone could have said those things to me back I became a first time mum.
Trust your instincts, believe in yourself and you won't go far wrong mama.
Trust your instincts, believe in yourself and you won't go far wrong mama.
- This post is an entry for BritMums #VicksBabyRub Challenge, sponsored by Vicks BabyRub. Specially designed for babies aged 6 months and over. Vicks BabyRub is available at Boots, Superdrug, Tesco, Asda, Waitrose and all good pharmacy chains. RRP: £3.99.
poignant and beautifully written
ReplyDeleteThis is such a lovely idea x
ReplyDeleteSo beautiful and a wonderful idea too xx
ReplyDeleteI love this. I really related to the part about advice coming from all directions and being conflicting at times.
ReplyDeleteLovely! Yes, Motherhood can be a Wonderful experience. Treasure the good memories.
ReplyDeleteRachel Craig
It is amazing how much we learn along the way and I loved your tips for a first-time mum. Commenting for myself and on behalf of BritMums and thanking you for taking part
ReplyDeleteI really think there should be a t-shirt for pregnant/new mums saying 'If I want your advice, I'll ask for it!'. I really found that all the comments and advice were the things that knocked my confidence the most.
ReplyDeleteOn so true, I second guesses everything with connor, on Megan I was much more relaxed, and now with Mollie it almost feels like routine, they are all different in their own ways, parenting is a learning curve and no book, health professional or other parent knows your child like you do xxx
ReplyDeleteso many truths here, great letter
ReplyDelete