Top Tips For Easing The Transition Into Parenthood

Having a baby, especially your first, comes as a big shock to the majority of people. You go from having to only think about yourself to basically everything apart from yourself. 

My sister over at backsnbumps.com was blessed with a beautiful little girl, Darcey, on New Years day & it definitely got me thinking about my time as a new mother. Whilst I am now fortunately out of the sleepless nights, she is deep in it.

I look back at my times with my newborn babies with anxiety as it was 100% the hardest time of my life. Not only are you recovering from giving birth, which for me it was the most traumatic physically & mentally experiences i’ve ever been through – to read my ridiculously fast birth stories click here & here, but you are also expected to look after this screaming tiny human that wants nothing more than to suck the life out of you.

I’ve come up with my top tips for new parents to make this time that teeny bit easier –

• Prepare meals –

I am blessed with a husband who burns toast. He is a complete invalid in the kitchen so food was a huge problem for us when I wasn’t well enough to cook. Luckily for us we have the most amazing parents who came round with batches of cottage pie, lasagne, bolognese, curry & all sorts ready to stick in our freezer. This was absolutely hands down THE BEST thing anybody can ever do for you….screw the flowers. If I was going to do it again (which I am 100% not ever ever ever, even if you paid me a million pounds) then i’d definitely spend my last month preparing & freezing as many meals as possible.

I made my sister this hamper filled with bits I knew I would have loved to have recieved including prosecco, pate & soft cheeses (things you can’t eat for 9 months), fresh bread, tasty soup, trashy magazines, a maltesers movie box, galaxy salted caramel & some crisps.

• Babies don’t actually need much –

Believe it or not, babies don’t actually need that beautifully designed nursery you & I spent months planning & decorating. They actually don’t need much at all, especially for the first few months when all you really need is milk, baby grows, nappies, wipes & muslins. Don’t fret over the designer cot bumper. 

• Love your bedroom –

Treat yourself to new cushions or bedlinen to make it feel extra special. Make it your sanctuary away from all the visitors downstairs. The time you will spend in your bed will be few & far between during the first few months but you’ll never appreciate anything as much as your own bed when you are so sleep deprived that you could cry (& will, multiple times…). It’s SO important to have a place for ‘you’.

• Say NO –

Over the first few weeks, guests will come in their mounds. You’ll feel like you’ve been dragged through a hedge backwards but still have to welcome everyone & be a hostess. Sometimes it’s important to say no to visitors to allow for family time where only you as new parents can bond alone with your new addition. If you do have people round, don’t put pressure on yourself to have the house tidy or tea in the pot. Visitors will have to take it as they see it.

• Say YES –

By this, I mean say yes to any help you get offered. If a friend offers to whizz round with the hoover then take her up on the offer. Hold the baby whilst you have a bath? Yes please. Don’t be embarrassed or feel bad for accepting help when you need it the most.

• Keep comforts handy –

You’ll probably spend 90% of your time on the sofa feeding, winding & changing your new bundle of love. You’ll also feel like you’ve been hit by a bus at the same time so keep things close to make it as easy as possible. TV remote, snacks, drink & a book. Whatever floats your boat.

Do you have any tips for staying sane during those first few months?

Love, Charlotte x