Advertisement

Four pearls of wisdom for new mums

Thinkstock

Along with the gorgeous invitation to a good friend’s baby shower I was sent a crisp, blank card. I was asked to use it to write down a word of advice for the excited mum-to-be about what to expect from motherhood. In pondering the perfect pearl of wisdom to offer, I started to think about all the things I myself didn’t know prior to becoming a mummy – and there was a lot! But the card was small, so I began to contemplate what key pieces of advice I wished most I’d been given. Here’s the top four things I came up with…

1. Don’t expect body miracles
After giving birth, though no longer carrying around a baby, placenta and all that amniotic fluid, don’t expect your body to just bounce back to pre-pregnancy shape and size. It’s common for women to hold onto a few extra kilos post-birth and, as a general rule, it’s healthiest to return to your pre-pregnancy weight gradually. This may take up to 12 months.

2. Save some pennies
There are loads of new expenses to consider with your little one’s impending arrival, but there are also plenty of cash saving tricks! Firstly, previously-loved goods can be just as wonderful as newly bought stuff, as long as they’re in good working order and cleaned well. Renting baby gear (such as a carseat capsule) can also be a huge money-saver, as can borrowing from family and friends. In addition, keep an extra-keen eye out for seasonal sales to pick up some great baby bargains.

RELATED GALLERY: Nine ways to reduce swelling during pregnancy

3. Have ‘couples-only’ time
Although many couples feel that their bond is greater when their little darling arrives, it’s also common for some partners to feel resentful that attention previously saved for them is now largely focused on the little one. To help keep your relationship healthy, be sure to set aside time for just the two of you. Try asking a family member to mind bub during sleeptime so you and your partner can slip out for a walk, dinner or swim at the beach. You’ll be surprised how rejuvenating such a simple outing can be!

4. Be prepared to worry
As a new mum, it’s common to feel an overwhelming need to protect your little treasure constantly – after all, he’s new and vulnerable and totally reliant on you for care. While this ‘mother’s instinct’ is a wonderful gift from Mother Nature, it can work against you if you end up in a perpetual state of worry over every little thing in bub’s world. Was that poo too runny? Was that burp big enough? Does he feel secure enough in his wrap? If you find yourself always agonising over the most extraordinary things, it may be helpful to run your concerns by your doctor, a childcare nurse at the local clinic or even a trusted and experienced friend. Venting your worries is a great way to obtain useful advice and build your confidence at the same time.

Related Articles
* Most common new parent concerns
* What will my days and nights be like as a new mum?
* 10 baby sleep tricks
* A-Z of saving money: Family budget