Hey Mumma's,
Welcome to our Mummahood! I thought I'd start the series off with my entry and share the highs and lows of motherhood so far plus the things I wish I knew before becoming a mum.
The most challenging part of my motherhood journey so far? and how I coped with it.
As much as I LOVED the newborn phase and miss it so much, I definitely found it challenging from figuring out what the hell I am doing from naps, settling and everything else to my biggest challenge... feeling like ‘me’ again or at least coming to terms with the fact that the OLD me is a just a past chapter.
I also did struggle with a lot of mum guilt, in the beginning as Isla is a petite gal, I was constantly receiving feedback from the nurses about her weight, uneven leg creases, tongue tie... plus more. I cried! and always left those appointments feeling awful.
Throughout all these challenges I really leaned onto my other Mum friends for support and it was comforting to know that I WASN'T the only Mum who had similar feelings or experiences.
I've also learned not to take everything to heart or read in too much about other people's comments - I know my baby more than anyone.
The most rewarding part of my motherhood journey so far.
I really can’t just pick one! (as I’m sure most Mums would be in the same boat). I feel the whole journey has been the MOST beautiful thing (it makes me emotional) from being pregnant and growing life, to going through labour and birthing life and now everything from seeing Isla develop, new milestones like laughing, rolling and really showing her character are all so rewarding.
I would also have to say how grateful I am to have created a deeper connection with the friends I have gone through pregnancy and into motherhood with. PLUS all the new Mumma friends I have met through my journey. There is something so special about the connection you have with the other women you find around you that are going/have been through the same thing.
My advice for new Mums and what I wish someone had told me before I became a Mum.
Your life isn’t over after having a baby, it’s only the beginning... Each phase is JUST a phase like a passing season and just know that it gets so much easier.
FIND your Mummahood, really open up and connect with them!
I am SO grateful to have a few special friends who I have gone through pregnancy with (even just days apart gestationally) and now into Mummahood with them through all the milestones of sleep regressions, fussy phases, the poo explosions and all the things.
It’s so comforting knowing someone else is going through the same thing.
If your friends have older children or aren’t at that stage yet, I’d highly recommend going to a Mums group, Mum n’ bubs yoga/Pilates or whatever suits your lifestyle and find some Mumma friends who like the same things as you and with similar aged babies. I have met and befriended so many beautiful Mummas this way and love catching up for a lake walk or baby date.