What I wish I knew before I became a mother

What I wish I knew

Before I became a Mother

By Peace Mitchell & Katy Garner

W elcome to Motherhood – an adventure which can be at times

overwhelming, exciting, challenging and rewarding – sometimes all on the same day! Pregnancy itself can be like this too, from the lows of morning sickness to the highs of feeling your baby kick for the first time. While your focus naturally will be on your growing baby it’s important to find time to look after yourself too.

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A

mother's joy begins when new life is stirring inside... when a tiny heartbeat is heard for the very first time, and a playful kick reminds her that she is never alone.

Author Unknown

M ake the most of your pregnancy.

Try to do something special for yourself at least once a week, like going to the movies, out to dinner, shopping or sleeping in. Enjoy this time as once your baby arrives going out won’t be so easy.

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T here are a lot of things you need to discuss with your partner. Parenting is a big job and one that you’ll need to work together on as a team. Things you should talk about include; how you’re going to manage a new baby, how a baby will affect your relationship, your beliefs on discipline, your ideas about returning to work and your expectations of each other.

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If

you’re lucky enough to have a friend with a young baby spend some time together, ask about what they’ve found the most challenging and use this opportunity to become more familiar with caring for a baby.

“I was so lucky that my sister had just had a baby before me. I was able to spend time looking after my nephew and asking my sister about the challenges of life with a new baby.

She gave me some terrific advice and this helped me feel much more confident when my daughter came along.” Katy

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I f you’ve had a long and difficult birth you might not be up to seeing lots of

visitors, other than close friends and family, for a few days and that’s OK. While this is an exciting time for everyone you need to focus on your own recovery and the needs of your baby.

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G oing home is the most exciting thing, finally you’re all together as a family and the baby really is yours. It’s kind of scary too; the next few weeks can be happy and easy or more difficult than you ever expected, both experiences are normal.

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A djusting to your new life can take a little getting used to, particularly if you've always worked full time.

“I found the first few weeks quite challenging and lonely. Once everyone else went back to their normal lives I felt like I was left holding the baby.� Peace Be prepared for this and allow yourself the opportunity to adjust, after awhile things will get easier.

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T he early weeks can be an overwhelming and isolating time, some

women find having their partner come home from work a little earlier makes a huge difference. If this isn’t possible getting a friend or family member around to visit each day can also be a great help, especially in the first 6 –12 weeks.

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F ind a little time in each day to just rest and recharge. Make yourself a cup of tea or put on some music and find somewhere quiet so that you can just relax.

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I

love my mother as the trees love water and sunshine she helps me grow, prosper, and reach great heights.

Adabella Radici

R eading to your baby is a special time for you and your child. Babies as young as a few days old are beginning to recognise the patterns of language and will enjoy the sound of your voice and being close to you. Reading to your child from a young age also fosters a lifelong love of learning.

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Women know

The way to rear up children to be just, They know a simple, merry, tender knack Of tying sashes, fitting baby shoes, And stringing pretty words that make no sense, And kissing full sense into empty words.

Elizabeth Barrett Browning

A bove all, enjoy your baby.

Motherhood with all its ups and downs

is the most wonderful, life changing experience that there is. Your babies’ first smile, the day they say Mama and their first step are all memories that you will treasure. This time goes all too fast, so enjoy every moment.

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Welcome to motherhood – an adventure which can be at times overwhelming, exciting, challenging and rewarding – sometimes all on the same day! This book is a collection of all the things that we wish we had known before we became mothers and we hope that these tips will help you to enjoy this amazing experience too.

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