what i've learnt as a new parent

it's been a 7 month journey so far as a new mother - a hell of a rollercoaster ride: highs and lows, sometimes very low - but you know what, you get through it because you have to, and there's nothing more rewarding than seeing how far you've come, not just as a parent but as a person. your life changes from the day your little one arrives and it's an ongoing learning curve from the moment your baby takes their first breath, to the first nappy you change, to the first time you bring them home, right up till their first tooth, so on and so forth until the day you take your last breath. it's been emotional, it really has, but liberating, so for those of you with not long left until the first day of the rest of your life, here's a light-hearted and very honest account of my experience and what i've learnt so far:

when you're in labour, take all the drugs they offer you, no really, the pain you imagine you'll be in is ten times worse on the day

your body isn't the only thing you'll sacrifice - all those nights you went out with your friends partying, the days you spent in bed until 4pm, the spontaneous trips to the seaside, they're all gone. instead you'll be faced with lovely stretch marks, wider hips and 3am alarm clock that doesn't know how to snooze

there are times when it won't be just the baby crying, take my word for it

sleep becomes a luxury rather than a bad habit

you mustn't be afraid to ask for help - in those early weeks each day can be a battle, i was too proud to ask the people around me for help when i was feeling weak but you'd be surprised as to how helpful your family and friends can be when you're in need

you'll also be surprised as to who stays beside you once your priorities change.. and who doesn't

you'll get used to talking to strangers - there have been far too many times to count that random people have stopped to console me and reminisce or sympathise whilst i've had my hands full with a crying baby, as slightly awkward and annoying it can be you just have to get used to it

there are times you can feel completely isolated - when you're confident enough to start getting out and about, this is when you need to start attending play groups, baby & toddler sessions everything and anything to meet other parents and also so your little one can interact with other little people

it makes a big difference to your daily routine to just get out of the house, i regret not doing this in the early days (that's what i call the first 6 or so weeks) and now i'm out every single day by early afternoon for both of us to get some fresh air if we're not otherwise meeting people or doing things

there are also times you'll feel on top of the world - the other day i managed to get out of the house by 10 past 9, now that is a miracle

you have an excuse to talk to yourself in public - i often find myself thinking out loud in public places but now it's completely fine because people assume i'm talking to baby

it's not a sin to stop breast-feeding - unfortunately not all women have an easy ride with breastfeeding, it can be painful and difficult for some and a breeze for others, but don't let this dishearten your spirits, it's okay if you've tried your best and it's not for you, don't let your health visitor make you think it's a sin

and on that note, Hipp goodnight milk is magic, Corben sleeps through the night on that stuff (if he's not teething, that's a whole different story)

don't take your stress & frustration out on your loved ones. (i'm still learning how to overcome this.) you must be supportive of eachother - a wise aunt once told me if a couple can make it through having children they can make it through anything, i try to remember this when we have tough moments of disagreement or complete frustration - it's a hard and long journey, it's a challenge everyday, but if you can stand strong together through it all, well.. the world won't be able to break you

your life begins now, so grab it by the horns and hold on as tight as you can because it will try it's best to throw you off