What is the one piece of advice you wish you'd known before embarking on your Motherhood journey? Here our lovely Mummy customers give their top 20 candid tips and tricks that they've learnt along the way. Whether you have a newborn or toddler, hopefully, there is a little gem of wisdom that will resonate with you and give you comfort if you're feeling a little overwhelmed today. We've got you, please remember you're not alone and you will get through this!

One thing I'm sure of is that this experience is different for every Mum. Becoming a Mother will fundamentally change you, break you, and re-birth you into a version of yourself you never imagined. The ideas and beliefs you thought defined you will change, and that is ok, and a beautiful thing. As human beings, we are allowed to change and grow and test beliefs if they no longer ring true.

Perhaps it's the gut-wrenching vulnerability that envelops you once you've given birth and are responsible for a life that is the real surprise. This stark reminder of our mortality can't help but shape us and change us. It's the realisation of life's natural order and our lack of control that can make us so fearful of this beautifully complex journey into Motherhood. When it's all boiled down and distilled - for me, I believe, that this is at the heart of being a Mum or parent.

No matter how assured, successful or together you may have been pre-kids, you will probably find a sultana in your bra at the end of the day. And you know what? It's actually ok. I sometimes feel as though I live in a zoo, some of the things I've had to deal with and bear witness to I wouldn't dare mention. It's all part of the craziness of having small children (or I'm sure raising baby chimps would be a similar experience). There was this one time  "get your toes out of the hummus!" was actually something that I heard myself say.

Becoming a parent is the wildest, most glorious rollercoaster ride you'll ever experience - the highs of a love you've never imagined, and the lows of persistent anxiety and fear.

So, if you're about to embark on your maiden voyage into Motherhood we hope you might find some comfort in our tips and tricks. Having had a Winter baby myself, I loved the tip that suggested a hot water bottle in the bassinet between nights feeds. It really was a little 'saving grace' that kept baby snug and cosy on those Winter nights and encouraged them to go straight back to sleep with a full tummy!

The other piece of advice that resonated with my journey, is that every baby is different. What works for one does not work for another. You really need to connect with your inner intuition to know what is best for your baby. Just trust that you know the answers, and don't feel pressured into doing anything that you don't feel is right for your baby. You really are the best Mother for YOUR baby.

Finally, don't be so hard on yourself. Even as I type these words I'm trying to absorb them myself. There are so many pressures on Mums these days. Sometimes, well most of the time, you may feel like you are failing and not doing it as well as others. I believe there is no such thing as balance, it is elusive and trying to achieve it is a recipe for failure. I think we just have different focus areas at different times. Sometimes you are focusing all your energy on family and work suffers, then you shift focus to work and family gets less. It's just a never-ending seesaw, and that's actually ok.  Just remember you are worthy, and you are doing a great job. 

Best Advice for new Mums - Top Tip 1

"There is no way to be a perfect Mum, but a million ways to be a good one."

Best advice for new Mums - Top Tip 2

"This too shall pass, the good and the bad ."

Best advice for new Mums - Top Tip 3

"You can't look after anyone if you don't look after yourself first. Self-care makes you a better Mum."

 

Best advice for new Mums - Top Tip 4

"Learn to do everything with one hand and practice drinking cold tea."

Best advice for new Mums - Top Tip 5

"Babies are more perceptive than you think. If you are calm during a change, they will be too."

 

If you'd like to read more, why not download the full e-book here Best advice for new Mums Top 20 Tips  

It's free, no sign up, no email address. That kinda thing annoys us too. 

Please feel free to send us your tips and tricks too. The more we can help each other as Mums, the better our journey will be.

Take care, 

Two hoots.

Lisa xx