The Life and Mind of a New Mother

Any expectant mothers out there? Or expectant fathers? Listen closely: you need to take note on how to support yourself and/or your partner through the most challenging but amazing part of your life.

I, myself, am a new mother, so I am giving a true account of all the highs and lows of the joys of pregnancy and birth, enjoy!

Conception

Find that positive pregnancy test. Now, it is perfectly normal to feel overwhelmed, you're not the only one! "What about money," "Am I going to get fat?" "Is my partner still going to find me attractive when he/she has to help me out of the bath when I'm the size of Shamu?" Yes, these are all common thoughts of a newly pregnant woman and her mate, but let me put your mind at rest; you make the most of what finances you have available and you learn to live smart, big tip, batch cook food and freeze it! Massive help when you have a newborn, believe me... your partner will love you no matter what and will provide everything you need. My partner was like my career but he did not mind because I was carrying his baby.

Pregnancy

The trials and tribulations of carrying a little life can be tough, some days you will feel sick as a dog and not want to go to work and be a normal human, but stick at it, surprisingly enough it can make you feel better; eat ginger biscuits and drink plenty of water. Crackers were my life-savers at work and even my customers sometimes heard me munching on the phone and I just told them to bare with me cause of the sickness, they understood. On the other hand most days you will feel on top of the world, especially on your scans, seeing that little baby for the first time is such a surreal experience, hearing the heartbeat for the first time will not fail to bring a smile to your face! Finding out the gender; this is a discussion to have with the father. Make a wise choice. We found out so that we could get pretty pink or blue outfits and get organized, but this is up to you and your partner. Swollen ankles; well this is it, your heavily pregnant, you probably feel like a beached whale and feel hot and bothered, can't sleep properly, extreme back ache and want this baby out! Be patient! Soon enough, you will meet your little bundle of joy and hearing that cry will melt you. Get foot rubs from your partner, after all they cannot refuse! Make the most of being able to eat what you want, cause let's face it, you're not going to notice the extra weight plus those cravings just take over! Make the most of your partner, make a fuss of them too, cause they need to feel loved and a part of this baby's life even before birth.

Labour

The day has come! Your waters have broken all over the bathroom/bedroom, or living room floor, and it's go time! Calm down! Your baby is not going to drop out, it doesn't happen like that. Note your contractions and take a hot bath (it helps!), put your feet up, have something to eat, cause you probably won't want to during labour. Make sure your baby and personal bag is packed as soon as you get to 36 weeks to avoid the panic... please don't panic, your baby is happy in there but it is time to meet them. Hospital; now the hospital can be a daunting place so make yourself heard by the staff. You want pain relief? Then have it! You want a KFC, then have one! You want to scream and shout, then do it girl! It hurts like hell! But when all is said and done, your baby will be here. Make the most of your partner and your birthing partner, they are there for emotional and physical support, a bit of pressure at the bottom of the back will help, and do not hyper-ventilate; it does not do you or your baby any good.

Birth

The days after birth, you are still in shock. You have a tiny human to take care of and that is a lot to take in, so accept the help. Day 5 is the worst, one word ladies: Hormones! What goes up must come down. Baby blues are not nice, but you aren't going crazy. It is perfectly normal, please do not beat yourself up. Make the most of your family and partner again, they are there to help and 9 times out of 10 they have done to all themselves or seen it before. You will get better out of that hospital and at home where you can absorb yourself in motherhood.

Enjoy your baby. The euphoria of motherhood is amazing and I bet that you will look back and be proud of yourself! You grew a life, a little baby, you fed and nurtured it in the womb, you sacrificed for that little baby and put your body through a lot! Take pride in the fact that your body has the capability to do that. Stretch marks are a common worry, but think of yourself as a strong and proud tigress that has earned her stripes and love yourself. Love your body, because it has carried one of life's very few pure miracles.