Lately I’ve been realising we could have done things a little differently since becoming parents, I’m not saying I regret anything, but sometimes we need a step back to see the way forward.
So what would I tell myself as a new mummy, a mummy who just had her first baby, Toddler H? …
Here is a letter to me as a first time mummy in the form of a poem:
First time mummy, you’re doing a wonderful job
You’ve a baby and family, no reason to sob
First time mummy, savour the moments
Be sure to be happy, even facing opponents
When it gets too much, get it out and cry
It’s the best medicine they say, really give it a try
Make family time, have a date night or two
Make friends, a network, they’ll be there for you
—–
First time mummy, don’t you know,
You’ve got your little one and all the memories to grow,
First time mummy, just remember,
Suddenly it will be September,
The months will fly by
The years will scare you,
But just savour those moments,
They don’t last long, they’re far and few.
—–
First time mummy, make time for you
You’ve just grown a baby, but you do need time too
First time mummy, enjoy every minute
But please don’t forget, to be you too
Have a bath, have a run,
Do a hobby, you know, just for fun
Take all the pictures, print them too,
Look back and say, baby we love you
—–
First time mummy, time flies past,
Baby changes oh so fast
First time mummy, you’ve changed too
You’re really not who you once knew
Find some ‘me time’ even just in the loo
A few minutes to think, and even a prosecco two
Remember baby has changed your relationship too
Now conversations are all about poo
——
First time mummy, please take a break
I know you won’t want to, but it’s not a mistake
First time mummy, don’t forget hubby
Have a date, have a break, make sure to set a routine in place
Make it happen, let others in, you need time, a night on the town
Get baby a routine, relax her, wind down
Don’t let it be mummy all of the time
If you don’t you might get lost with no sign
—–
First time mummy, everyone has an opinion for you
Some will help, others won’t have a clue
First time mummy, talk to hubby
Say the silly things, share some bubbly
If you don’t get it out, you might sob
But don’t worry really, you’re doing a fab job
First time mummy take it slow
Don’t worry it’s hard I know.
—–
First time mummy, you’ve a gorgeous baby
All day snuggles with your little lady
First time mummy, please don’t stress
If you’re late, your life isn’t a mess
You’re a family, a mummy, you’ve a baby now
Hours of screaming, you’ll get through it somehow
Days filled with bounce and rhyme and baby sensory time
Get out each day with your partner in crime.
This poem really touches on things which I’ve realised recently, discovering me time after 3 years without. We also didn’t set Baby B’s routine very well and so that partly contributed to why we’ve been reluctant to leave her, why I’ve been reluctant to leave her. We’ve a new routine, a calming routine, and now either hubby or I can put her to bed. That vital stage, of it not just being me. We’ve also been trying to get her to sleep better through the night and not wake every 1-2.5 hours which after 9 months was just exhausting me.
I did baby massage with Toddler H, and now realise that Vicks BabyRub is not only useful for helping baby sleep when they’re ill, but also relaxing, due to the mild fragrances of Rosemary, Lavender and Aloe Vera. It’s something that can also form part of baby’s routine (from 6 months), allowing the smell to help her feel calm and relaxed to go to sleep. I must admit I love the smell too!
We don’t do bath night every night, so this is a great way we can have a ‘step’ as she gets into her sleeping bag.
I’m going to try bringing this in at nap time, when Baby B first rubs her eyes as the only way I can currently settle her for a nap is to feed her to sleep. We gradually introduced this to bed time so we can easily bring it in at nap time too. It’ll also possibly help as her naps change and she reduces down to one nap a day, and of course help soothe her through these horrible teething pains. She’s 6 teeth now, and more on the way!
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This post is an entry for BritMums #VicksBabyRub Challenge, sponsored by Vicks BabyRub. Specifically designed for babies aged 6 months and over, Vicks BabyRub is available at Boots, Superdrug, Tesco, Asda, Waitrose and all good pharmacy chains. RRP £3.99
4 Comments
Kate
March 19, 2018 at 12:24 pmIt is amazing how much we learn as first time mums. Loved your post. Commenting for myself and on behalf of BritMums and thanking you for taking part
Crummy Mummy
March 27, 2018 at 7:11 pmI did this challenge too! All great advice! #bloggersbest
MMT
March 29, 2018 at 8:29 pmAhh, this is lovely Lynne. So much we would tell ourselves if we went back in time eh? Hope your new self care mindset is working out and you’re feeling ready to take on the Spring / Summer with the girls!
Thanks for linking to #coolmumclub
Talya
March 31, 2018 at 12:51 pmThis is such a lovely poem hun and what a lovely way of saying to ourselves all the things we wish we could have known as a first time mummy. Thanks so much for linking up to #coolmumclub. Good luck with the challenge and have a lovely Easter! xox