ChatterBank2 mins ago
Becoming a Mum
How did you mums cope? How difficult was it getting into the routine, particularly if you were a bit disorganised and messy beforehand.
Answers
No best answer has yet been selected by buchanan. Once a best answer has been selected, it will be shown here.
For more on marking an answer as the "Best Answer", please visit our FAQ.You will cope, don't worry. Don't expect too much of yourself and don't try to be a 'perfect' mum. All babies are different and you will soon learn what is right for you and your babe. Don't listen to too much well intentioned advice as to what you should or should not be doing. Just do what is right for your own little family. Try to get out every day if only for a walk in the park - this will keep you more relaxed and the exercise will help you not to get stressed. Enjoy your baby. What he or she needs most is love, food and security. He or she will not care a jot whether you are disorganised and messy.
Make a little time for yourself as well.
I've got one who's 19mnths old, I was never one for having regular days for cleaning the house/weekly shop etc, just kind of muddled through and did things when the need arose. I must admit that I'm a bit better these days - probably through the necessity of having to be more organised for our wee munchkin. That said, it may help that I'm a full time mum, so don't have to fit chores etc in around a 9-5 job as I used to.
The first 6 months were quite difficult, looking back. Wee guy wasn't too quickly into a routine and got colic which didn't help and with him being our first, it was a new era and we all had lots to learn about each other. The key for us then was just to concentrate on doing the things you had to do (and these were usually baby orientated) and letting other things slide (housework etc).
I do agree about getting out daily. Whether it's Mothers and Toddlers (which I found great - just to talk to other mums in teh same position) or a walk to the park/shops, it definitely makes you feel better, and baby nearly alwaqys enjoys being outdoors.
All I can say is, sleep when your baby sleeps if you can - stuff the housework - your health and wellbeing are far more important and getting plenty of rest when the opportunity arises then take it.
Turn the phone off. Stick a sign in you window, something along the lines of "Mum and new baby asleep, please do not disturb".
And accept any offers of help you can - don't try and do it all yourself. Its more important that you are healthy and happy in yourself - happy mum equals happy baby.
If you have visitors to see the newborn, get them to make themselves a cuppa - they won't mind and will understand.
You will find your own ways to cope and you will do it. And don't worry if you're still in your dressing gown at midday - I was for weeks!
Good luck!