Harassed Mom

Yesterday at Louisas baby shower we were all asked to write down some parenting advice in a little book, which I actually think could become a great source of comfort for her.

I was battling at the time to think about what advice to offer because you receive so much advice and learn so much – 98% of it you learn by the  mistakes you make.

But as I sat yesterday – doing nothing – I started thinking about the advice I would offer a first time single mom. So here it is Louisa (and anyone else who is having a baby)

• You arent going to know why the baby is crying alot of the time. Its ok. She wont break if she cries a bit. Eliminate the obvious things and then hold her. Pass her to your mom or whoever is nearby – let them hold her. It will pass.
• When some you trust offers help – take it. You can not do it all on your own and thats ok.
• Dont force the breastfeeding issue. If you can great – if you cant then dont. There is enough to stress about you dont need every four hours to become a stressful thing.
• You will more than likely put a disposable nappy on the wrong way at least once.
• Rest when you get home. There is no sane reason WHY you have to be bathed and dressed by 8h00. Do it when and if you can.
• Starting baby on peanut butter sandwiches at 6 weeks is really not a good idea.
• If she is sleeping – dont wake her – ever. Even if she is sleeping 8 hours – it happens at least once in their lives. Enjoy those 8 hours.
• Trust yourself. She is your child – you know her best. You know what she needs (or doesnt need) – take the words offered – but trust yourself the most.

You wont understand it now – but the moment you hear her cry, your life will forever more change. It will no longer be yours. It will be hers and you wont mind. Its unexplainable – the love a mother has for her child.