Becoming a Mum for the first time 17 years ago to the day, I only wish I had been given some sound advice, as lets face it we really do get bucketloads of lovely advice from our dear friends and family members, some of which is super helpful, but some can make us feel even more overwhelmed. For me I would like to give you the advice that will not only help but prepare you for motherhood for the very first time.

As a Maternity and Newborn Photographer in Surrey, I have had the honour of working closely with first time mums during what is probably one of their most life changing moments. I listen to Parents worries, thoughts and questions, which is why I felt the need to share my experiences with first time mums, which will help with their new baby journey. 

These precious Tips come from my own personnel experience and from may of the beautiful mummies I have had the pleasure of meeting and working with.

 

 

TRUST YOUR GUT

 

Its only natural as a first time Parent you want to do everything perfectly and none of us are perfect, we all doubt ourselves at the best of times but, I have always said trust your Gut instincts. As a Mother this is naturally within us, that quiet little voice inside us, is something we should always listen to.

There is no rule book for motherhood, I read all the books, Gina Ford etc, it blew my mind how different everyones professional direction with motherhood was different, what might work for one family, may not for another and that is completely ok, you have to do what feels right for you and your little one.

For example, one Mum shared how her baby just didn’t seem to work with routined feeding schedules and then Mum simply responded to babies feeding cues, life then became much easier for Mum and Baby. 

I have certainly discovered in the 13 years of being a Newborn photographer that all babies are different, some are hungrier babies, feeding more frequently, some can adapt well to routines feeding , its what works best for you and baby.

 

BUILD YOUR SUPPORT NETWORK

 

This one is a biggy.. Please please new Mums don’t be alone, happy mum, happy baby..mental health is so important, after having my daughter in my first pregnancy and my twin boys second time around and I did feel alone, like It was Groundhog Day every day, doing the same routine every day and I didn’t realise even after my first daughter that their was so many support groups out there. It is only from talking to so many new Mums that I realised there are lots of parent/twin groups, just lots of options for meet ups, Peanut is another chat which I know a few Mums have used to get together with local Mums who have recently also had a baby and just would like to chat with someone who understands exactly what they are going through. One of the popular groups is your local NCT groups which are amazing also, many of my clients have become best friends from meeting each other through NCT, which I think is amazing! 

It just helps to be going through the same high and lows with fellow new Mums, daily walks and a little cuppa to sympathise with each other means the world when your exhausted and need some friends time.

 

 

PREPARE

 

If im honest im not sure you can ever be completely prepared as a first time parent, you just have to have your to do lists, which we all did and I remember the nesting stage well, preparing the nursery room, stocking up little onsies, baby grows, blankets and the Cot and Buggie.

So I think what im trying to say is don’t worry about getting everything perfect. Make the choices that feel best for you, do a little research if it helps ease your mind. But, by far the most important thing of all is that you are ready to give all your nurturing, love and care to your baby and let go of perfection.

 

TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF

This is some advice I could have taken on board as a first time Mum and can certainly relate to. As its very easy to pour all your energy preparing for Baby that you forget to look after th person growing them – You!

REST, SLEEP, Nap when you can, nourish your body, set your boundraries when you need to, as you are the heart and soul of your growing family.

Self care in pregnancy is essential, it can be as simple as a slow walk, warm bath even a bit of retail therapy if that is what relaxes you. Some quality YOU-TIME!

Self care can also be celebrating your pregnancy like many of my clients who like to plan a Maternity Photo-session, which is a great empowering way to mark such a special moment in your life. It makes me smile so much when I see women who come into my studio feeling little nervous about their session, then after being pampered with hair & makeup and bringing out their inner goddess, they leave feeling confident and glowing, excited to go out for the day showing off their beautiful hair and makeup.

CAPTURE THE JOURNEY

Here’s another important truth no one tells you enough, moments will change in the blink of an eye.

The adjustment is the first two weeks of Baby arriving are you just getting your feeding and sleeping pattern managed as best you can. Some new Mums find it easier than others, some can get into sleep routines right away, others take more time especially if you have a baby that may have colic for example.

Some sleep deprived moments, I remember these well, each day blending into one and suddenly before you know it, your tiny Newborn baby isn’t so tiny anymore, which is why recording these fleeting moments really matters. Not for socials, not for anyone but you and your family. So you can look back and remember just how tiny but precious that moment in time was, the connection, the first love that started with your baby.

I hear it often from Mums, regretting not booking a Maternity or Newborn photo-session..

FINAL THOUGHT..

MUMS YOUR AMAZING!!

You’ve got this Mama’s! Your all doing an amazing job, growing a life and stepping into the unknown, but you’ve still got this!

Motherhood will test you, stretch you and even soften you. Yes I am now of those people that blubbers at everything too, but there is will also be many moments of utter Joy, love and the feeling where you literally feel like your heart could burst with Love, this is the most incredible moment of all and I cannot wait for you all to experience it!

So just take it slow, be present and just know you don’t have to have it all figured out, just embrace it and if you would like to honour this precious moment, I would be honoured to welcome you into my studio for a Maternity or Newborn Photo-session and record those timeless moments for you and your family.