6 Things You Should Know About Giving Birth.

I remember when my first child was born, I was overwhelmed with excitement and joy. She had been a relatively 'easy' birth, and as she was born in the morning, I had all day to 'adjust' to being a new Mumma. She went straight to the breast and it was all smooth sailing. What a natural!

Enter second baby... not so easy labour being nearly three times longer than my first (isn't it suppose to be quicker?), a difficult birth, exhaustion hit big time, he was not interested in feeding (at all!), and both of us just wanted to sleep. For me I had a sleep and then laid there worrying my baby and I hadn't bonded...

How wrong I was. That little fella, after his sleep, was the best feeder and sleeper EVER!
I didn't need to worry afterall. And here's the thing to always remember... every birth, every baby, every Mumma, every situation is different, and UNIQUE.

I hear stories every day about fears, concerns, and unnecessary self-berating that new Mumma's put themselves through, all because they didn't know. So I'm going to give you some information about the things that no-body told you, and that way, you will to understand that these things are NORMAL. This is information I give to ALL my new Mummas. Let's begin...

1. Not every new Mumma feels that 'high' after giving birth. It may have been a long journey and you just need to have a rest first. Certain drugs that may have been used during labour will interfere with the body's natural surge of Oxytocin (the Love Hormone). So depending on how things have been, give yourself time for the 'rush'... if it doesn't happen straight away, it's okay, it will happen.

2. Breastfeeding is natural... it doesn't always come naturally. You have to remember, breastfeeding is something new. Having a baby is something new. Sometimes you have to learn the how to do. Again, give yourself time. Also your baby has to learn what to do, give him time for everything to 'click' into place. It's a time for learning and growing. One of the best things you can do is to take time, stay calm and if need be seek the guidance of a Lactation Consultant.

3. You will feel exhausted... it's bound to happen when you're up feeding throughout the night, you've got hormones having a party inside your body, you are a brand new Mumma apprentice. Rest whenever you can, it will definitely save your sanity so to speak. When you get up to feed overnight... keep things quiet, and lighting dimmed... NO screen time. You want to avoid overstimulating the baby or yourself and too much light and activity will also interfere with the natural flow of Melatonin, your sleep hormone.

4. There will be emotional days... usually around Day 4. Hormones are floating at an all time high. Your milk is coming in, so your boobs are most likely really full and uncomfortable (maybe even painful), baby may be unsettled at this time as well. You want to cry.... you don't know why, you just do. And this is all NORMAL. You feel like life will never be the same again. This is often referred to as 'After Birth Blues' you will get past this. I remember with my first, I cried all day. It came it went. If you feel the need to cry, do so.

If the teariness & and feelings of 'flatness' last longer than a few weeks, you need to see your doctor... Postnatal Depression can affect Mums (and Dads) even when there has never been a history in the past.

5. There are going to be A LOT of changes. Take each day as it comes and avoid high expectations. Your boobs are going to change. Your twat may be sore. You worry about whats going to happen when you need to poop for the first time after giving birth if you had to have stitches. And your tummy will not be flat again as soon as the baby is born... it takes time. All these changes occur after giving birth. Take them as they come, don't get hung up on things, and breath!

6. Take Care of Yourself. This is SO important. If you are having one of 'those days', do lots of skin to skin, just simply hold or wear your baby - both these practices are very soothing and healing. Take any offer of help... that way you can shower and rest. Use your frozen meals you prepared in pregnancy (or order a meal in if you haven't got a stock pile in the freezer). Take some time, even ten minutes a day, just for you. The thing is, if you don't take care of yourself, you won't be able to give fully to the little human who is totally reliant on you. Happy Mumma = Happy Bubba.

The early weeks can be a challenge with so many changes. Never be afraid to ask for support... you're not in this alone.

Enjoy every day, as much as you can. This will be one of the most special times in your life. Your baby will grow and change everyday. That little person will bring you so much joy and happiness, your heart will feel like it's going to absolutely burst! You will be on cloud nine!

The time flies, and before you know it, those challenging early weeks will have past. You will be feeling better. You will have gotten into your own flow. Your hormones will settle and you will experience that sense of accomplishment of getting things done at the end of the day. Before you know it, you won't be even able to imagine life without your baby. Simply give yourself time, cut yourself some slack... you've totally got this.