There’s no motherhood manual. Maybe you learn what you think you should do from watching others, from the way your were parented by your own mother, or other mother figure. Maybe you read books, or watch Supernanny even. I once knew someone who read Gina Ford and became an instant expert on all things baby – for about five minutes of motherhood.
Whether you’re hoping to get pregnant naturally or through fertility treatment, there are some important changes you can make to help improve your chances of conceiving and having a healthy child. It might be worth visiting your GP for a full check-up, including your sexual health. If you have any concerns or questions, you’ll be able to ask for some advice.
Once the baby shower is over, it can be hard to think of anything else you could possibly buy for a new mum. They’ve already got the high chair, cute baby bowls, the traditional brush, teether and posh knife and fork for the baby, and now you’re completely stumped.
Have you ever slept with a body pillow? I’ve used one for years for a range of things, but found them especially useful during pregnancy. I’ve recently come across a lovely body pillow by Kally Sleep – who, by the way produce a whole range of fantastic pillows to aid better sleep.
A diagnosis of PCOS can feel like a blessing and a curse at the same time: it’s explains the symptoms you’ve been experiencing and is a starting point for understanding how you can begin to treat them, but it also confirms that your body is in the grip of a condition for which there is no real cure and with symptoms that can include depression, anxiety and fertility problems.
Night feeds, keeping on top of the dirty washing and other people judging your parenting techniques are among the most stressful things about becoming a new parent. Do you agree? How can you help new parents?
Pregnancy can be a confusing time for mums-to-be and also their partners. It doesn’t help that there remain so many conflicting thoughts and opinions about pregnancy.
When you’re looking for the perfect gift for a friend who has recently given birth, it’s common to focus on gifts for the baby. However, if you really want to get her something she’ll appreciate, why not buy something purely for mum?