What do you wish you’d known as a first time mum?

As a third time mum it often makes me laugh when I think back to being a first time mum and all the things I know now that I didn’t know then.

first time mum

I would have worried a lot less and relaxed a lot more, both things I’ve finally managed to do third time around – one of the reasons I think baby number three is the best.

Of course hindsight is a wonderful thing, so when BritMums invited me to take part in their #VicksBabyRub challenge by writing a letter to my first time mum self about what I wish I’d known I simply couldn’t resist.

A letter to first time mum me

 first time mum

Dear first time mum me,

1. No two labours are the same. Just because you had a tough time the first time doesn’t mean you will again.

 first time mum

2. There are really only 10 things you need in your hospital bag. Don’t pack everything but the kitchen sink, and there’s absolutely no point in taking a hair dryer and hair straighteners.

 first time mum

3. No two breastfed babies are the same. Just because breastfeeding came easily last time doesn’t mean it will next time, but that doesn’t make you a bad mum.

 first time mum

4. Ask for help. You’ve got nothing to prove and asking for help doesn’t make you a bad mum either.

A letter to first time mum me 4

5. Baby grows have split shoulders so you can take them off by pulling them down instead of up. And there’s a big difference between whether you pull them down or up when a poonami hits. Why don’t they tell you this on the packaging?

6. People will try and sell you things you don’t need. Like teeny tiny nail clippers you’re terrified to use for fear of cutting their fingers off. Don’t be fooled!

 first time mum

7. There are things you think you don’t need that turn out to be priceless. Like Vicks BabyRub. It contains aloe vera, rosemary and lavender and can be used at any time of day from helping to relax them when teething to winding down before bedtime. Think all-round rescue balm – and great for bonding too.

 first time mum

8. There is absolutely nothing wrong with feeding your baby to sleep. If it works for you, do it.

 first time mum

9. Don’t listen to anyone who tells you their baby slept through the night at six weeks. It’s not helpful and they’re not your friend.

first time mum

10. Don’t listen to anyone who tells you their baby didn’t sleep through the night for two years. It’s not helpful and they’re not your friend either.

 first time mum

11. Trust your instincts! You might be new to this but you know what’s best: if something feels wrong it probably is, and likewise if something feels right even though people are telling you otherwise then it probably is.

 first time mum

Love from third time mum me xxx

What do you wish you’d known as a new mum (or dad)? I’d love to know what you would have told your younger first time parent self!

This post is an entry for BritMums #VicksBabyRub challenge, sponsored by Vicks BabyRub. Specially designed for babies aged six months and over, Vicks BabyRub (rrp £3.99) is available at Boots, Superdrug, Tesco, Asda, Waitrose and all good pharmacy chains.

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