What They Don't Tell You: Useful Advice For Moms

From the moment they pop your newborn in your arms you are handed all kinds of pamphlets and given more advice than your labor brain can take in.

Breast or bottle, how to bath your baby, how to change a nappy and at some point down the line, what to expect over the next week and a half whilst your hormones go into complete crazy land. There are so many things to remember but quite often not enough pieces of advice for you to take through from birth to teenage years. 

Breast or bottle is one of the most important decisions you can make for baby, and you. We all know that breast feeding is the most natural way of delivering your babies the essential vitamins and minerals she needs. However it really isn’t always possible and in some cases, you may just not want to do it. That is fine, please don’t let other people’s opinions or experiences influence you. The bond between mother and child is so special and whilst there is an argument that breastfeeding will deepen that bond, it could be that if you are really not enjoying the experience, your awkwardness is transferring to your baby. Do not be pressured into making decisions by anyone. Formula feeding is now so well developed that it helps to deliver a great start for your newborn. There are added benefits too, you can share the experience with a partner and you know exactly how much milk your child is getting. Whatever you choose will be the right path for you and your baby, so stick to that and don’t let anyone judge you!

You aren’t a trained medical professional so don’t pretend you are. Regardless of the age of your children, even when they are teenagers, if something isn’t right you need to get medical advice. There are loads of ways you can do this so if you just have a minor concern then talk to a Dr online this is a really great first step if you are worried but don’t think you have an emergency on your hands. Do not let anyone make you feel you worry too much. Worrying too much is not as bad as ignoring the first signs of something bigger. Never feel guilty or lead to believe you are wasting anyone's time. If you feel it, as a parent, then you are probably right. As your children get older you will learn the red flags from the general bugs.

Finally, everyone says having children is the hardest thing you will ever do. It’s tough, but you won’t register just how tough until your little bundles of joy become teenagers. There isn’t a guidebook on earth than can help you navigate this part of your kids lives so you have to feel your way. Support, listen and learn on the job. It’s hard, but it is also the best thing you will ever do in your life.

If you are just starting out or have a rabble of teens, remember to relax and remind yourself that Mom knows best. Chances are, you probably do.