Top Tips all expectant mums need to know

Top Tips All Expectant Mums Need to Know – Natalie Moss Photography/ Maternity Photographer Surrey

 

 

As a maternity photographer in Surrey, I’m always chatting to clients about the imminent arrival of their little newborns and how they are feeling.  A study of mums-to-be commissioned by Pregnacare Vitamins, looked at what advice they found the most useful whilst pregnant. I’ve got 2 children, 12 and 14, and I wish I was told these things when I was pregnant.  Having a baby is such an exciting time, but their is no manual to refer too.  These are the 13 tips I would have loved to have been told!

 

1. Sleep when your baby sleeps

It is vital to get your rest.  For the first few weeks, your going to be kept busy with your new baby, and a good nights sleep may be a luxury.  So, make sure you rest/sleep when you can.  Don’t worry about the house/chores and just get that well earned rest!

 

2. Enjoy your baby as time moves on so quickly

Its true! My son was 14 this week, and I just can’t believe how quickly time has passed. When you first have a baby, you worry about everything, like, when they are going to sleep through. My advice is just live each day at a time.  Don’t wish time away, as before you know it you will look back wondering where time has gone too.

 

3. Do what you feel is right for you and your baby

You will be given much advice when you have a baby.  Everyone will be telling you their point of view and sometimes advice will be contradictory, however, you have to do what is right for you and your baby.  Trust your instincts!

 

 

 

4. Try not to compare your pregnancy to everyone else

As a maternity photographer in Surrey, I get to meet many pregnant ladies.  As I tell them all, every pregnancy is different.  I took great comfort in chatting with other pregnant mums, however, its good to talk but don’t worry yourself if your pregnancy is not the same.  We are all different.

 

5. It’s okay to ask for help

You are not a failure if you need help.  Having a new baby is an exciting time, but also tiring at times, so if you need help, then ask.  You need to look after yourself as well as your baby. Make sure you accept all offers of help from your family and friends.

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6. Make a birth plan, but its not set in stone!

It’s a good idea before the baby arrives, to have a think about what you would like for your birth plan.  But, be realistic that this plan may change, depending on your labour, so be prepared for this.

 

7. Don’t goggle everything

The internet is a great resource, however, sometimes, too much information is not a good thing.  You can read things that can cause worry and unnecessary stress, so if you have concerns , its best to speak to your doctor or midwife.

 

8. Avoid visitors in the first couple of days so you can have time with your new baby alone

When you have your baby, all your friends and family will be desperate to visit.  Just try and limit visitors in the first few days, whilst you have time to rest and recover from the birth and give you and your partner time for just you and your baby.

9. Don’t worry about the housework after the birth

You have just had a baby, so it really doesn’t matter if the house is a bit messy, or the laundry is not done.  The key thing in the first few days/weeks is to look after you and your baby and rest when you can.  Housework can wait!

10. Don’t rush to lose the baby weight

Now days, within minutes of having a baby, celebrities seem to get back to their pre-baby weight!  That’s not realistic, so don’t beat yourself up if you have a post baby bump! As a maternity photographer in Surrey, I’m always telling my clients not to be hard on themselves. Just enjoy the time with your newborn and eat healthily as this is vital if you are to look after yourself well.  Be realistic on how long it may take to lose your baby weight, and its always best to be signed off by the gp before you start back exercising.

Picture courtesy of  freestocks.org

 

11. Feel the freezer with homemade meals before the baby arrives

Take some time before your baby arrives to do this, as you will really appreciate it when you have your hands full with your baby.  You want to eat well when you have had a baby, but having the time to make a nutritious meal is not always top priority, so, by freezing homemade meals, this can resolve this problem.

 

12. Be prepared to feel overjoyed, terrified and overwhelmed all at once – you will feel a flood of emotions after the birth

Your hormones are all over the place when you have a baby, so this is too be expected. I remember crying for no reason and then next minute laughing.

 

13. Talk about how you are feeling/doing when you have had your baby

Whether you are doing well or not, its always good to talk.  Take time to talk to family or friends about how your doing. Try and get out to meet people and take time for yourself as well.

 

 

I hope these tips are of use.  I’m always telling my newborn photography clients that time passes so fast, so, the main piece of advice I can give is enjoy your newborn!! They won’t be little forever! That’s why, its great to capture your newborn at a newborn photography session, as it creates lifelong memories of your little one.  Take a look at my newborn portfolio for examples of my work.

I would love to hear if anyone else has any tips that they were given that they found useful.

As mentioned, your newborn grows so quickly so its so important to capture the different stages.  My friend, Lisa, an East Grinstead Newborn Photographer, has written a great article on the sessions she undertakes in the first year of your baby’s life.