life as a new mum + a few newborn essentials

Becoming a new mum was so exciting yet so scary for me! They lay that beautiful baby in your arms and you instantly fall in love! Taking in all their amazing features, smells, soft skin, all while trying to believe this little miracle is really yours to love and care for! It’s a lot to take in, all in a moment’s time! This little baby is now your number one priority..besides her daddy of course!

All of a sudden you forget about the rest of the world. You want to be the best mum to your sweet baby and most of the time you’re so hard on yourself, expecting to know everything from the start. It was an overwhelming sense of purpose for me but I was so nervous at times. Let’s be honest, there are a lot of imperfect moments and very real moments as a new parent that not many people talk about. Feedings every 1-2 hours, diapers that ruin everything, not knowing what to do when your baby is crying and eventually just crying with her! That’s real life, real talk, and it’s OK!

Don’t get me wrong, you are over the moon in love with your new baby and the good definitely outweighs the bad! But you need to talk about those hard moments..whether it be to your hubby, family member, or a friend. Find someone you can talk to and don’t ever feel like you need to keep it all in. You don’t have to make it look easy. It’s not always easy, but it is so very rewarding!

Photo Credit: NHB Photography 

Before Emery Rose came along, I kept wondering if I was going to know how to care for this sweet baby. Would I be a good mum? When she cries, when she’s sick, when she needs something, will I really know what she needs and what to do? When she arrived, I did what any mother does, I followed my motherly instincts and most of the time I knew exactly what she needed and what to do! In the moments I didn’t know, I relied on my hubby, family, and friends to help me..that’s a hard thing to do, accept help..at least for me it is. (I’ve gotten much better at this and continue to do so, haha)!

If no one has told you, I’ll tell you..you don’t have to know everything and you don’t have to figure it all out on your own! You have to let those around you help you and learn along the way. I still believe mum always knows best and some help and advise won’t be for you, but some of it will be and you’ll look back and you’ll be so grateful for all those wonderful God sent people that helped you grow in to the beautiful mother you are! Motherhood and parenthood is perfectly imperfect! There will be so many good times and there will also be those hard times along the way..when the hard times happen, just take a step back, take a deep breath, and remember that you are a good mother and this hard moment will pass! It’s only a small moment in time and it does not define you, your child, or your motherly abilities!

There were a few items that I used that I’m so glad I had! I’ve listed them below and a link to help you find them!

Emery was highly lactose intolerant from the moment she was born. This was so tough on all of us at first. One item that worked for us when nothing else would was Gripe Water! It worked miracles in the middle of the night when Emery would just cry and cry! We would try everything but Gripe Water did the trick, every time! I highly recommend this for any new mum! Keep it around just in case! You might end up keeping an extra in the diaper bag if you’re like me!

Another miracle item we loved were the aden + anais swaddle blankets! (This set is a steal of a deal right now)! Sweet Emery was a cuddly baby and she hated being “free”! She did not like her arms and legs flailing all over the place, she wanted to be swaddled TIGHTLY at all times! Our favorite nurse taught us how to properly swaddle in the hospital! She swaddled Emery and VIOLA! No more crying! You will not regret these blankets! They’re an absolute must!!!

The third thing I made sure to have was an all natural paci! I did quite a bit of research and decided to go with the Natursutten Pacifier! You should check it out! We chose the butterfly shape but they also have one that has a round shape here. I’m in no rush to break her from her paci! She’s slowly needing it less and less but it’s a lifesaver when she’s teething and needs that comfort and something to gum on! Oh and don’t forget nap time and bed time! There’s no sleep for anyone unless she has her paci and her blankie!

Last but not least, you absolutely need a great diaper rash cream! Emery has always had sensitive skin so we use Resinol and it is the BEST cream you’ll ever use! It’s also great for burns, cuts, scrapes, basically anything you need a cream for! This has been a staple in my family for many years and it will continue to be! You can also order Resinol from any Pharmacy!

Being a mother has been the most amazing experience of my life. To feel the love you have for your child is overwhelming and I’m so thankful God gave me the chance to be a mum! Even though there are hard times, I wouldn’t trade it for the world! We learn from the hard times and hold on to the good times! Those are the memories we will keep forever.

To all the new mum’s and dad’s out there, trust your instincts, allow those that love you to help you when you need it, and enjoy every moment!!! Parenthood is so rewarding and exciting and the love you share with your child is irreplaceable!

XXO Alexandrea