11 things all new mums know to be true

Cards on the table, I’m not a mum. However, I’ve been surrounded by babies my whole life – whether it was my cousins, my neighbours or my co-workers, I have seen a whole lot of new mums deal with the trials of being responsible for a tiny human.

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From becoming a one-handed whiz to dealing with crazy new emotions, there are plenty of things all new mums know to be true after giving birth. The mums here at bh HQ and our members share all the important lessons you learn as a new parent. Enjoy!

#1 You’re an emotional wreck

Hormones, sensitivity and ALL of the emotion. bh’s Diana tells me, “Once you have a baby you cry at the drop of a hat, especially if you read/see/hear something sad about children.”

#2 You can never have enough breastpads

At first you underestimate just how many breastpads you’ll need if you’re breastfeeding. After multiple trips to the supermarket you eventually learn to buy them in bulk! #leakage

#3 You’re a modern day MacGyver with cloth nappies

“They become wraps, burp cloths, pram liners, change mats, feeding covers, shade cloths, bibs, play mats, face washers and blankets in an instant,” bh’s Michelle explains.

#4 Everyone’s an expert

Whether it’s your own mother, your girlfriends, your co-workers or strangers on the street, you get advice left, right and centre! But as platinum member PrettyPrincess tells me, “Just because something worked for them doesn’t mean it will work for you. Don’t stop (or start) doing things because people tell you that you’re ‘wrong’. Mother’s intuition is real!” bh’s Kym agrees: “Trust your own instincts, and you’ll have a happier baby!”

#5 Hangovers are the devil

What happened to your pre-pregnancy tolerance? bh’s Michelle learnt that, “You eagerly crack into your wine collection that’s been untouched for months, only to discover that you can no longer have a few drinks and feel fine in the morning.”

#6 You become a one-handed whiz

Especially when it comes to eating. Gold member Seezora tells us her fridge was always filled with easy-to-grab food that she could eat with one hand, including “yoghurt tubs, cut up fruit, muffins, cold cut sandwiches and muesli bars”.

#7 Nappies don’t hold everything

How can so much come out of something so small? bh’s Bree learnt that, “Napisan and a soaking bucket will be your best friend and the washing machine will run 24/7.”

#8 If you don’t shower when your partner is still home, you won’t shower at all

… And your dressing gown will be your new uniform.

#9 You make plans with the best of intentions, but your baby has other ideas

bh’s Michelle explains: “You book into mums and bubs classes with the intention of being back to your pre-baby weight in three months. Your baby knows this and chooses said lessons as the time to have an unusually long feed or cry relentlessly unless held, ensuring you sit on your mat and pay to watch everyone else’s core strengthen.” #mumproblems

#10 Respect for your own parents reaches an all-time high

Remember when your mum used to say, “When you have your own children you’ll understand?” Well, she was TOTALLY right.

#11 You never knew you could love something this much

Sure, you love your partner, your parents, your siblings and your friends. But once you have a baby, your heart feels like it’s going to burst.

One super important thing to remember as a new mum is that you need a little ‘me’ time when you can manage it (to keep you sane!). Here are a few thing we reckon you should keep in your pamper and ‘mums night out’ stash!

1. NIVEA In-Shower Rich Body Lotion
2. Dermalogica Gentle Cream Exfoliant
3. INIKA Cosmetics Certified Organic Creme Colour For Cheeks & Lips
4. Eye of Horus Goddess Mascara
5. Nutrimetics Nutri-Rich Oil
6. Jurlique Rosewater Balancing Mist Intense

Do you have anything to add to the list? What did you learn once you became a mum?