How I Survived That First Year
Hannah Burns has worked a fast paced life in PR and communications for years. But nothing compared to the first year on the job as a new mum to Frankie. She shares her experience - and tips for new mums - with Her Territory readers.
Welcoming my daughter Frankie right before the new year was the best way to see out 2020. But if I thought being pregnant through the peak of COVID was tough, becoming a mum for the first time really shook things up. It is true when they say nothing can prepare you for motherhood. Just when you think you’re getting the hang of things, a new tooth starts cutting, you’re googling why your baby hasn’t pooped in days, and cat naps are all you know. While it is sure to be the most magical and adventurous time of your life, some days can be physically and emotionally exhausting. When mothering your little human, you must remember to also mother yourself.
If you are or soon to be a new mum, the internet is filled with tips and ideas on how to make things a little easier, some will work for you, some won’t – everyone is different. Here are my top tips on getting through your first year.
1. Mums Groups
I’m going to be honest and say, pre-baby Hannah would have rolled her eyes at the thought of going to meet up with a bunch of strange women to chat. For someone who already has a tight-knit group of friends, it just wasn’t something I was interested in. I already have friends who have babies, I didn’t really need more… oh how wrong was I. The first mums group I attended was pre-organised by the hospital, Babies of Palmerston (or BOP in mum slang). A group of six new mums with babies all born within the same fortnight. I was so surprised at how quickly I bonded with these women. Sure, already having friends with kids is great, but sharing your day to day ups and downs with another mum whose baby is the same age, who is going through the same thing is completely different, it is invaluable. We chat daily and catch up weekly, and these amazing women have now become my people.
2. Local Library Nursery Rhymes and Story Time
Check out your local library to see what baby sessions they run. For me, it’s Wednesday morning at the Palmerston Library singing nursery rhymes and listening to stories. Wednesday mornings are my new Friday after-work drinks, it is officially my favourite time of the week. There is something about a bunch of babies laughing, clapping and having a great time that is completely contagious. Not only do these sessions provide a valuable learning and bonding experience with you and your little one, but they are also a great way to meet other mums. Be warned, singing and dancing are non-negotiable.
3. Gyms with Crèches
Getting back to the gym as soon as I was ready and cleared from my obstetrician was one of the best things I did. It was so important for me to begin restrengthening my body and feeling like my old self again. Luckily, most gyms offer a crèche service these days and fitness classes that coincide with crèche time – they will be jammed packed with mummas just like you so go check it out. Heck, even if you don’t feel like working out, if you are having one of those days, check your child into the crèche, turn on your music or podcast, grab a yoga mat and spend the next hour stretching it out – your body and mind will thank you for it.
4. YOU Time
Last but certainly not least. Mumma time, you time – whatever you want to call it. This is a regular time that you set aside each week or fortnight to invest in your own self-care. For me, it’s a Thursday evening where I pour a wine, put in a hair mask and paint my toes or rub on a tan. Sure, if you are feeling exhausted you will probably just want to go to bed or finish other chores around the house, but I have found that these evenings are so important to my mental wellbeing that I rarely miss doing them, no matter how tired I am - and I always feel better for it. So pick a time where you can just be by yourself, ignore the chores, and take some time to invest in yourself.