Things I Wish I Knew Before Having a Baby

Breastfeeding Realities

Breastfeeding isn’t always easy or painless, which was a big surprise for me. The initial discomfort and challenges were unexpected, but I found several remedies that made a difference:

Nipple Balm: Essential for soothing sore nipples.

Cold Packs: Great for reducing swelling and discomfort.

Gel Breast Discs: Provided much-needed relief.

Hot Showers: Encouraged natural milk release.

Breast Massage: Reduced lumps and helped prevent mastitis, despite the pain.

Perineal bottle: Post delivery to make that dreaded time to the bathroom sting that little bit less. 

Settling a Baby

Not all babies are easy to settle. My experience with my boys showed me that each baby is different. Here are some methods that worked for my more challenging baby:

Comforter with Sound: Provided a sense of security.

Red Light: Created a calming environment.

White Noise: Helped drown out household sounds.

Rocking in the Pram: Especially effective for my son with severe reflux.

 

Navigating Sleep Challenges

In the beginning, sleep was a major challenge. I put a lot of pressure on myself to get it right. Over time, I realised that babies eventually settle into their sleep patterns, and everything will be okay.

When I had my first baby, I found it incredibly challenging to navigate the opinions and constant comparisons with other mums. It seemed like everyone had advice on what I should be doing, and I often felt overwhelmed trying to measure up to their standards.

Over time, I realised that the most important voice I needed to listen to was my own. I began to trust my instincts and allowed myself to step back from the rigid schedules. Some days, I simply let things flow naturally, which made a world of difference for both me and my baby. 

Every mum's experience is unique!