This week marked two months of our precious little man being earth side, and it had me reflecting on these past two months (which I might add right now, have absolutely flown by!). It’s been an absolute rollercoaster and I have learned so much in this time – more than I ever realised. Prior to our little man arriving, multiple people had said to me that parenting is both the hardest thing you’ll ever do and the best thing you’ll ever do. I do agree, it takes it out of you more than you can prepare for, but it gives back more than anything else possible. Here’s some of my thoughts from the last two months:

A new love unlike anything else: Nothing can truly prepare you for the love and sweetness that a new baby can bring. I suppose I did have a fear in the lead up to having a baby that I wouldn’t feel that connection straight away and that it wouldn’t grow, but oh my goodness it does grow and I’ve found myself crying tears of joy and gratitude just being so thankful for the blessing of our precious boy. The other night after I fed him, he was awake for about 30 minutes before falling back asleep and during that awake time, he was so cute and cuddly and even though I was tired, I really loved those cuddles and was quite happy to be awake with my little love. This time will go so fast and I won’t be able to get it back. For me as a Christian, becoming a parent has also helped me understand God’s unconditional love for us more than I ever have, which I have loved. Just like I’m not upset at little man when he’s upset and in need of me, I’ve realised God isn’t upset either at us when we come to Him with our concerns and worries. In fact, He wants us to come to Him.

Breastfeeding does get SO much easier: I am really thankful I persevered with breastfeeding because it is now SO much easier than when I first began. At first it did hurt (even when I was technically doing it right – I’d say its very normal for it to hurt for a while at the start as babies have a strong suction and it can take a while to get used to) and it felt awkward and really tricky. So I just want to encourage other mums out there that if you’re at the start of your breastfeeding journey, please don’t give up because it does get so much easier. Also, silverette cups are amazing and really help to heal when you’re cracked and sore! I got these ones off Amazon and they’ve been so helpful.

The wild, upside down and inside out emotions: More than anything else, I have found this to be the hardest part of becoming a new parent. Talk about crazy emotions, fuelled by raging hormones that I’m sure are great and helping create milk for baby and all sorts of other things, but oh my goodness they make me feel like I’m going crazy sometimes. My best friend had her second baby about three weeks after me, and she has been so reassuring that I’m not going crazy and wild emotions that change so quickly are very normal. I’m also very thankful for my lovely husband, my mum, my sister and sisters-in-law, and other lovely people who have listened to me as I’ve tried to explain the ups and downs. Thank goodness Jesus loves us mums through all of our ups and downs and is ready to help us out when it feels too much.

Support from family and friends: The saying “It takes a village to raise a child” is so very true. For a few weeks following little man’s birth, Chris and I were so blessed by the people from our church who created a meal-train for us (whereby, multiple people sign up to make us a meal every second night). This was an absolute gift! Food is always such a gift, and I found it so helpful in those first few weeks, especially because we were both so tired and babies typically are quite unsettled around dinner time. To have something less to think about and focus on, such as dinner preparation, was so helpful. My mum stayed when she was able to and helped which was an absolute breath of fresh air, and the love and support from other friends and family has been just so sweet. So if you’re wondering how to support friends or family who’ve had a baby, food is a great place to start!

Recovery from the delivery: Every woman’s journey in the delivery room is completely different, and therefore recovery is completely different. Our little man entered the world through a caesarean section (or as I’ve heard it put by some “through the sunroof”) and as I discovered, the recovery that comes following this is quite extensive. To be fair, it is quite major abdominal surgery where multiple layers are cut through, and that takes time and patience to recover from. I was so ready to lift things that were heavier than my baby by the time six weeks rolled around when I was given the green light. However, I am thankful I waited and allowed myself to recover because otherwise I could have caused a longer recovery. So hold in there and give yourself time to heal because your body has just been through a lot.

Realising how little I actually knew: Not long into being a parent, I realised how little I actually knew about how to raise a child. I also felt bad from when I’d made not very helpful comments to parents in the past because I really didn’t know what it’s truly like. Every child is so beautifully unique and different and will have different needs and rhythms to other children. So shoutout to all the other parents out there who are doing their best at raising the lovely little ones we’ve been blessed with.

I’d love to finish with a quote I heard recently from Lisa Bevere:
“Don’t just survive your children. Enjoy them.”

Psalm 127: 3-4 – Children are a heritage from the Lord, offspring a reward from him. Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are children born in one’s youth.