10 tips for a smoother transition to motherhood

1. Find your village! – Yes, it really does take a village. Who can you call on when you need a helping hand? If you don’t have friends or family nearby consider finding a social network like a mother’s group for example.
   Identify positive coping strategies – What strategies do you use to cope in stressful situations?
   Set up realistic expectations – What is it that must be done every day, and what can wait? You aren’t expected to be super mum. Prioritise your jobs and identify what is achievable.
   Avoid Isolation – In the first few weeks it is ok to not want to be social, you are learning how to be a mum and how to feed and care for your baby. But after a while it is good to get out and about. It’s much easier to lose perspective and confidence when you are always alone.
   Keep active – Keep active doing whatever it is you enjoy, even if this is a short morning walk around the block. This is a great way to clear your mind.
   Boundaries – Get your support person on the same page! It’s easier if they know your boundaries and can help you to reinforce them if this is something you are not good at doing yourself. For example, if you are exhausted and it feels like your visitors just won’t leave, your support person can step in and speak up for you.
   Resources – Have your handy phone numbers somewhere easy to find. For example, Your midwife, child health nurse etc. (Download our list of useful phone numbers)
   Accept help – When people offer to help, and they will, be clear about what you need. if you need a hot meal, tell them! There is also no shame in asking for help when you need it.
   Stop googling and trust your instincts – Enough said. You will know when to seek help, but please reach out to your health professionals if you are unsure. There is so much misinformation online it will only give you anxiety.
2. Take care of you – The first step to a happy baby is a happy Mum. You are important too. Don’t compare yourself to others and take time out for yourself every now and then. What made you feel good before you had your baby? Do that!

Transitioning to motherhood is hard. Really hard. Even if its not your first baby. Go easy on yourself Mama, you are doing an incredible job.