Dear Circle family,
I thought I'd report in from Motherland and give you an update on life as a first time mum! My little girl has just fed and is settled in for a few hours sleep - funny how my life now revolves around 3-4 hour blocks!
I hope you all enjoyed the show last Friday when Chrissie announced her wonderful news that she's expecting baby number 2! It was a lot of fun planning the surprise to be on set, and it was so great to see the girls and Colin. It was Molly-Rose's first night away from home and quite an adventure for us.....I've never packed so many things for such a little person!!!
Well, where do I start? I know it's a cliche but nothing could have prepared me for the love I feel for my baby and the amazing journey my husband and I have been on since we welcomed our little girl into the world. I simply cannot imagine what my life would now be like without our Molly-Rose. She's the first thing I think of when I wake and I find myself gazing at her with wonder....how did I create this little person? What a gift it is to be a mum.
I'm absolutely loving the new 'job' as a mother. I was quite anxious before her birth about the whole sleep deprivation issue. I'm someone who LOVES my sleep and I often struggled if I didn't get my 7-8 hours, so I was wondering if I'd cope and how I'd feel. As all mums and dads out there can relate to, although the sleep is broken and I sometimes feel that I'm a jersey cow producing milk 24/7.....as soon as you get up and see that little person it makes it all worthwhile. I have the most beautiful moments with her in the middle of the night when it's just the two of us and the rest of the world is sleeping. It's the realisation that you've created life and you're sustaining life. I'm cherishing every second of the cuddles at 4am because I know that I'll soon be wondering where that little 'baby' went. Everybody tells me they grow up so fast.
Towards the end of my pregnancy I read quite a few books that promoted a 'routine'. I've found for us, it's easier to be guided by what Molly-Rose needs rather than putting pressure on myself or her to stick to a specific system. Because Molly-Rose was premature and we spent two and a half weeks in hospital (a big thanks to the fabulous staff at St John of God, Ballarat) I probably had it easier than most mums because I spent so much time talking to the incredible midwives everyday. They were a constant source of information and support, so I was able to ask them questions, shed tears in front of them and get to know my baby's signs unlike so many mums who are sent home after only a few days. It must be such a shock for so many people to give birth and then be sent home without having a chance to ease into caring for your newborn.
If you are about to become a mum for the first time, I've put down some suggestions that have really helped me so far. Remember that every baby is different and that there is no 'perfect' way to becoming a mum;
GORGI'S TIPS FOR NEW MUMS
* Follow your gut instinct. You know your baby better than anybody. Always listen to that little voice inside your head, particularly when someone is trying to tell you to do things differently to what you feel is right.
* When people ask what they can do, or what they can bring when they visit - always say FOOD! It's a huge help. Ask them to either bring something you can eat while they visit (salad rolls etc) or preferably something you can freeze and eat when you're exhausted (lasagnes, pies, casseroles etc). When your friends visit, make sure you sit down and rest and get THEM to make the cups of tea.
* Try to practice 'mindfulness' when everything seems overwhelming. Remember that your baby will not be this reliant on you forever. Take a break, go out and walk in the garden or near mother nature and refresh. You're only human and it doesn't make you a bad mum if you need time out!
* Talk to experts and people who know a lot about babies. This website is a godsend for me - www.welladjustedbabies.com - Dr Jen is a good friend of mine and our chiropractor. She is the mother of 4 boys and her advice is gold. As a mum always remember it is your right to challenge what's in foods, liquids, supplements etc for your baby. Again, trust your gut!
I'll be sure to ask you guys loads of questions and ask for advice given there are times when I have no idea what she wants and why she's crying! It's such a huge learning curve being a mum and it helps so much to get advice from a range of people.
Keep enjoying the show and don't forget to vote for us for a Logie! Molly-Rose and I are leading the campaign from Ballarat....!
Lots of love,
Gorgi
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Read Gorgi's interview in the Feb 14 edition of Woman's Day.
