Life with a newborn, the reality!

Life with a newborn is full on. I’ve done it twice before, but you forget and I don’t think it gets any easier. You have this beautiful bundle of perfectness and you know you should be happy. And there are moments of happiness and total sheer joy at this little person you have created. But there are also moments of frustration, anxiety and tears.

 
You forget how totally overwhelmed you can feel to be the one that this tiny person is totally dependent on 24/7. There is no break, even when they are sleeping you are checking them. Are they still breathing? too hot, too cold? If you are breastfeeding this can feel relentless especially to start with. You worry if you are doing things right. You don’t leave their side and will vividly remember the first time you manage to have a shower and actually blow dry your hair. 
 
Then there is the crippling tiredness. You might be recovering from major surgery or a long, difficult labour and it takes time. We aren’t always kind to ourselves. You feel guilty for not being able to spend as much time with your other children. For not being able to get out and about with them. But it comes with time and before you know it you will have outings as a family, getting everyone wrapped up. If you’re lucky getting out the door without a nappy needing changing or sick needing cleaned up. You’ve done it! The first time I was exhausted just getting out the door. But you do it and you watch if you have them, your older children running about having fun. The baby sleeps peacefully in the sling or pram and for a while you feel normal. The messy playroom and kitchen that you never quite get long enough to finish tidying is out of mind. You’re enjoying the moment and it gives you hope that things will in time get easier. 
 

 

You remember that this moment of newborn won’t last. You won’t have this little person so reliant on you forever and you cuddle your baby and give them a kiss. You breathe in the baby smell and feel the fuzzy hair on your cheek and you smile. You remember to cherish this time, to enjoy the sleepy cuddles and the moments in the middle of the night when it’s just you and them. To try and enjoy each day, each moment because you know that it doesn’t last and parts of it are so precious.
 
 
 


  

 
 

 

18 responses to “Life with a newborn, the reality!”

  1. mamamim blog says:

    Aww I can relate to this – it’s something I’m anxious about too – we can only do our best can’t we 🙂 #sundaystars http://www.mamamim.com

    • Eilidh Gallagher says:

      Yes and it does get easier! You will be fine 🙂 xx

  2. Oh yes, newborns are hard work and exhausting aren’t they? Thank goodness they are gorgeous.. And that this stage doesn’t last forever! Xx #sundaystars

    • Eilidh Gallagher says:

      That’s what I say in the middle of the night to Ava. “It’s a good thing you are so cute” one little smile makes if all worthwhile x

  3. Honest Mum says:

    What a beauty but newborns are such hard work, it’s relentless. This will pass before you know it though. Thanks for linking up to #brilliantblogposts

    • Eilidh Gallagher says:

      Thanks 🙂 it’s such a beautiful, but relentless time. Trying to cherish the moments! X

  4. Oh I couldn’t agree more with enjoying the night time cuddles. I was exhausted but I love it so much – just us girls. Now my little miss refused to cuddle unless there are raisins or cheese involved!

    • Eilidh Gallagher says:

      Hangs raisins and cheese, good choices! You might find she wants them again, my eldest was like this for a bit, but loves cuddles again now 🙂 x

  5. Eilidh Gallagher says:

    I will pop and have a look! It’s such a lovely time but I forgot how emotionally tiring it is x

  6. I really wish there were such things as blogs when I was a new Mum as I thought I was doing it all wrong. Being able to read other new Mums experiences is invaluable, it’s reassuring to know that you aren’t the only one who feels overwhelmed.

    My favourite moments with my two were always those middle of the night feeds, just me and baby. They are the special feeds, with no distractions.

    Thank you for writing honest posts that other Mums can certainly realte to.

    #MMWBH.

  7. Lucy Blossom says:

    It was so overwhelming when my little one was a newborn, I suddenly felt terribly unprepared because no-one ever tells you how to cope with this totally dependent litte person and all their needs. I loved most of it though.

  8. Ickle Pickle says:

    Aawww what a cutie! We are not newborns for long – hang onto every second x #ShareWithMe

  9. cuddlesandmuddles.com says:

    Lovely post 🙂 I can definitely relate as we’re still getting there with our 4 month old. I’d be so much better at the baby bit this time but it’s another learning curve adjusting to two! I’m just trying to hold onto the amazing parts as this is probably my last baby and it really does go by so quickly – when you look back at it, anyway! #mmwbh

  10. So very totally true. Its the most amazing but terrifyingly intense time of your life isn’t it! Though if you asked me to – I’d still do it all over again! But, if you ask my husband,…. we won’t be!! *sulky face*. Fabulous post – thanks so much for linking up with #sundaystars

  11. I’m right there with you, as you know. It is really hard, and this is the hardest part. But aren’t those smiles wonderful! x x x x

  12. Ahhh look at those smiles at the end just made me so broody! That’s amazing. But yes they are so exhausting and no matter how much you do it I don’t think it gets easier it’s hard at the beginning each child is different and each time is different. Bless. It goes fast those first months while it doesn’t seem like it when you are in it you look back and think where did that go? Big hugs. Thanks for linking up to Share With Me Happy Holidays! #sharewithme

  13. Mrs H says:

    This is such a lovely post. Now my daughter is 18 months old I forget what it was like to have a new born. I remember the over whelming tiredness and now really giving myself time to heal after a difficult labour. Enjoy all your newborn cuddles. The time goes so quickly. Thanks for linking up with #SundaysStars and I am sorry it has taken me so long to comment on such a lovely post. Hugs Mrs H xxxx

  14. This is a lovely post. My son is just about to turn three months old and this was a great reminder to enjoy these moments with him. It’s so much easier than it was though. He sleeps now and laughs and smiles when he sees me.

    And that after labor tired takes a week to come out of. It’s the worst. Thankfully we get the best from it.

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