Some tips for new mothers

When a first baby is born a mother is created as well. Before the baby was born she was a woman, but now she is a mother, and always will be - even after the child is grown up and has children of his or her own.

But the first few weeks and months of motherhood can be a stressful and scary time, so here are a few suggestions to help make sure this magical time stays magical!

Take some time to yourself

It's difficult tofind any time for yourself with a demanding baby, but this is really vital for your mental health as well as for the good of the baby. Everybody needs some time to reboot and rejuvinate. Even if it's just a half hour walk at first, or if you can find time to go to a class you enjoy or have a coffee with a friend without the baby, taking some time to yourself will be everyone good.

Don't try to be supermum

Many new mums fall into the trap of feeling they have to be perfect, every second of every day. But this can only lead to stress, anxiety and guilt. You can't get everything right first time, you're learning every day - and you can be sure your baby isn't going to notice, or give two hoots. As long as you're loving it, it's loving you and that's more important than anything else.

Don't worry if you don't feel like a 'natural'

There's a common myth that as soon as the baby pops out, women immediately know exactly what to do in every given situation. This is nonsense. Many new mums don't even bond with their babies at first - sleep seems more appealing! So don't worry if everything seems hard and unnatural at first, and don't panic if you're not clothed in a blanket of adoration at every moment. The bonds take tim eot build - but they will, just be patient.

If you know a new mum who's finding her feet, why not treat her to a unique personalised gift? Personalised Baby Gifts UK has a range of gorgeous gifts for newborns, ranging from practical bibs, clothing and bedding to elegant keepsakes.

How do babies develop? The first month...

We might think a baby's life is easy, just eating, sleeping and squalling, but it's a very stressful time in any human being's life...
 

You can never have to many personalised bibs!

The first few days after birth are very testing for most babies because they’ve changed their environment from mummy’s small cosy belly to a big cot or pushchair. This is a big change for them so perhaps it's no wonder that they cry so often!  Usually the best way to calm them down is to put a small blanket tightly around their body so they feel safer and relaxed.   This is called swaddling and reminds the baby of being back in the safe, close confines of the womb.

At first newborn babies move in a jerky, uncoordinated way but probably by the end of the first month their movements become more fluid. They won’t be able to fully extend their arms and legs yet, which will make them look little bit scrunched up, which is perfectly normal.

In the first month babies are trying to adjust to being in the outside world and they spend most of the time sleeping and eating. At this time babies try to lift their head, stare at faces and follow objects. They can see black and white patterns and quite often they smile, though for the moment it's just a reflex.

If you or someone you know has just had a newborn baby, why not get one of our silver finish certificate holders, perfect for keeping birth certificates safe for newborn boys and newborn girls.