WHAT I'D GIVE A NEW MUM - MATERNAL HEALTH MATTERS

   
Last week marked Maternal Mental Health Awareness week which saw so many fantastic social media campaigns such as Shoulty Selfie by Mummylinks, There for Her by The No Filter Mum, Depression Wears Lipstick by Lobella Loves and What I'd Give A New Mum by Amy Ransom. Of all of the campaigns, What I'd Give A New Mum resonated with me the most.  This was because as a Mum of older chidlren there were  things I didn't have, that would have made such a difference to the transition of becoming a first or even second time mum.  This campaign really got me thinking about what I would give a new Mum and there are 3 things.

1. Space To breathe, think & be​

It's a bit of a whildwind becoming a Mum and the thought of taking time for yourself to recharge and refresh is the last thing on your mind, but it's so important for coping with the change and the constand demand of a new baby.  I'd give a mum space to breathe, even if it was for only 30 minutes.  To breathe properly, to take a break from being on high alert for the sound of your baby and their needs.  I'd give a new Mum space to think as there never seems to be enough hours in the day to look after the babay, yourself AND get the day to day housework done. Most improtantly, I'd give Mum space to be.  To sit down or sleep or a while, to enjoy a hot drink, snack or meal uninteruppted as the first few days, months and even a year doesn't prepare for you for having rushed, missed and many incomplete meals.

2. A Helping Hand At Home

Having recently discovered what post birth Doulas are, I'd definitely give a new mum the support of one.  Having someone who you can turn to, who's neutral and there to provide support as needed is priceless.  Not to mention having someone to help with siblings or even the cooking.  I wish I was aware of Doulas when I had my children as it would have made the transition into motherhood much more manageable.

Knowing there's someone else to help with all the other tasks reduces the concern and anxiety faced by many new mums who feel they have to do it all, especially if they managed to do it all before becoming a mum. It doesn't help when you're given the advice sleep when the baby sleeps, when you know full well there's a load of washing to be done.  So with the gift of a Doula comes freedom and time to sleep when the baby's sleeping! 

3. Flowers - Every Week!

Hence the blog picture.  I don't know about you but I LOVE flowers. There's something about them, tulips in particular for me that they cheer me up no matter how low I'm feeling so I'd give a new mum beautiful flowers every week for the first 3 months.  They also provide a great sight when Mum's breastfeeding!

There you have it, my 3 gifts for a new mum.

Join in the conversation and let me know what you'd give a new mum!