7 things about being a mum I wish someone had told me

Having a baby and taking them home for the first time is the most amazing and daunting experience. Everyone always told me it would be, but until it actually happens to you I don't think you can really understand it. Here's a few things I wish someone had told me.

1. Nap when your baby naps! I didn't do this at first as I thought I had too many things to do, but when it got to the second week I was physically exhausted and realised everything else can wait! Your baby needs you which means you need energy.

2. Pre-prepare meals, you won't feel like cooking! Your body clock will be all over the place and the last thing you want to do is cook for the first week at least. Try and pre-prepare meals, or ask someone for help. Don't be scared to ask, people love feeling like they can be helpful I promise.

3. Routine, routine, routine! People used to tell me this all the time and again I never realised how important it was until we had a few out of routine days! Babies love a routine so try and introduce one as soon as you can, it will pay off even if it takes time to get it in place. I used to get up with my son and open all the curtains to get him used to the difference between day and night.

4. It's ok to cry! Boy oh boy did I cry, sometimes for no reason at all. I remember once crying because there was no milk and all I wanted was a cup of tea. I mean it really does get that bad! Seek support from you partner and family and don't be afraid to let it out. It does you good and is so normal.

5. Eat, sleep, poo, repeat. Literally! This is all you'll feel your tiny little bundle of joy does and for the first few weeks it kind of is, but enjoy it for as long as you can because they soon won't lie in your arms without pulling your hair or picking your nose.

6. Go out and enjoy yourself. It's so important to remember to make time for yourself and your partner when you become parents. It's an amazing journey to share together but there's a lot of tough times and it can really tiring if you don't give yourself a break. As hard as I found it, try and take up your family's offers of babysitting and make it a regular thing. Although you're both now parents, that's not all you are and it can be really easy to forget to make time to enjoy the things you did before your baby.

7. Be patient, it comes to you. I think when you're a mum you're kind of expected to know everything but that's really not the case. I used to panic and get so upset with myself if I didn't know what my son wanted when he cried and the reason behind his first cough, but I soon realised that it's really normal.

Nap when your baby naps, you need all the energy you can get.

Enjoy every moment of them, they don't stay tiny forever.

Becoming parents is the most amazing journey you'll share together.

It's really important to make time for the two of you.

You'll feel exhausted and drained so ask for as much help as you can.

Their first smile will melt your heart.

Do what works for you, don't feel pressured by people around you. Only you know what's best for you and your baby.

Always remind yourself you're doing an amazing job. Everything will come to you and it's ok to ask for help.

Babies don't come with a handbook. My advice to you is don't be hard on yourself or panic if you feel like you don't know what you're doing. It all becomes second nature to you after several months and you realise that poo explosions aren't down to you not knowing how to put a nappy on properly - promise!

To chat to other mums with a baby the same age as yours, join your BabyCentre Birth Club.

Check out Hattie’s personal blog, bournsisters.com.

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