Author: Janine Smith

Tip – for safer co-sleeping

No-one ever knows if they will need to co-sleep so it’s worth knowing how to do this safely if it becomes what you want to do or if it is the only way you and your baby can get some sleep. The Lullaby Trust states that 91% of parents who co-sleep didn’t expect to do it. For safer co-sleeping you need to know more about where to position your baby in the bed, what bedding to use, to consider your mattress and whether your baby can roll out of the bed. With consultations, digital guides and courses, my practice is here for you every step of the way. You can also become a member for exclusive content, discussion and a place to ask questions. Working with parents since 2002 Copyright: Janine Smith

co-sleeping

Tip – safer sleep

It really makes a difference to know more about safer sleep before your baby arrives – include cots, bed nests and co-sleeping so you are better prepared for the different options. . With consultations, digital guides and courses, my practice is here for you every step of the way. You can also become a member for exclusive content, discussion and a place to ask questions. Working with parents since 2002 Copyright: Janine Smith

What has surprised you about being a mum?

The Being Mum project is about capturing the reality of life for mums after pregnancy, birth and with a baby. How tired you can be and how you’ll still carry on The emotional toll, as well as the physical. The loss of identity and friendships How easy it felt, all the worry and anxiety from pregnancy disappeared as soon as he was here. It just felt simple, he was mine and I was his and I knew we’d get through this together How hard it really is. I used to think maternity leave was just a long holiday but it really is so hard! How all encompassing it is and how selfless I am willing to be The loss of control The feeling of fierce protection I have towards my baby. Nothing else matters The resilience of parents. I completely underestimated what other parents were going through and I didn’t appreciate how difficult it could be The loss of friends, mainly those who do not have children How little people understand about what it tales …

Tip – don’t expect too much

When you have a new baby, try not to expect too much of yourself or of your baby. It can be really easy to think that your baby should be capable of sleeping for longer, of self-settling, going longer between feeds – so it makes a difference to know more about how babies work so you know what it is normal about baby behaviour. It can also be easy to feel that you should know what to do with your baby, that you can do everything without help and manage the nights as well as the days. Be supported and looked after. . With consultations, digital guides and courses, my practice is here for you every step of the way. You can also become a member for exclusive content, discussion and a place to ask questions. Working with parents since 2002 Copyright: Janine Smith

Tip – no two labours are the same

It’s important to remember that labours are not the same – an induced labour is not the same as a waterbirth, labour with a second baby is not the same as a first labour, labour with a back-to-back baby is not the same as a labour with a baby in a better position. Labour is unique to you and your baby so it makes a difference to prepare for your individual circumstances. With consultations, digital guides and courses, my practice is here for you every step of the way. You can also become a member for exclusive content, discussion and a place to ask questions. Working with parents since 2002 Copyright: Janine Smith