Life With A Newborn ...

The little helping products, bringing big smiles to my face!

Sunny has brought nothing but sunshine into our home over the last five weeks. His sweet smell, his coo's, his little face, his big heart ... and stinky poops!! All of it is so precious.

There's no shame in admitting that while newborns are tiny little beings, their needs are gigantic, all consuming & it can be very exhausting. You can love your bub more than life itself but still think to yourself, "Gosh, I'd love a 15minute break!"

The moment you sit down or shut your eyes, they need you. The moment you walk into a room, they smell you. The moment you feel as though you're absolutely cooked, you're greeted with a new challenge. Newborn life is a huge rollercoaster!!!

For other new mums (or expecting mummas), reading this - I've popped some products below that Josh and I have loved having in the house & leaned on massivley for support and comfort when it comes to caring for our boy. Please note this is not a paid plug, this list below is advice from my heart, and my home.

> The Fisher Price Rocker Chair

The Rocker has been helpful with Sunny. It's so handy when I need to get through the day-to-day tasks for example when I shower, work or relax on the couch. The chair is super simple to clean, which is also a big win! After a little spewsies it takes two seconds to wipe down.

I admire Fisher Price's commitment to make importance changes and steps forward in terms of sustainability. From manufacturing to packaging (read all about it here), they're doing great things for the benefit of the plant.

> The Dockatot Bed

We loveee this! We take to beach, we travel to other peoples homes with it, or simply lay Sunny down & pop him in another room for a snooze. It's light, safe, comfortable and ... a lifesaver. I wish it came in my size! I now actually put Sunny in his Dockatot & then rest the Dockatot in his big boy cot. He's not yet sleeping in his own room overnight but during the day I like to get him comfortable with different surroundings. We're hoping this encourages good sleep habits for when we're away from home during naptime. Fingers CROSSED!

> Products by Haakaa

In particular their Milk Storage Bags & the Breast Pump (the pump that sucks onto your boob and collects all of the drips). The Haakaa is a NZ based family brand & they endeavour to create functional products to help new mums while not compromising our planet. These goodies have been recommended to me by a range of people, so I have to pass on the tip - as they're must-haves.

> AFTERWARDS … the book

Afterwards is all about the postpartum days for brand new mummas. A good friend of mine wrote the book after having her first bub not long ago. Afterwards covers a whole range of topics that may lead new mums to feel shy, awkward or embarrassed. From going to the loo for the first time bost birth, dealing with hair loss and leaking boobs, changing skin conditions, pelvic floor strength, hygiene, mother's guilt... the lot. Nothing is off the table as new mums need to feel supported on all of these topics, as they have enough to deal with, without self doubt popping into their mind! The book is printed on 100% recycled paper and made in AUS, another plus!

So there's my four top tips for now! More coming as Sunny grows and I discover more tips and tricks.

Adjusting to the new normal is a tricky time of life. My body is having to function with such limited sleep, which is tough. I'm getting much better at looking to Josh for help when I need to nap, as listening to your body is vital. If you crack, it takes too much energy to bring yourself back up. That energy is better used for more positive things.

I hope no mums out there ever feel guilty about taking an hour when they need it to lie down. An overrun body can play with your mind and even effect your milk supply, go be kind to yourself.

Josh knows me so well he can sense when I'm at my limit. He's good at stepping in and taking the reins when he knows iI need help.

I'm not sure if it's a mum thing, but we seem to have so much pride and such a "I can do it all approach." The lesson I am learning very quickly? Asking for help is the best thing you can do for your baby, your soul and your household. If everyone feels supported & as if they can cope, the energy surrounding you will be so much happier.

When Sunny came along, so did a fresh perspective. Work, our future, the ways I spend my time ... it's all changing for the better.

Being a mother to Sunny is a gift. I can't help but feel such disbelief when I look at him and think, he's our little family.

Thank you for all the lovely messages since Sunny came along!

I appreciate all the love so much.

Elyse x