Down Jacket designed for Mother

Winter can be cold and bitter but that shouldn’t stop you from stepping outside the house and get the fun you want. When you do decide to step out, you need the right winter gear. If you’re pregnant or recently gave birth, then getting the right winter gear to keep you warm through the errands is an even bigger challenge. Keeping this in mind Mamaway has a down jacket designed for moms. Why should you get this jacket if you have other winter gear?

Well for starters chances are there is nothing like the Mamaway down jacket in your closet. The Mamaway down jacket is a 3-in-1 down jacket designed to make the lives of moms easier. The 3 functions of the down jacket include:

• Pregnancy: When you’re pregnant finding the right kind of outerwear can be a challenge. This jacket has an attachable panel that can be used to extend the girth of the jacket. You can enjoy a comfortable down jacket through your pregnancy while maintaining a stylish look. There’s more you can use this same jacket with your bundle of joy as well!
• Carrying baby: Once you give birth you need to take care of baby through it all. So, running errands with them is also part of the deal. While you’re out and about during the chilly winter days the attachable panel creates room for baby and protects your little angel from the chilly winter winds.  Now, we’re left with one more reason.
• On your own: After pregnancy and after giving birth, there are some items in your closet that you have to toss out once you start shedding the pounds. This 3-in-1 down jacket is not one of those items. Simply detach the attachable panel and use the down jacket as a regular down jacket. This is arguably the best part of this down jacket.

If you’re a new mom it gets better, you can use the Mamaway down jacket for the following:

• Discreet Nursing: While you’re on the go this down jacket protects baby from the chilly winter winds. Furthermore, if you have a baby you know that they can get hungry when you’re on the go. When you’re wearing this down jacket you don’t have to worry about feeding baby because it also works as a discreet nursing cover while you’re on the go.

Also, if you are reluctant in getting winter gear because they are cumbersome and difficult to store, this down jacket is different. Once you’re ready to step into your spring clothes, you can easily store this down jacket. The Mamaway 3-in-1 down jacket comes with a storage bag for easy storage. This can come in handy when you’re traveling as well.

So if you’re pregnant or just gave birth don’t get intimidated by the chilly winter days. Use the Mamaway 3-in-1 down jacket to step our looking styling and feeling warm. Plus if you have a baby you can tag them along, wrapped around you and your jacket’s warmth. The best part of this product is you can still use this windproof and water resistant down jacket beyond your pregnancy and postnatal period. So if you’re pregnant, a new mom the Mamaway 3-in-1 down jacket is a must have item in your closet and don’t ever worry about clearing it from your wardrobe.

Get your Mamaway 3-in-1 down jacket now and enjoy the cold temperatures when your pregnant, in your postnatal period and beyond!

Baby Sleep Cycle and Babywearing

Babywearing has been a part of various cultures for several generations. There was a slump in mainstream babywearing after the invention of alternative baby carriers. However, there has been an increase in popularity of babywearing in recent years. With more and more parents opting for babywearing as a primary or secondary baby carrier option, the benefits and practicality of babywearing is constantly being studied and discussed. Babywearing and baby sleep cycle is a topic of great interest among babywearing parents.

There are two types of sleep babies and people in general engage in. Nap time and the regular night time shut eye, both of which are a vital part in a baby’s growth. Infants tend to sleep more and as baby becomes a toddler, the hours spent napping start to reduce until night time shut eye becomes the sole source of rest and rejuvenation. Keeping this in mind, let’s assess how babywearing contributes towards nap time and night time sleep for baby.

Nap Time: After spending 9 months in a mother’s womb, listening to her heartbeat and enjoying the warmth, a baby starts their journey in the real world. Babies spend more time sleeping than the average person and as they grow older, the hours spent sleeping begin to restrict to night time sleeping. When baby naps if they can find the comfort of the womb, by being close to the mother’s heartbeat and warmth, then they will enjoy napping. Babywearing provides the required warmth and closeness for baby.

Night Sleep: Again, after enjoying mother’s womb and warmth for months, baby is accustomed to only that sense of familiarity when they enter the world. Being able to slowly transition from spending moments with mommy or a caregiver to sleeping at night will help baby take the smaller steps to the world. In addition, moving along with mom, dad or a caregiver throughout the day will provide movement to baby and tire them out to fall asleep better at night. As a result, babywearing helps baby transition to the real world and sleep well at night during the process.

Babywearing has been an exciting and controversial topic for parents. With some arguing that babywearing makes babies dependent and some arguing that babywearing is not practical with the modern day working lifestyle of parents. Again, just like any other parenting decision babywearing needs to be a decision based on choice and flexibility of parents. If you can spend the entire day with baby, then great. If you can’t spend the entire day with baby, then time during the evenings can provide the much needed bond between parent and baby.

Fit babywearing into your schedule as per your convenience and enjoy intimate moments with baby. Studies and experience share that babywearing helps with baby’s sleep cycle and improved sleep. There is always the added memories and moments with baby that you spend through babywearing. Ring slings are a great option for convenient babywearing. Choose the right ring sling for you and give it a shot because chances are you and baby will enjoy babywearing and the benefits that come along with it.

4 Reasons that a Ring Sling should be a part of your New Year’s Resolution

With each new year comes,it will be a new beginning and an opportunity to start afresh. In doing so we set goals and targets to achieve throughout the year. There are various resolutions people make, but one thing that stands true for all is that we take a moment to reflect on ourselves. Being a parent (especially parents of infants and toddlers) there is a teeny tiny side of you that is selfless and you can’t imagine a new year’s resolution that doesn’t involve you bundle of joy. In light of this thought, babywearing is a perfect new year’s resolution for parents if they haven’t started it already. We’ve complied reasons why a ring sling should be a part of your new year’s resolution this year.

• Cuteness overload: Is there ever such a thing as cuteness overload when it comes to your little one? Probably not, but through a ring sling you can spend more time observing all the milestone in your little angel’s life this year.
• Sleep more: There is nothing more taxing then a screaming infant or toddler when you’re trying to get some shut eye at night. If you use a ring sling when you’re with baby through out the day it will make them more connected with you are your cycle (yes, sleeping and even potty!).
• Emotional quotient: Your little munchkin relies on you for everything and there is no doubt that you want to spend time with baby. A ring sling will let you spend intimate moments with baby and this closeness will contribute towards the emotional quotient of your little angel.
• Natural instincts: With all the craze surrounding natural diet and natural lifestyle, babywearing fits the bill. Before the invention of cumbersome baby carriers and after the invention of clothing, babywearing was the norm. So, a ring sling will keep you in close tandem with our natural instincts.

The benefits of babywearing are proven and if you aren’t already engaging in this then it’s time to begin informed ring sling practices. Getting a ring sling is the first step towards starting your new year’s resolution. So, hurry and get a ring sling now and spend intimate moments with the most precious part of your life, your baby. Believe me just glancing at them up close and personal will melt your heart and you will not regret investing in your ring sling.

Are you convinced a ring sling should be a part of your new year’s resolution?

To Dad – Tips for coming out looking like a hero during Week 1

Dear Dad, feeling freaked about what lies ahead? You’re not on your own.

From the emotional first feed to the constant diaper changes, taking care of a newborn can be nerve-wrecking and overwhelming for a first time dad, but it’s your time to shine and be the best dad you could ever be!

My tip? Don’t get your balls busted for bad prep. Meet your bub’s arrival with your marriage (and man-hood) in-tact. Play these weeks well and you’ll come out looking like a hero.

1. Get car capsule in* – early!

Your first and most practical gift to your pregnant partner. This tells her you’re planning for the arrival of your baby too and that you take your family’s safety seriously. Do it without her asking and she’ll love that you’re ahead of the game. What are you waiting for? Do it.

Do it and do it early too. No good faffing around after baby’s born, she’ll need you present. Plus, it’s kinda fun too, looking back at your expectant-capsule – nawww.

2. Get that house squeaky clean

The love of your life is well aware that you’ve been wearing the same clothes all week, eating pizza (in between your visits to her in a hospital) and have been celebrating your new dad-role every night with coldies. However, she does not want to see evidence of it when she brings that precious, pure bundle home for the first time!

Your home should smell like a fresh garden, primped to perfection, dishes away, floors scrubbed and clothes washed. If you cant manage to get that house quite literally sterilised from top to toe, hire someone who can! Flowers in a vase too. She’ll love you. You’re welcome.

3. Buy her new undies

If you’ve got the guts, buy her some freshies. Her old ones will be no longer up to the task. Department store staff will help you choose well. If you buy too slinky it won’t has the effect you’re hoping for. Choose some nice comfy ones – she’ll love you ‘to the moon and..’ be ‘back’ to sexy quicker too. Boom!

4. Her boobs are OFF LIMITS

It’s tough work not to ogle at her impressive breasts but they’ll be more off-limits than they’ve ever been. They are purely milk factories for now.

Be considerate of that hormonal cocktail pulsing through your partner’s body before you make a comment like: ‘wow! check out the rack on that’! She won’t appreciate it now (and btw, she probably never will).

5. Optimize HER sleep

However physically tired or beat-up you might feel right now, think rationally about what a complaint will sound like to your partner. You are going to be SOOO tired, but if life with a newborn is a deck of cards, your partner will trump you, always!

That remarkable woman of yours will be feeding two to three hourly around the clock for the coming weeks. Not only feeding, but settling baby and peeing (yes! it continues).

This is where you’re worth your weight in gold. Do ANYTHING that makes her life easier. Be the hands-on dad of her dreams. When she’s feeding baby, make sure she has a fresh glass of water next to her and her feeding pillow and ‘spew cloth’ on-hand.

When she’s finished feeding, you take the baby, change her nappy, wrap her and settle her back to sleep.

6. Maximize your baby bonding

Take baby for a wander in the pram, or ‘wear’ her in a soft carrier. You’ll be your partner’s best support and will be forming the first imperative and precious bonds with your new babe.

Pop your top off and snuggle down with the baby. Talk to her and sing over her. She’ll recognize your voice and become familiar with your scent. Even if you stink she’ll think you’re swweeet!

These formative days are an opportunity to set the tone for all the years to come. The choices you make today will quite literally be the bedrock on which your family builds its future.

You’ll have more respect for your woman than you have ever. Enjoy watching her morph through these early weeks of motherhood. Cherish her, love-on your new bundle and remember to look after you too.

You’re well prepped-up now, and you’re going to be so great at this! You’re just what they need.

On behalf of your partner… hugs from the ether…

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LUCY HERCUS
Mom of six fabulous kids and foster-mom to numerous others. Event manager, doula, childbirth educator, lactation counsellor, owner of Sydney Birth Support, Mamaway Advocate and an encourager of all moms out there giving it their best crack!

WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN HAVING BABY #2

Once you become a parent, there are certain changes that take place. Your sleep is cut in half (maybe even more), your social life takes a back seat, your child becomes the center of your universe, and you probably won’t have much time to dress-up or let alone go to the salon — and that’s just after having your first child.

Just when you thought you have successfully tackle this whole parenting mission pretty well, you start noticing that little bump, and here comes baby number 2! You might be wondering if it’s going to be the same gig with your firstborn, or if it’s going to turn your life upside down when it comes to having a second child.

Here are 10 things I wish someone had told me before I welcome my second baby:

1. What worked with your first baby may not work with your second

Even though you feel more confident and prepared this time around, parenting can be totally different with different kids. Even if it works for one kid, it doesn’t mean it will be smooth sailing with the other, and you have probably forgotten about all the newborn things. The smelly, watery mustard-colored poops, the diaper explosions, the nipple pain from breastfeeding, and the struggle of trying to figure out where the buttons connect on that onesie! You might feel frustrated at first to start it all over again, but it will get better with time as you and your newborn get familiar with each other.

2. Your social life takes a back seat

With a newborn and toddler on your plate, there is not much time left for your social life. Weekends away and nights out will be much rarer, let alone overnight trips and oversea vacation. Yet you will learn that even if you have to cancel or postpone plans for your kids, true friendship lasts, and it makes all those long overdue reunion much more precious.

3. You worried about your firstborn not getting as much attention

No matter how old (or young) your firstborn is, with people’s attention focusing on the new addition to your family, your firstborn will have some adjusting to do. He might have a hard time adjusting when a younger brother or sister comes to the scene, which in turn throws tantrums to get the attention he used to have. It is best to prepare your firstborn before the baby arrives that he is going to be a big brother!

 4. You get used to the new normal

If you used to felt disgusted by the sight of dirty diapers, dripping drools, greenish mucus, or dripping nose, now they no longer bother you. Little by little, you will start to see these bodily functions as a part of daily life, and you might even begin to find humor in them. What’s funnier than picking a booger out of your baby’s tiny nose, right?

5. Feeling tired reaches a whole new level

Being a mom is tough. From the second you wake up to the second you fall asleep, you are always on-the-go. Imagine adding a newborn baby to your life, with the night time feeding happening every 2 to 3 hours, and your first child waking you up early in the morning, your exhausted and overwhelmed body will continue to amaze you with how much it can accomplish on little amount of sleep.

6. Time with your partner becomes more important

Having two kids make it hard to spend quality time with your partner. You are parents now, but you are also a couple. Therefore, always keep in mind to find time to invest in your relationship, as a happy parent is what makes a happy family.

7. You are less concerned about being the perfect parent

With your first child, you made sure everything was done right. You googled every question you could ever think of about parenting, you made sure your baby has enough tummy time, you worried about your baby being too hot or cold, and you made sure you baby gets all the attention he needed. Now being a mother of two, you are much more at ease this second time around. Being “perfect” seems less important as long as your baby is healthy, safe, and happy, and that is all that should matter. You should never beat yourself up for not being the “perfect” parent as there is no such thing as a “perfect” parent.

8. Taking care of yourself should be a priority as well

Ask for help and accept help. It is no easy task to take care of two kids while you’re still recovering from delivery. Rest, eat right, exercise, and develop a support system to make sure you have a village to help raise the kid. To stay healthy and happy (and sane), leave enough time for yourself to rest and recover from delivery.

9. You will discover your inner strength

You are a mama bear taking care of TWO cubs! You are stronger than you think! Carrying a baby in a car seat with a toddler on your hip is guaranteed to make you feel more badass than ever. Or breastfeeding your newborn while patting your first child to sleep will make you feel like a multitasking super mom. You will discover an inner strength that you never thought you had, and you will find a natural fortitude within yourself that helps you face the challenges that come your way.

10. You love is infinite

You will wonder on numerous occasions how you’ll ever be able to love another child as much as your first, but once he’s born, you’ll see the answer to that question is always YES, an absolute YES. You absolutely do have enough room in your heart for two kids. There might be some days that you feel guilty of not spending enough time with your first child, or you suddenly worried that you made a decision that is too difficult to handle, but heart-to-heart, you are being the best mom you could ever be, and kid #2 is going to add so much joy to your family!

8 Rookie “Mistakes” As A First-Time Parents

Raising an individual is tough work, and as first-time parents, you’re going to make some rookie mistakes along the way. It’s easy to blame yourself for the mistakes being made, but it happens, and that needs to be OK. It’s the good motive that counts!

While no parenting is perfect,  there’s some tips to minimize the fall-out of our own imperfect mothering!

If you want to curtail some of the typical new-mum ‘mistakes’, take a look at some of these very common ones and save on some need for damage-control.

1. My baby is a socialite and needs less sleep than other babies

Newborn babies need a crazy amount of sleep, 16-17 hours across a day, to be precise, so there’s plenty of reason for tucking that little newbie in for her next slumber.

Babies that have a roaring social-life typically don’t sleep well. Give her opportunity to nap, she might initially resist, but will become increasingly fond of it.

2. She wakes lots because she’s hungry

If your baby is requiring a feed less than every two hours, she’s either not fed well at the last feed, or she’s trying to tell you something else. Chances are, a breastfeed might satisfy her noises, but it may not be what she actually needs.

She might need; a nappy change, a cuddle, to be warmer, cooler, some sleep… or indeed another feed, but if she’s breastfed, check your timing on this one first.

Tune in to hear what it is your baby is telling you. Fussing and crying will sound quite different according to what it is she needs from you. Your radar will become more finely tuned to her as you grow together.

3. You don’t care if you never leave home again

There’s nothing better than taking it easy on your body and snuggling down with that newborn. But unless you want to go coocoo for Coco Pops, you will need to venture out eventually.

Sheer exhaustion, fear of pollution or germs.. there are plenty of reasons to give yourself that staycation, however, the truth is that the outdoors are good for her (and you)!

You don’t have to be a socialite to benefit from it. Give your sanity a boost and take her for a walk, get to that cafe, to the library or just enjoy wandering the streets chatting together. She’ll be happiest and you’ll thank yourself.

4. Pure Panic

Try not to PANIC about everything. Nap time fussing, sicking up and crying typically doesn’t equate to a food allergy or a twisted bowel.

Of course, use your common sense and seek professional help, when needed, but you can probably afford to relax a little. Panic can lead to; relationship issues, loss of appetite and poor sleep (although you’ll be used to this one!)

Oh, and if you’re panicked, baby will sniff-the-blood-in-the-water, and match you!

5. Neglecting yourself

Accept help when offered! It’s a little slice of (albeit short-lived) heaven. Unfortunately, no one will be bringing you lasagna or doing your ironing when she’s ten.

And if you don’t have a family to rely upon, ask a faithful friend or find a reliable babysitter. And don’t fill this precious space with errands! Get your hair done or enjoy a massage, or simply put your feet up and switch ON Netflix.

6. Listening to TOO MUCH advice

Listening to friends and loading up on books and ‘instruction manuals’ can be a real un-doer for a new mom. Get the know-how you need from reputable sources, but take it a bit easy. There are so many unreliable ones out there and chit-chat from other moms can be unhelpful and can feel guilt and shame.

No one knows your baby like you do, weigh up all advice and use your common sense!

7. You cry when your baby cries

Baby reads her cues from you, so if you fly off the handle, she will in all likelihood too.

A baby senses your sadness, anxiety and frustration through your body. Grab a cup of tea and slow down a bit. Call a friend if you need to. When you’re with baby, take some deep breaths, move slower, lower your voice, pat her back gently to soothe her. You are her gage and she will follow suit.

8. Ignoring your partner

Baby’s are so all-consuming, aren’t they. But, don’t forget the other love of your life.

Becoming a parent, for some couples, can be the first time where their relationship experiences real strain. Remember that you’re both on the same team 🙂

Make sure to include your partner in baby’s day-to-day life, so he has a chance to bond and grow in his love for his baby (and his admiration for you)!

Plan things to do as a couple, where possible. Make the most of the hours that baby is tucked up in bed and do relax things together. Remember to have fun! and relish that you’re on a remarkable pilgrimage together.

My husband and I often found it very therapeutic just to laugh at ourselves, at how strange our life had become. This season doesn’t last forever and it is possible to reach its conclusion, not mistake-free (by any stretch), but strong 🙂

Hugs into the ether…

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LUCY HERCUS
Mom of six fabulous kids and foster-mom to numerous others. Event manager, doula, childbirth educator, lactation counselor, owner of Sydney Birth Support, Mamaway Advocate and an encourager of all moms out there giving it their best crack!

Baby’s First Birthday Bash – Who’s it for?

Are you gearing up for your little one’s big birthday bash? Whether you are planning for a low key gathering with a few family members or a big bash with a huge crowd, it’s a special day not only for your baby, but for you as well! Although your baby is not likely to remember anything about his first birthday, it’s still a milestone that adults like to celebrate.

Yet for what it’s worth, before getting started on your own ‘Evite’ masterpiece, take some time to pause and consider the following.

1. Pinterest and Co. has already spoiled the affair

Take Pinterest and combine it with misplaced enthusiasm, some pent-up creativity, a pinch of sleep depravity and some competitive drive and you have a cocktail designed to obliterate the well-intentioned birthday party.

Fairy bread and rubber balloons from IGA are surely all that’s necessary.

My son was recently invited to a superhero party, the invitation came complete with an embroidered, silk cape and felt eye-mask. The note attached? ‘looking forward to YOU celebrating ME’. Please!

Moms and dads of pending 1-year-olds, you don’t have to feel guilted into raising the birthday party standard. Take it easy (on yourself and the rest of us!) and save the money and sweat for something that will count (and that she’ll remember).

2. She hates a crowd

A big mob + big noise + big fuss = 1 spooked toddler. Plus, remove her daytime nap, and you will in all likelihood, witness an undiluted birthday baby meltdown.

Everyone wants a piece of her, and she doesn’t want a piece of them. The hugs and fondles are well-intentioned but this birthday bundle won’t want a bar of it.

The friends of hers that come are not actually her friends. She has two friends, mom and dad, the rest, she’s wishing, were not there at all.

3. She’s TOTALLY clueless what all the fuss is about.

She’ll be the least excited there. She’ll be sitting perplexed… wondering, what the heck…

4. Presents are a waste of money

You know those cute chubby hands she has? No good for unwrapping.

Don’t worry though, in two years time, she’ll screw up her nose at your friend’s gifts. You’ll have the challenge then of addressing her under-developed sense of gratitude and her inversely proportioned sense of entitlement.

You have a couple of years where the wrapping itself is the most enjoyable part of her gift receiving though. If you’re going to spend money, make sure the present has an excellent box or cellophane wrap. Win!

5. She’ll probably sleep through it

If everything’s been going well this past year, then baby’s ‘routine’ by now is rock solid and non-negotiable. You’ll need to ask yourself if you’re willing to ‘ruin’ her day by forcing her to stay awake!

6. Thank you notes…

Because you’re such a great parent you WILL scribe the obligatory thank you notes for all. You won’t be thanking yourself.

7. Cake time!

Imagine… a sea of unfamiliar faces overly-enthusiastically singing at you and you don’t understand why. Youtube this. It’s educational. Do it.

In conclusion…

You may be thinking, Lucy, what’s gotten into you? Why so dark and surly?

My response to you….

Let’s face it, birthday #1 is a moment like no other!

Mom and dad, you are now one year into an extraordinary journey. This day is a landmark for your family as you undertake the immense project of socializing your own homo-sapien into our wild world.

A year ago, you were thinking ‘I can’t believe I’m expected to raise a child’ and look at you now! You’re nothing short of remarkable and have accomplished so much.

Who’s the party for? Make it about your family and the life that you’re enjoying together. Celebrate the trials and delights that family life has taken you through this past year and anticipate all that’s to come.

My encouragement to you on this momentous first birthday?

Dumb it down a bit and get that cutie into bed (where she really wants to be). Then, put your feet up, crack open some bubbly, exchange a high-five and give yourselves three cheers… for a first year well done!

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LUCY HERCUS
Mom of six fabulous kids and foster-mom to numerous others. Event manager, doula, childbirth educator, lactation counselor, owner of Sydney Birth Support, Mamaway Advocate and an encourager of all moms out there giving it their best crack!

 

A Six Kid Family – the high-lights and low-lights

Six kids and living in Sydney, can you imagine? Having such a big family, with kids ranging in ages from 5 to 15, it is about as common as spotting a unicorn and about as entertaining.

With the Australia national average of births per family hitting an all time low, it got me thinking about some of the high-lights and low-lights of having a truck load of kids.

I’ve been asked about what it’s like to have such a big family, and I enjoy shocking them by telling them: ‘imagine that you’re drowning, and someone comes over to you with a baby, hands it to you, and says ‘can you look after this?’

All extremely loveable and an entirely eclectic collection of souls, these six have offered my husband and I a world of joy, chaos, testing, drama and delight. So, I thought I’d share with you a bit of what it’s like to go well-beyond the ‘national average’.

 

1. You get comments and more..

‘Yours?’ Yes, they are ALL mine.

‘Different fathers?’  You do realise you’re asking me about my sex life, right?

No, I didn’t have IVF or adopt my children from another nation.  I know they don’t look like me, but pointing out that you don’t think they fit in is a bit rude really!

One pompous bloke in Coles asked my husband ‘You do know what causes them?’.  He replied, ‘Yes, its called a pleasant disposition, don’t worry though, you won’t need to sweat it with that one’.

Often the questions are asked right in front of the kids, I want to let people know that even though their ears are small, they are functional.

 

2. You attract people

People will look at us twice, some smile (adoringly), others look at us like ‘huh??”

Or, there are the women that follow me around the play equipment at parks as I watch my children play.  I know this is when I’m about to be solicited with a barrage of questions.

I’ll jump on the monkey bars myself or pretend that my child needs me on the opposite side of the playground from you.  The truth?  You are very amusing and in all likelihood I did the same to other moms once too.  But, you’re a bit creepy.

 

3. You get asked if you’d like more children

Are you kidding me?  There are lots and you’re looking at them.  I’m a mother to many, not Mother Earth.

I’m told often enough though that ‘once you have several kids, 1 extra doesn’t make a difference’.  However, before you proceed to leave your children with me at the aquatic centre, please do remember that 6+1=7 and that’s one more than I will be keeping afloat.

I even had one couple who asked me to take their difficult child (permanently).  True story, they were happy to pay.

 

4. There’s never a dull moment

My kids are never bored and nor am I.

There’s always a vast array of activities on display and let’s face it, nothing’s more entertaining than watching a five year old version of yourself, with a saucepan on his head, banging out a Taylor Swift melody

This entertainment of course can be multiplied directly in proportion to your spawn.

 

5. Two words – Transit Lane

 

6. Attract a crowd wherever you go

The beach is the best place to go when you have a large family.  There’s the ocean to be swept up in and the wide spaces afford no noise to be too loud, and aside from parking, it’s freeee.

We were recently at the beach when my children had found great entertainment, digging a hole.  Like, achieving-their-transit-to-China type hole (we’re so proud).  It drew some attention from passers-by because it was such a BIG hole.  You understand now, don’t you.

It started off small at first, the hole, I mean.  There was a family next to us with two boys, they came over to check out the excavation.  My kids were generous enough to let them join in.  They were strong little fellas and their help was gratefully accepted.

Next came a family who were collecting shells.  They had three little girls, cute enough.  No invitation, they simply saw a crowd of assorted kids and joined in.

Then the two toddlers arrived..  you can see what transpired can’t you.  Before I knew it, I’m sitting on my towel, with sand being flung at me by a cast of thousands.  BIG hole though.

 

7. A reason to be forgetful and…. late

People take pity on you, they think no one could possibly get out of the door on time with THAT many kids.  They’re correct some of the time, but more often than not, we’re simply taking it easy and making the most of the excuse (my mom would die).

 

8. Kids from big families end up with big character or else

Selfishness is not an option.  So many things need to be shared, and they all need to learn to take it in turns.  Things get loud and there’s always passion but they know its a turn-taking life.

They have to be articulate too, otherwise they’ll never get a word in at this dinner table.

And differences are celebrated.

 

9. You get to play host the most

No one invites you anywhere (why the heck would they), you get to have everyone at yours!

 

10. Retirement sorted

Surely one out of six will take us.  Perhaps they could pass us around and take it in turns to spoon feed us our dinner?  It could be a bit of pay-dirt for our early parenting years.

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LUCY HERCUS
Mom of six fabulous kids and foster-mom to numerous others. Event manager, doula, childbirth educator, lactation counsellor, owner of Sydney Birth Support, Mamaway Advocate and an encourager of all moms out there giving it their best crack!

How to Cope with Being Away from Your Baby

As a working mom and someone who loves being active most of the time, the first year of my little one’s life, in addition to being incredibly rewarding and fulfilling, also felt confusing, to say the least. On one end, the nine months of pregnancy and the first couple of months of bonding and finding our routine strengthened our bond beyond my wildest dreams – I couldn’t imagine myself being away. However, my need to grow and go back to work one day at a time caused conflicting emotions. I was overwhelmed by guilt, worry, and a constant urge to call and check on my baby.

I know I’m not alone in this rollercoaster that is early motherhood, so now, with a new perspective a few years later, I can finally share how I managed. Perhaps some of you will appreciate the tips, and I genuinely hope you’ll find your own system to cope and overcome separation anxiety.

Talk to your loved ones

There’s no need to force yourself to hide your emotions and your struggle. I’ve had dozens of different conversations with my spouse as well as my parents, since my mom often volunteered to take care of our baby when we craved for some time alone. It helps when someone points out a different perspective, showing you that your baby will benefit from those experiences, and that they are as natural as your maternal instincts.

My husband would soothe me just by listening, and he’d always know what to say to a whole range of my chaotic thoughts. These conversations helped me process my emotions, acknowledge them, and find the best way to face them each time.

Take baby steps

This may be one of those universal steps that all moms need to go through in order to find their feet in the first year of their baby’s development. The learning curve of being a mom is steep, and it always feels as if you’re mastering yet another new task. Then, suddenly, you need to take some time away from your child and you have no clue how to go about it.

The best thing to do is plan for it, and try doing little “separation” exercises during the day. If your baby is having fun with their favorite toy, you can go to a different room for a couple of minutes. You can also try leaving the baby with your caretaker of choice for ten minutes while you take a walk around the block, and then increase your time away as much as you can. Slowly, you’ll see that both you and your baby will enjoy these experiences and appreciate the time you do spend together even more.

Find reliable caretakers

Another huge milestone for me was when I realized that our parents cannot be the ones to take care of our baby once we decide to go back to work full-time. So, instead of going into that “full panic” mode, I started looking for an early learning center near me where my child would have fun and get the care he needed.

I wanted the best possible environment for baby care, but also plenty of learning opportunities for when he gets a little older. The nearby location was an added bonus to my piece of mind, making it an easy choice, since I could be there in a matter of minutes if anything happens – and as a mom, that is always a priority.

Of course, you focus on your baby almost non-stop and they occupy your every thought, it’s in our nature to always listen and look for signs that we need to help them somehow. However, in all the rush to care for out little ones, we tend to neglect our own well-being.

In those early stages of adapting to separation, choose to fill that time with self-care activities such as a bubble bath, going for a walk in the park, or enjoying a revitalizing massage. Do something that will relax you and help you heal, and prevent you from frantically checking your phone every two minutes. For me, yoga classes were the ones that helped me cope, even though I’d always be eager to see my baby boy as soon as possible after the session.

On a final note

Look for the positives! We all need to find our own tempo of adjustment, listen to our emotions, and focus on what truly matters, and that’s your and your baby’s health. I hope you’ll find some use of these tips, or that they’ll inspire you to discover other solutions that will help you enjoy every precious moment of your little one’s babyhood!

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The Article is provided by Sara Solomon, the writer of High Style Life