Expecting a baby? Wondering what to expect when your bundle of joy arrives? Look no further than this handy guide!

1. What To Expect Once
You’re Finished
Expecting

2. If you are expecting your first new baby, the chances are that you are
reading thousands of different stories, books and articles about
motherhood, desperately trying to cram in as much baby information
as you can.
Well, you are certainly not alone!
Introduction

3. However…
What many mums-to-be tend to focus on is every problem, event,
symptom and growth stage that could happen to their new born.
While this can be very useful, it leaves many clueless about what will
happen to them post-birth. With the excitement of becoming a parent
it seems a lot of parents forget about themselves, the parents!
here is a reality check to give you an insight into what to expect once
you’re finished expecting...

4. Weight
While pregnant, many women relish in the fact that they are entitled to
eat what they like; in fact, they are encouraged to eat well!
However, the novelty of doing so often leaves new-mums shocked
when they are still carrying the weight months after the birth.
61% of new mums said they expected to be back down to their pre-
pregnancy weight by their baby’s first birthday, but almost 60% said
they were still carrying some extra weight.
In fact, 75% of mothers are in fact heavier one year after giving birth
than they were before, while some can never shift that weight.

5. Weight
Kate Middleton was praised for showing her bump after giving birth, being one of
the first figure in the public eye to give a realistic expectation that just because the
baby has been born does not mean you spring back to normal.
Celebrities are often criticised for flaunting their post-baby bodies yet Madelyn
Fernstrom, says it must be remembered that these mums will have had third,
fourth and even fifth party help allowing them to exercise to achieve this.

6. Weight
It is also not considered healthy to rush to lose weight immediately
after having a baby; many midwives may even ask you not to exercise
until at least your 6 week post-partum check-up.
The first few months are the most important times to bond with your
new born, not slave away at the gym!
Whether you were a size 8 or 18 to begin with, your new size shouldn’t
impact your happiness, and for many of you it won’t, your new bundle
of joy will keep you too busy!

7. Weight
With so much press coverage around the fashion industry’s prejudice
against larger sizes, there has been a new wave of plus size dominance.
A lot of plus size fashion is now better than the average sizes because it
actually fits better if you are anything above a size 12. If any extra
weight gain does still bother you, simply dressing to suit your new body
shape will make you feel better, treat yourself to some new clothes and
feel wonderful.

8. Sleep
So it is no mystery that new parents will be tired after having a baby,
both mum and dad will experience fatigue that is for sure…
What is not always conveyed in baby books is just how tired a new
parent will feel!

9. Sleep
The Express reported on a study that has revealed new parents lost 970
hours of sleep during their little one’s first year. 970! That is equivalent
to 40 days, so over 1 months’ worth of sleep.
Furthermore, the study showed that women could expect to lose up to
23 minutes more sleep compared to Dads each night; meaning its
completely fair for him to more of the nappy changing during the day.

10. Sleep
It is a well-known practice for new mums to sleep when the baby
sleeps, but it is especially important to actually do it. It can be very
tempting to use this time to catch up on your own things such as social
media, a few chores for damage control on your house and so on…
This is detrimental to your health as sleep is a medical requirement
and you need to be able to be awake enough to prioritise your baby’s
needs.
If this means that you accept outside help from family members, baby
sitters, or even a specialised nursery for babies then so be it.

11. Time
When preparing for the baby to come it can often feel like time is
moving so slowly because you just want the little one there!
Yet when it does finally show its face, boy does time fly!

12. Time
Typically a new born will need its nappy changed 10 - 12 times a day,
Yes, you read that right
For this reason, amongst others, many new parents will keep their baby
in the bedroom for the first few months simply to minimise the steps
needed to get to it during the night.
If this is your preferred option, it may be a good idea to invest in having
a specific night time changing pad so that you can have one in each
room. Otherwise it will be all too easy to leave one where you last
changed the little one and end up running around the house at 4am!

13. Time
While the gadgets industry have been criticised for exploiting first time
parenting anxiety, there have been a lot of very valuable apps for new
mums and baby gadgets that offer invaluable help to tired, busy
parents, or simply to help make things a bit more light-hearted.
There are now numerous apps and gadgets that sync with your new
born baby: from the Owlet Smart Sock used to measure heart rate,
oxygen levels and temperature; to different funny dummies to give you
a bit of a laugh when baby wakes up!

14. While having a baby is by far one of the most incredible experience one
can have, it can be overwhelming, scary and very, very tiresome.
However, there are many support networks, apps, books, magazines
and people to help should you get stuck.
Mumsnet – A web-based
community for parents, with
discussion and reviews of
baby products.
The Bump – Free iOS and
Android app designed to
provide real-time newborn
advice

15. Aside from all of the above, the main advice would be to enjoy
it while you can!
Thanks for Reading