By SHAUNA ANDERSON
Congratulations. Your life just changed completely.
Are you even the same person? Sometimes you wonder don’t you, when you first become a mum. (Don’t worry the old you is hiding in there somewhere).
There is so much to take in when you are a new mother it can get overwhelming at times, but there is help around. Here are a few tips to remember to get you through.
Just as an FYI, you should know that post is sponsored by NSW Health. But all opinions expressed by the author are 100% authentic and written in their own words.
1. Go with the health professionals not DR Google.
New mums spend a lot of time on the internet. It is an amazing tool for support, for networking and for making friends with other new mothers on the same journey, but it is important not to fall into the trap of DR Google.
In the first year of a baby’s life there is so much to remember – with vaccinations needed to be given at birth, at 6-to-8 weeks, then at 4 months, 6 months and at 12 months.
We all know how important they are to protect our precious newborns against serious diseases. While everyone on the internet is free to have their own opinion, they are not free to have their own ‘facts.’
2. Make the most of apps out there to help you, like ‘Save the Date.’
Technology makes life so much easier for new mums. You have got to check out the ‘Save the Date’ app.
It is so easy to lose track of which vaccination is due at what time, and this app allows you to enter in your child’s birth date and be automatically reminded of when to book your appointments. It’s a lifesaver. Literally!
Surveys show that most parents eventually do get vaccinations done but what’s really important is getting them done on time, and many don’t realise this.
This is vital to help prevent illness before your kids – or others – get exposed to vaccine preventable diseases, even delaying a week can make a huge difference.
As your family grows you will rely on apps like Save the Date even more as it gets harder to keep track of when vaccinations are due.
3. Trust your instincts.
When it comes to parenting everyone is an expert.
A very wise person advised me very early on that there are two things I should trust when it comes to my kid’s health – my health professional and my own instincts.
You will be amazed how your gut kicks in when it comes to your own baby.
If you think that rash needs checking out get it done, if you think that cough sounds funny get it looked at, and when it comes to vaccinations take the time to familiarise yourself with the myths and realities around them.
Not getting the full course of vaccination can leave a child unprotected and still at risk of getting a serious vaccine preventable disease.
Many people think, naively, it won’t happen to me, but it does, just look at the recent measles outbreak in Western Sydney.
4. Get the facts.
There are so many myths surrounding babies. From the fact that they will sleep through the night after 12 weeks (sorry to break it to you – but false) to the fact that you can’t get your kids vaccinated when they have a cold or a sniffle – again false.
The facts are easy to find, your health professionals, websites like NSW Health or even your midwife can keep you informed.
Ask and get the knowledge so when the naysayers throw something at you which you know doesn’t quite fit you can be safe in the fact that you are doing the right thing.
5. Take time for your own health.
Your health counts too. Make sure you take the time out to look after yourself. Eat properly, drink lots and lots and lots of water, and take those naps when you can get them.
And make sure the grown ups in your family have their vaccination schedule up to date as well. A whooping cough booster is recommended for all adult household members, grandparents and carers of infants under 12 months of age.
6. Cherish it.
This is it. It’s an overwhelming, life changing, earth shattering amazing time of your life. Embrace it. That beautiful baby is your responsibility so grab it with all that you have and give them the very best start that you can.
Check out Mia Freedman’s appearance on ‘Mornings’ for more on never forgetting another vaccination again.
What are your top tips for new mums?
Save the Date to Vaccinate is an initiative from NSW Health to remind parents of the importance of on-time vaccinations for children from birth to 4 years of age.
On-time vaccinations help protect children from serious diseases at the most vulnerable time of life.
You can download the free ‘Save the Date’ phone app for personalised schedules, and handy reminders. Visit www.immunisation.health.nsw.gov.au.