Diary Of A New Mum - Week 19 - Dads Have Feelings Too

Dads Have Feelings Too

Paul had a bit of a crisis this week. It seems that fathers can also suffer from post-natal depression – this is more common than you might think.

I can’t say I hadn’t noticed that he hadn’t been himself lately. Before we had Jess I would have been on it like a shot, and we’d have talked, I guess, and maybe nipped any really negative feelings in the bud. But with my attention diverted to the helpless little mite who does nothing but feed and poo and sleep, Paul was left to sink or swim on his own. And, in this case, he sank.

Our doctor, thankfully, is very progressive and understanding. He didn’t actually go to the doctors because he was feeling low, he went for something else entirely. But she remembered me (a bad sign – did she think he had good reason to be depressed with a wife like me?), and asked how everything was. Cue good opportunity for Paul to open up and tell someone, at long last, how it has been for him.

Diary Of A New Mum - Week 20

Diary Of A New Mum - Week 19 - All Things Weaning!

All Things Weaning
This week we started the exciting process of weaning. I know ‘current guidelines’ say wait until six months, but a few years ago they said 4 months, and a few years before that 3 months. We, as Jess’s parents, made an informed decision to start at 18 weeks – and Jess’s reaction told us we had timed it just right. In fact, the look on her face when she tasted her baby rice said, ‘Why have you waited so long?!’
Diary Of A New Mum - Week 19

Room Decorations To Print - NEW!

Cute Printable Decorations For Your Nursery Or Child's Bedroom!
Our latest printables are perfect for younger children. We have two "themes" so far - African animals, and pink animals - and more in the pipeline. You'll find mobiles, room signs, door hangers and photo frames, all to print, cut out and assemble, and we are sure you will love Erik's cheerful animals!

Room Decorations To Print

Diary Of A New Mum - Week 18 - Pounds Lost And Gained

Jessica-Ann is fine this week – nothing exciting to report, except that she had her third lot of jabs and screamed the surgery down. Thankfully this time I got Paul to come with me so it wasn’t so bad for me. Terrible for him (he was seriously traumatized by how upset she got), but not so bad for me.

Last week I decided to start a diet. I didn’t tell anyone, didn’t make a big deal about it, just decided to try and cut out some of the crap I’d been eating and maybe do a bit of exercise.

Ha! Fat chance (spot the pun). When I weighed myself this morning, after a whole week of ‘dieting’, I’d actually managed to gain half a pound, not lose it! Not fair...

Diary Of A New Mum - Week 18

Gingham Scrapbook Paper To Print

Those of you who enjoy scrapbooking, making cards and other paper crafts may enjoy our gingham scrapbook papers, which can be printed in normal or draft mode and therefore come in (effectively) 48 different colours! The red gingham is everyone's favourite, but the pastel ginghams are great for baby or girlie projects, and the more unusual colours always come in useful, too. In our house we have used these designs over the years as the back-side of flashcards and game cards, to pack up little parcels, to cover miniature books, to make gift tags (and even ribbons, on one occasion!) and in many home-made greetings cards.

The gingham scrapbook papers come in three colourways - brights, pastels and darks - and we used to charge for them. But now they are free!

Gingham Scrapbook Paper

Three Titbits I Wish I'd Known Before Having A Baby

I hope this title is not misleading, as I in no way want this article to appear as if I regret having my beautiful baby boy. I just quickly found out that there were a few surprises to parenthood. I hope you can learn something from my experiences and be a little better prepared when your new little one comes.
Three Titbits I Wish I'd Known Before Having A Baby

Basics For Buying And Using A Breast Pump

For busy mothers, breast pumps offer convenience and the peace of mind that comes from knowing they're providing for their child as only a mother can. For working mothers who are unable to meet the schedule-busting feeding demands of their child, they can use a breast pump to save time while ensuring their baby receives essential nutrients. But, there are many different types of pumps. Some are manual while others are powered by batteries. Some cost $150 while others may retail for nearly $400. And once you've invested in a pump that is right for you and your child, using it can present its own challenges.
Basics For Buying And Using A Breast Pump

Clothing Crisis For New Mums

After giving birth our bodies feel like they will never be the same again. This isn't surprising, giving what they've just been through. The weight comes off very gradually, no matter how much running around you're doing looking after baby. You are caught between not wanting to wear your "huge" maternity clothes, and not fitting into your pre-pregnancy clothes either. This can be incredibly depressing for new moms when they go to their wardrobes to get dressed every morning.
Clothing Crisis For New Mums

Diary Of A New Mum - NEW!

One first time mother and wife shares her weekly diary with us here. Join us as she brings Jessica-Ann home from the hospital, discovers sleep deprivation, the horror of changing diapers, the joy of receiving her first smile, and much more! New mums will enjoy reading along, comparing experiences, and perhaps learning a little along the way. Experienced mums will be transported back to their own first weeks and months, and perhaps smile here and there too! Find Weeks 1 - 13 below, with new episodes arriving each week...
Diary Of A New Mum