Super Mammy Diaries

New moms have to deal with enough - the lack of sleep, along with the recovering body, the pain of nursing (for some), and the hormonal fluctuations are enough to have anyone's head spinning. On top of that, we are constantly fielding unsolicited advice, strangers trying to touch our children (seriously, why!!), and statements from people who may be well meaning, but are definitely not putting themselves in our position before they open their mouths. Below are the 12 most annoying things that I've had to hear as a new mom. 12 Things New Moms Don't Want to Hear: 1. "Normal labor can't be that bad." Pain is subjective, as is what defines "normal" labor. How bad it is or was depends on how long you were in labor, how quickly your child descended, when you took medications (if any), if you got an episiotomy or tore, along with a bunch of other things including your own stress level. Just because you didn't have a c-section doesn't mean you got of...

Despite 9 months of being pregnant or experiencing your spouse's pregnancy, nothing can prepare you for what it will be like when your baby is living life on the outside. It took a while and a series of "OMG I am a parent!!!" moments to really sink in for me (specially since my motherhood journey, like most, started in a sleep deprived fog). Below are some of the moments that really helped me realize the full meaning of my new role and relationship. You Know You're A Parent when: Your whites are no longer white (and your blacks are practically polka dotted). You have bounced around a mall, the vet's office, a doctors office, and every restaurant that you used to be welcomed at. The first sound you make when you are woken up is "shhhh shhhh shhhh." You begin to recite baby books by heart. You have figured out how to change diapers in a car, at the hair salon, in a car seat, in the middle of a restaurant, in a stroller on the sidewalk or at the beach.  You...

My son is 6 months old on the 11th, and I cannot begin to count all the things I have learned from diapering and burping to a host of new age lullabies and nursery rhymes. However, I've also come to learn that those are the smaller parts in this parenting journey. There are much bigger, more meaningful takeaways that are really life lessons new parents get to learn. From Baby to Mommy.. 20 Life lessons learned during the first 6 months of parenting:   1. Losing all sense of embarrassment .  I started my labor and delivery experience by holding my gown together everytime I went to the bathroom, and ended it with not caring who walked in on me spread eagled and trying to push a baby out. This was a quick introduction into parenthood before my child was even born. I no longer have any shame about getting spat up on in stores, pooped on in the street, having to change a dirty diaper on a bench in Central Park (or the Southamption Dash store), nursing in restaurants and changi...

The list is endless since we learn as we go, but here are some more pointers that aim to make your life a little easier: (For the dads, I won't go on about nursing, I promise!) Activities: 1. Baby massage is a great way to bond with your baby - and discover their tickle spots! 2. Don't be afraid to try a baby and me class, even if your baby seems young! Pick one with activities you cannot replicate at home so that it is worth your while. Your little one will respond more and more each week and will learn from the older kids around. We attend a class with a live band and Riaan enjoys it more each week. 3. For kids who don't enjoy tummy time, try lying down with your baby or holding a mirror up for them to look at. 4. It's true, they will respond most to you! So join in on activities, to make them more fun for your little one. 5. Baby gyms and jumperoos are really great when you want to eat your lunch. Stationary ones of course unless you want to burn off your meal while ...