Mother to Lara - Sydney, Australia
"I waited patiently for her to show me when she prefers to sleep, eat or play."
I am Marizela Becirovic, 31 years old, living in Sydney! I work as a commercial model and digital creator. I have a 9 months old baby girl, named Lara.
What was your favourite thing about the newborn phase?
My favorite thing about newborn phase was breastfeeding, definitely. I loved watching her eat, as she always made cute faces.
What did you find challenging about being a new mother?
My challenge was taking her out! As a new mom, it can be hard to know if she is sleepy, hungry, or uncomfortable straight away. So in the beginning, I was anxious to take her out, as I may not know what to do when she starts to cry! She also didn't like the pram, but with the carrier, it all became so easy, she loved to sleep in it for hours!
How were you supported during your postpartum period and what would you change if you could go back in time?
I had it pretty easy during postpartum. The main problem is that I didn't sleep well for the first few weeks, but afterwards it was all good. I reckon good nutrition is one of the best solutions to a better mood on during my postpartum days.
I was supported by my midwife at the beginning, but afterwards, I did everything on my own, and my hubby helped out too. I was pretty confident in what I was doing, so I would not change a thing.
List your top 3 essentials for a new mother
- Good nutrition (tasty food and plenty of water)
- Sleepwear, which makes breastfeeding easier (button shirt, or soft bra in the summer)
- Fresh air - I am not the kind of mom who would put bottle sterilisations, breastfeeding pumps and etc. as essentials! We can all do without it! I am a kinda old manner mom.
Are there any rituals or practices during your 4th trimester you'd like to share?
No special practices. I am a no drama mama, so I just went with the flow. I stopped breastfeeding at her 5th month, I wanted to go back to work, so we introduced her formula; which she also loved.
Also, I did not try any routines with her, I waited patiently her to show me when she prefers to sleep, eat or play. She loved contact naps, I gave her all of them haha. When we tried to put her in her cot, she slept the same every night in it. It's not true that contact naps will make them hate the cot. I guess I was so lucky with my first baby!
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