#RealLifeMom (March)

Hi Mamas!

Every month we would like to feature our #RealLifeMom. Whether you have been through a pregnancy or birthing ordeal, or have an interesting story to share, or even if you are just experiencing the normal motions of Motherhood, we want to hear from you!

Email: hello@yaybaby.co.za and put #RealLifeMom in the subject line, and we will get back to you.

Everyone benefits from sharing their stories and hearing someone else's.

This month we are featuring a sophisticated, full time working Mama of two gorgeous little girls:

Kate De Fleuriot

We heard that you had a very difficult pregnancy with both of your girls, could you tell us your story? 

Tell us a little about having a newborn:

The first night home was a lot harder with my first than my second, but they were both beautiful experiences. Being in my own space, holding my little baby close to my chest, changing those stinky diapers all night long, everything just came so naturally. I didn’t sleep much as I was convinced my baby was going to suffocate or die from neglect (paranoid new mom), but we made it through the night and every night there after just got easier and easier.

Do you have any advice for new moms?

You cannot please everyone. There comes a time in your life where you need to thank those for their advice but do what you feel is best for you and your baby. 

What has been the most difficult thing you have had to overcome, in the journey of becoming a mom/being a mom?

For me personally, it is guilt. This is still something I am working through, being away from my children even just for a second. Leaving them in someone else's care is incredibly hard, but you need to look after yourself otherwise how will you be able to look after your little one.

What was the best advice that YOU received?

Your child needs to fit in with your schedule, not the other way around.

What was the most useful product/item that you purchased or were gifted? 

My Electronic Breast Pump was by far the best investment I ever made!

5 MUST HAVE pregnancy/baby items/products:

• Bouncing chair
• Activity gym
• Black and white stimulation cards
• Bumbo
• Nose sucker cleaner of boogers

3 things that MUST go in your hospital bag:

• Ear plugs
• Breast feeding pillow
• Dry Shampoo

 3 things that MUST go on your baby shower registry:

• Electronic Thermometer
• Baby carrier
• Rocking chair (One that you can sleep in)

1 thing you feel that you absolutely DID NOT need:

• Compactum

Name 1 thing you wish you had bought or received. And why?

• Cot bumper. (It would have saved me rolling up numerous blankets)

Do you have a parting thought for our other Real Life Mamas:

Quick Fire Challenge

(The below aims to normalize motherhood. We get so worked up over “doing the right thing” when in actual fact there is no right thing. You are doing a great job if your baby is fed, clean, dry and happy. You got this Mama!)

• Breast or Bottle or Both

Both

• Cloth Nappies or Disposables

Disposables

• Natural Birth or C-Section

C-Section

• Followed a strict schedule or went with the flow

Went with the flow.

• Co-Sleep or Own Bed (from the beginning) 

Our first went into her own bed from the beginning. We co-slept with our second.

• Full term or Premature

Premature (Slightly)

• Stay at Home Mom or Back to Work

Back to work

• Nanny or Playschool/Creche

Nanny

• Pureed Food or Baby Led Weaning

Pureed Food

Disclaimer: This blog is made available by Yay Baby for general information purposes only. By using this blog you understand that these articles are in no way a substitute for actual medical or professional advice.

If you have any questions relating to this article, for Yay Baby or for Kate directly, feel free to post in the comments below!