When Elliot arrived into the world I had an overwhelming sense of love and affection. I couldn’t stop staring at him. He loved to be cuddled close to my chest and would grasp onto my finger. He seemed so fragile and would be startled by any loud noises.
Becoming a first-time mum was nerve-wracking as babies don’t come with any instructions so I accepted all of the help offered from the nurses at the hospital. They do an amazing job day in and day out, so they know the helpful tips such as easier ways to burp etc. When it was finally time to go home, I was really excited as I have a fear of hospitals and wanted my home comforts. My newborn routine continued to be based around baby sleep patterns and newborn feeding.
During my pregnancy I read blogs and parenting books, I attended ante-natal classes, read as many parenting articles as possible, but of course like most parents, I learnt the rest as I went along. At home, I felt like I was constantly checking up on my baby, changing dirty nappies and giving feeds. My baby would sleep for 2 hours then wake for a feed and a nappy change, then he would go back to sleep for another 2 hours and so on. I stayed in pyjamas or leggings. For the first two weeks he’d have 12 feeds in every 24 hours. During feeds, I’d burp him halfway through as he was diagnosed with having Colic. Our moses basket would be slightly raised at one end to help release trapped wind.