Diary of a First Time Mum
Diary of a First Time Mum by Nicole Hall is an an uncensored account of all the stuff that really happens.
Diary of a First-time Mum is an amusing record of the unpredictable life of a new mum - with its doubts, delights and disappointments. Nicole shares her innermost thoughts on all aspects of new motherhood such as breastfeeding, mastitis, sleep deprivation, body changes and the relationship with her husband, often jotting down her thoughts in the wee hours of the morning while breastfeeding.
New parents can easily be overwhelmed by the amount of information available on sleeping, feeding, burping, weighing and changing their new baby. So how do you wade through it all and find out what life with your new baby will really be like?
Nicole says: ‘When I came home with my new baby I was aware I may have a lot to learn. I mean I was aware of some things, like the fact that new babies need regular feeds and sleeps, but the rest (i.e. everything else) I discovered only as they suddenly occurred. Having a baby is a huge learning curve and there are some things you can only learn by going through them yourself.
‘I wrote this book for pregnant women (and their partners) and for new mothers. Everything I share here, everything I’ve learned and found out about being a new mum, I wish I had before my babies were born. I hope it will provide invaluable pre and post birth insights and be a useful companion to all eagerto- be mums like I once was / still am.’
At times hilarious and sad, poignant and quirky, Nicole’s diary shares her intimate experiences of everything from labour to changing nappies, endless poo, mastitis, sleep patterns, changes in her body and the joy of getting to know her new sons. She also shares her inner thoughts on her transition from being a professional working woman to fulltime stay-at-home mum.
Nicole says the support of family, friends and health workers was invaluable: ‘I had so few ideas about babies or parenting. I had no idea how it would feel to have a little one attached to me all the time, I had no idea what to do with a sick baby. These people became our instruction manual.
‘Now I have children, the way we live seems nonsensical to me. We, the primary parents, are all slaving away in our little boxes; all doing the same thing, all coming up against the same challenges. I imagine that in tribal communities fi rst-time mothers do not have such a diffi cult time.
‘Speaking from my own experience I would advise any new mum not to struggle on their own. It may be the most rewarding job in the world, but it’s also the hardest. Don’t be afraid to ask for help from family, friends and community services, and join a mother’s group - you will quickly fi nd everyone is in the same boat!’
Nicole Hall is a clinical psychologist and (nowadays) 34-year-old mother of two young sons. Nicole has a Bachelor of Science (Honours), a Graduate Diploma of Psychology and a Doctorate of Clinical Psychology. She has worked as a clinical psychologist with adolescents and young adults in public health and more recently, in private practice. Nicole is currently involved in mental health research.
Nicole's warm, engaging story offers special insights for mothers-to-be about the transition into motherhood. Beautifully written, reassuring and entertaining, Diary of a First-time Mum is a valuable gift for a new mum or mum-to-be.
Diary of a First-time Mum
Finch Publishing
Author: Nicole Hall
RRP: $26.95
