The Top 5 Things I Wish I’d Known as a First-Time Mum

No matter how many books you read or how many friends you ask, nothing truly prepares you for the wild, beautiful chaos of becoming a mum for the first time. Between sleepless nights, tiny milestones, and the sheer emotional rollercoaster, the learning curve is steep.

Looking back, here are the top five things I wish someone had told me before I stepped into motherhood.

1. Sleep really does matter (and it’s OK to ask for help)

Everyone says “sleep when the baby sleeps,” but the laundry, the dishes, and your own buzzing brain often get in the way. What I wish I’d known? Protecting your rest is vital for your sanity. Hand the baby to your partner, your mum, or a friend for a few hours. A nap isn’t selfish, it’s survival.

2. Fed is best - full stop

Before giving birth, I imagined picture-perfect breastfeeding moments. The reality was sore, stressful, and sometimes impossible. I wish I’d known then that whether it’s breast, bottle, or a mix, what matters most is a nourished baby and a mum who isn’t drowning in guilt. Feeding your child with love is what counts.

3. You don’t need all the “stuff”

As a first-time mum, I bought everything on the must-have lists - half of which never left the packaging. Babies need far less than we think. A safe place to sleep, clothes, nappies, and lots of cuddles go further than the latest gadgets. Save your money (and your storage space).

4. It’s OK not to love every moment

Motherhood is painted as constant joy, but the truth is, it’s messy, exhausting, and sometimes overwhelming. There will be tears (yours and theirs), moments of doubt, and days when you wonder if you’re cut out for this. That doesn’t make you a bad mum - it makes you human.

5. You are still you

It’s easy to lose yourself in the endless feeds, naps, and nappy changes. But I wish I’d realised earlier that holding onto the parts of me outside of motherhood, whether it was reading, yoga, or just a long shower, wouldn’t make me less of a mum. In fact, it made me a better one.

Being a first-time mum is a crash course in patience, resilience, and unconditional love. You’ll make mistakes, you’ll learn on the job, and you’ll discover strength you never knew you had. And while you won’t get it all “right,” you’ll always be the right mum for your baby.