Being a Young Mum

Hello Readers!

Today I'm writing a post thats very close to my heart, well because I live it everyday I thought I would share my experiences with motherhood so far.

Every time someone finds out I have a baby its always the same thing "oh my goodness theres no way you're so young" and sometimes its in a nice tone but the theres times where it's really not. Even on a daily basis of walking around the town with Caleb in the pram I would get the odd looks at me of judgement. I know I shouldn't care about what others think and to be honest I don't but experiencing it first hand I can see how it can get so many young mums down.

Being pregnant young is a scary thing on its own then you add in all the thoughts you're having in your head, things like "how will I know when the baby is hungry" or "why is the baby crying". My advice for any young parent mum or dad is that your support system will be your biggest lifeline. I honestly don't know where I would be without my friends and family, they have really helped me out when I was having my down days or just needed to get a shower.

I also had a family nurse, now I'm so thankful I got offered this because it was one of the best decisions I've ever made. If you do get the chance to work with the family nurse partnership I would highly recommend doing it, they are with you from your pregnant until your baby is 2. They will cover everything from antenatal health to when your child is developing key skills as they grow, not only that but there has been plenty of times where my family nurse has witnessed me having a breakdown or a cry and has always been there for me.

Another big thing for me is never feel bad if you want some you time because how are you meant to be the best parent you can be if you can't collect your own thoughts. Do things with your partner like go to the cinema for date night without the little one or go to that girly night out that you've been avoiding every single time. It doesn't make you a bad person to do things on your own weather that be to go to the gym for an hour or even just to get a nap. Also don't change who you are just because you're a mum, just because you have a baby doesn't mean you have to change your whole style. For example I'm 22 I don't want to change the way dress just because I have a baby and the best bit of advice I got from my uncle while we were shopping in London was "just because you're a mum doesn't mean you're a nun" and honestly it couldn't be more true.

The things I love about being a young mum is watching this little person explore the world and finding all these new things. Seeing his little face light up when he does something new for the first time is just bliss. I know to some this won't matter for some but for me it was a big one, he has helped me manage my money a whole lot better than I used too. When I was 18/19 I would blow through my wages on useless stuff and pretty quickly too, but now obviously with another life to look after I don't just go on spending sprees anymore I keep that for more important things. My life has changed so much but it has become so much better especially having a little person look up to me like I'm the best thing he's ever seen, and with all the little random outbursts of hugs and kisses to brighten up my day. I wouldn't trade him for the world.

And like I said it's not always in a negative tone people reply in sometimes you'll get the best compliments from people who understand your struggles but see your efforts. It really does make you feel better when people let you know that you're doing a great job for being an amazing parent.

At the end of the parenting can be hard at any age so we shouldn't be so quick to judge one another.

Thanks for reading,

Megan xx