Allok, what a lovely image! I have those heavenly moments too.

I went out in the pushchair yesterday round the park and it was fine. Such a nice day! Today I'm going into town with two other local mums so we can brave the public together, although I think they've done it already so can show me the ropes!

Oh god -I remember I had to go out first time in the pushchair and I couldn't get it through the door - I felt soooo foolish and I had a really bad habit of ensuring little one was fed and calm before the health visitor came as you do feel judged.

And my mil came to stay for three weeks - and she's CRAP with children but made my life absolute hell (I'll hate her forever).

The best was my friend took us to a part in a v. posh part of London and I couldnb't get the pushchair to adjust - so there I was all sshort fat huffing and puffing and in a blind panic in front of these sneering tall blond and confident yummy mummies! LOL.

Enjoy - I think I pretty much threw ds on the bed and decided to play play play and I was fine after that. He's now 3.5 and I still find getting stuff done outside the home with him in two a complete pain.

I never managed to collapse the travel system to get it into the car - all such a big faf.

But congratulations - it's got me thinking of when ds was wee - I remember we had alovely spring and the sun was shining into my room - I was alone and bfing ds - it was qquiet and all I could here was him suffling and feeding and you know it was the first time in my life I felt a perfect moment - felt like I was in heaven.

Thanks allok. Week one I think will be fine as busy every day. Week two is when it becomes hard as the novelty wears off... It's amazing how little things like going to the supermarket seem daunting with a small baby...! Yet motherhood aside I'm generally quite confident.
I've got doctors appointments next week and already a bit nervous about them - maybe it's cos if DS cries for example, I'm worried about being judged as a rubbish mum!!!

I've got the in laws coming tomo - that'll be a test in itself as it's just me and them! They're coming to help me with DS - part of me wants to demonstrate that I can cope but the help will be welcome

Iggly - aw- it's normal to feel that way - being a first time (and in my case and only time) mum is the biggest thing to make you doubt your competencies - being faced with a little baby is march harder than working to deadlines.

I'd suggest having your shower get dressed first thing so at least you're prepared for the day - (possibly dh can mind ds for 15 mins while he's getting ready for work so that you can sort yourself out).

Then raincovers etc for your pram - go for a nice walk.

I found nct groups came to almost nothing but just geting out of the house was good for both me and ds. I also found that everyone loves a newbie and you'll get lots of people peering into your pram and lots of lovely compliments.

Iknow what you mean about being left alone - it is daunting but a health visitor is only a call or visit away. My gp had health visitor afternoons and I used to go with ds armed with a million questions and you often strike up conversations with other mums there.Also being alone will be build your confidence and you'll get to be intuitive with YOUR little one's needs.

BF- we'll I was an older mum with big old saggy boobs so bfing in public was a nogoger for me - it was privacy at home and a lot of effort lol (looking back). practice at home and then do it in public and you'll be fine.

I remember being very scared - specially the second week - then the third week I kind of just gave up being worried stuck ds on the bad and said 'right - I'm going to get to know you now and bask in new motherhood' - worked for me.

AND MOST IMPORTANTLY - CONGRATULATIONS AND ENJOY.

Yesterday I think I achieved a lot (emptied the dishwasher and put washing on ) so today I can take it easy guilt free...

Have also got two post natal appointments next week to get me out so will look out for baby groups then! Here's hoping the weather is ok.

I only manage one baby group often not every week either (I'm not hugely social!) but I do get out with the pram most days even if it's just down to the local shop. Practise BF at home in front of a mirror and seek out shops with feeding rooms (John Lewis is fab for this).

Definitely get snacks in for lunch and some choc for emergencies. I get upset if I don't manage something to eat and sometimes it really is difficult. Mars bars are my lifesaver and can be eaten one-handed

Don't forget that babies don't die from crying so if you're getting frustrated put him down for a bit and have a cuppa. A sling might be good for a grizzler and you can then get stuff done too.

At the mo I'm generally spending my days washing nappies, napping, attempting to tidy the house, MN-ing and watching TV!

I think that earlier posts have covered everything, but I just wanted to say congratulations and keep doing what you are doing.

The best thing about being a SAHM is that you can really please yourself, sometimes you get lots done and other times you stay in your jammies until 3 o'clock

If your little'un is fed clean and dry it's job done and anything else is a bonus. It's hard work at times but so rewarding and it just keeps getting better.

Congratulations

My 2 are 4 months & 2 yrs

You will be amazed how quickly you fall into a routine. With DS1, we had a newbies group at local clinic on Mondays, Tuesdays were weighing days at the Children's Centre (he didnt need weighing weekly but it got me out the house & I eventually made good friends with some of the other mums I met in the queue), Wednesdays my Mum visited, Thursday was nursery rhymes at the local library followed by coffee & cake in cafe next door(on my own at first and then I sat with other Mums from nursery rhymes) Fridays were another newbies group at a local church. I made lots of friends during my maternity leave & we met up at each others houses or locally for coffee & chat. Now we meet up at the park or baby groups.

I never did get the BF in public thing with DS1, I kept a carton & bottle in my bag in case i couldnt find anywhere to hide feed although I didnt go to to many places that weren't baby friendly. I also used dummies with both my DS - a life saver with DS2 as he always wants feeding when i am in the middle of doing something for DS1.

This time with DS2 i have fed him anywhere & everywhere. I prefer long loose tunic style tops as found it bit of a faff doing the vest thing, although I do where a vest with button up shirts, but I pull the vest up so it covers the top of my boob. You can also use your bump bands to keep you back & tummy covered.

Also i went to the cinema a couple of times for Mum & baby showings, it is not as dark or loud as usual and was cheaper than the standard rate.

star6: ah, that's where i went wrong. I am categorically NOT modest! lol

If you're nervous at first, just get a cover. The bebe au lait one is really nice and easy and comfortable. After a while, you'll feel more comfortable and then probably do away with it. I still used it for a while . here is the bf cover
Totally worth it IMHO if you're modest at all.