I was getting our little one weighed last week (she weighed 18 pounds and 6 ounces), and next to me was a Mum with a 2 week old baby that would not stop screaming. This reminded me of the first time I took our little one to be weighed, and all she did was scream. This got me thinking about those little accomplishments, the first time you did something normal with a newborn and patted yourself on the back, and thought I can do this, the #mummywin. Here’s my list of those moments: Leaving the house This is somewhat of a mission, once you have mastered it you will think why was I so worried or why did it take 2 hours! The first time I left the house, I could barely walk (I had C-section), I even wrote a list of the things I would need to take with me. The reason why it would take so long was that our little one would feed for about 30 minutes, then need a change, and then need another feed – she fed constantly. Trust me, you will make it out of the house and become an expert at doing this. Service station baby change – These are daunting at first, and often dirty and smelly. Our first experience was in Membury services on the M4, when our little one was 3 weeks old, she hated it so much she decided to wee all over her clothes. As I was very new to this game I didn’t have a back-up change of clothes in my changing bag, so I had to ask hubby to run to the car. The lesson learnt from this is to ALWAYS carry a spare change of clothes no matter where you go, and don’t touch anything in the service station baby change. They are not all bad, the baby change at Toddington services on the M1 Northbound is excellent. Baby Group – Our first baby group was Baby Sensory, and in the early days our little one would either feed, cry or sleep throughout. But as she got older and become more aware, she started to engage and enjoy the session. It’s also a brilliant opportunity to meet other Mums, and share the newborn experience. Going somewhere in the car – No matter how long or short the journey I sat in the back to begin with, the reasons for this were to entertain the little one and check she was ok. When your a new parent it’s a little unnerving travelling in the front not being able to see your baby. We have been on many long car journeys and sitting in the back has its advantages and disadvantages, the advantages being you can try your best to keep baby happy, the disadvantages are that you may have a really long journey trying to stop a baby having a meltdown. Both are exhausting, and you may need a glass of wine when reaching your destination! I’m now happily sitting in the front of the car. Going on holiday – We have been on quite a few breaks in the UK, the first when she was 3 weeks old. Planning and writing a list is key, I found that I packed every item of baby clothing, all toys and baby related gear we owned. Using the London Underground – Now I did this very recently, I can’t believe I hadn’t used the tube sooner, I have been on the train, but never on the Underground. I was really surprised by how easy it was, the signs are clear in the stations directing you to the lifts and exit. You do need to plan your route carefully, as not all stations have step-free access. Going out for lunch or dinner – In the early days you hope that they will sleep throughout lunch or dinner. If our little one woke up she would either need a feed or be kept entertained, to avoid screaming the place down. Initially I would be sitting in wait, waiting for her to wake up, but the more times you go out with a newborn the easier it gets. It also helps going out in numbers, with other Mums, this makes it easier and helps to boost your confidence, you also won’t feel as bad if your baby starts kicking off. You will also congratulate yourself once you have an eaten a full meal whilst holding your baby. Breastfeeding in public – Now this one I was super scared about this even before having our little one. This took place after our first weigh-in (where she would not screaming) so I was feeling pretty stressed. What helped me was being with other breastfeeding Mums for confidence and support, but also being in a breastfeeding friendly cafe. All public places need to allow breastfeeding, but this was one with a pink breastfeeding welcome sticker on the door. It is hard at the first, but the more you do it the easier it becomes, also no one bats at eyelid – they are far more interested in their food, drink, friends, smartphone etc….. Cooking dinner – I have to say looking back this was one of my biggest achievements, I love cooking and was afraid I wouldn’t be able to cook again. I managed it by placing our little one in her bouncer in the kitchen, and she was really happy to sit there for an hour or so. My husband was pretty impressed that I managed to cook dinner when he got home from work. Pretty much everything is possible with a newborn, it’s the first time you have to do it which can be daunting. But once you have done something one, you will have a little celebration in your head, and feel that you can take on the world. Do have you have any “firsts” or #mummywin moments to add to this list, I would love to hear from you. Claire Keep Calm and Carry On Linking Sunday