Real Parent Stories with Jess
What were your first thoughts and feelings after your babies were born?
My first birth: shock, I remember saying “now what?!” when they put little Aston on my chest.
My Second (which was a caesarean): immediate love
My Third (caesarean): I was in so much anxiety, I couldn’t hold him.
Did you settle quickly into a routine with your babies? If so, do you think it worked well for you?
For my first and last son, I didn’t have a routine, I let them take control and as it turns out (and I should have learnt my lesson the first time and after seeing how good Will was on a routine) I found myself up and down all night for months. For Will, I started a routine quite early and he was very content and was my easiest child… until he turned 1yo and turned into the wild one.
How soon after your babies were born did you begin to swaddle your baby?
I swaddled all my babies in a muslin wraps from birth, but Freddie was actually earlier when we introduced him to the SWADDLE UP™ as he much preferred his arms up. The other boys moved into the SWADDLE UP™ at around 8 weeks. I kept them in the SWADDLE UP™ with arms up and then transitioned to the SWADDLE UP™ TRANSITION BAG around 4 months and then into bigger sleeping bags.
How did you come to know about LOVE TO DREAM™?
When Aston was a baby, I remember discovering LOVE TO DREAM™ and the first night we used it, was the first time he slept longer stints. It was such a better and faster experience for us to change him at night with a simple zip and he wasn’t escaping out of my husband’s hopeless wrapping! It actually gave me a chance to sleep also as I was always having to get up to wrap him, even when it was my husbands turn to change him.
Do you feel like using the LOVE TO DREAM™ range of products has made a positive impact on you and your baby's sleep?
Absolutely, every one of my boys has slept soundly and happily with their arms up in a natural position and felt snug also.
What is the one thing you wish you'd known before you became a parent?
How long is this article? There is so much! I wish I had known was to not take my 'me time' for granted before having children. I love giving my life to my children, it is so rewarding but the days of just doing what I want to do are on pause. I also wish I had known that I would truly know what love is, a gift that motherhood brings.
Three words to describe life before parenthood and three to describe life after becoming a parent?
BEFORE- carefree, spontaneous, limitless
AFTER- exhausted, loved, fulfilled
What is the one piece of advice you’d offer new parents or parents-to-be?
Remember that you created life, carried him for nine months and nourish him with food and love every day, don’t be so hard on yourself in any instance, we are all in the same boat and you are doing an amazing job. You made a person!
What are your top 5 essential items to have ready to go when baby arrives?
- Wondersuit zip ups
- Singlets with clasps at crotch
- The LOVE TO DREAM SWADDLE UP™
- Muslin wraps for swaddling, burping, using as blankets or tummy time
- Bugaboo pram!
Check out Jess' website (her Newborn Essentials post is pretty handy!) or follow her (super stylish) journey over on Instagram or Facebook.
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