Name: Helen

Child: Georgina Rose – 13 months.

Location: West Didsbury 

Expectations of motherhood: I have always wanted to be a mummy. I thought I would love it but nothing prepared me for the enormous LOVE you feel for your own child. 

My image of a ‘typical day with a baby’ was slightly different to the reality of it. I imagined getting ready for my day when my baby slept peacefully in her crib/cot and then having tea (or wine) and cake dates and going to baby classes. In reality, I do meet people, eat, drink and go to classes but getting myself ready is now a matter of how quickly can I do it (simple things such as drying my hair have taken a back seat). 

I was told before Georgina was born ‘you’ll never wee alone again’ and they were right. Since Georgina has been on the move I have always have a little inquisitive person by my side. 

Before Georgina arrived, I was extremely excited I couldn’t wait to meet her. We didn’t actually know we were having a girl so I was looking forward to finding out whether she was a she or he. I kept wondering what she would look like but nothing prepared me for just how gorgeous she is and I constantly ask myself ‘how did we make her?’.  

Reality of motherhood: It’s the best job I’ve ever done. Don’t get me wrong, it’s challenging and the one job you’ll do that you’re given full responsibility on day one without any training or a manual. That said, if you were given a manual you would call the author within a matter of hours of having your baby to complain that the instructions don’t work!

In the first few weeks/months it felt very surreal having a baby. I honestly thought someone would knock on the door and say you’ve had your time now and ask for her back! 

I don’t think anyone can fully prepare you for motherhood; the love, joy, happiness these little people bring but also just how exhausted you will be. I was worried about the lack of sleep but I never fully comprehended the fact that I wouldn’t sleep through the night again! But saying that when I’m up in the night and I’m exhausted I see her looking at me with her big blue eyes and cheeky smile, I completely forget about being tired. The bags under my eyes the next day usually tell the story of our previous evening. I’ve found the only way to cope is chocolate in copious amounts (and wine!). 

Before I had Georgina, if I dropped food (accidentally, of course) or if there was a mark on my clothes I would change my outfit before leaving the house. These days I’m usually styling Georgina’s various meals on my clothes and in my hair. If I change my outfit every time I have food, sick or snot on them I would never leave the house.