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A nappy change every time she feeds – I need a change of clothing just as often too! I know that it’s quite normal for breastfed newborns to have explosive nappies, so I’m not worried about her health. I am worried about all the many rands going down the

A MOTHER’S GUILT

As a mom to three kids, it’s more apparent than ever how strong those feelings of guilt that we all harbour as moms are. Guilt that we feel when we ask somebody to watch our children so that we can have some much needed time for ourselves, guilt when we bake and don’t involve our children, it goes on and on. We don’t like to speak about this guilt because it’s almost as if admitting it means that we do have a reason to feel guilty. But the truth of it is, we all have these feelings. Yes, we love our children and are constantly striving to do the best we can for them and for our families. But we need to cut ourselves some slack and make sure that we are looking after ourselves too. So, don’t skip that gym session, go out for coffee and do take all the help you can get so that you can be a happier mom. Don’t feel guilty about not finishing the housework because you had a precious nap with your baby. It’s about the quality of time you spend with and give to your children, not quantity. raise a happy and successful child in this scary world of ours. Now that my beautiful daughter has arrived and I’m really a mom, I know that no amount of worrying is going to take away from the fact that all I can do is be the best mother I possibly can. With all the guilt and uncertainty that comes with parenting, I think we often forget what it’s all about – our little bundles of precious joy. It’s really not about how I do as a mom, or what mistakes I make (and there will be many!). It’s about my daughter knowing that she is loved no matter what, that she always has a safe place where she is accepted for exactly who she is. That is what parenting means to me.