I really cannot believe my darling daughter is 3 months old already. I remember the day I found out I was pregnant, as well as the day we found out we were having a girl, which both feel like they were only yesterday. It has flown by but it also feels like she has always been here. I feel so overwhelmed with love as I write this. Never knew I could love someone so much. With all that love in my heart, I thought I'd share with you a few things that I have learnt in these last few months, both while pregnant and as a new Mum.

Firstly, pelvic floor exercises are no joke. When my Mum and sister were visiting me and we were cracking jokes when I was still pregnant, NGL a little wee came out. I thought it would be fine once I had her as she sat quite low throughout most of the pregnancy so just put it down to that. But after she was born my Dad said something that made me laugh and I couldn't make it to the toilet in time before wetting myself. Kinda embarrassing, but it all comes with the territory of motherhood. So since that day, I have been trying to remember to do my kegels - haven't always remembered but when I do I crack on and do them, cos being a piss bag is not a good look (or smell) I'll keep you posted on how I go and if I regain control of my pelvic floor.

Something else I learned is that it's definitely a learning curve. As much as I can be a perfectionist, being a Mum has taught me that there is no such thing as perfect. It’s all about making sure your baby is happy, healthy and loved. The first few days back at home, I didn't shower for days as I was so lacking in energy from the scarcity of sleep whilst trying to figure out this breastfeeding lark. It's tough, I thought I would never get it. But with the help of a few experts, I did. For those of you starting out with breastfeeding, it is hard but it does get easier. People said that to me and I just thought “Yeah, right. This is impossible“ I'd just given birth to this precious angel and I was thinking “Great, she’s going to starve because I really can't do this”. But I got the hang of it and you will too. I actually love it now and love the bonding time that it gives us. I love looking down at her and seeing her looking back at me, knowing that I am giving her all she needs nutritionally to help her grow. If you are currently struggling, just remember that it's new to you and baby so it'll take time. Don’t be too hard on yourself and if you do really struggle, there are plenty of local breastfeeding drop-in clinics that are willing to help. These were a huge help for me. Another saviour, especially during those first few pinchy, sore times where she was struggling to latch properly was this fab nipple balm from Weleda.

It’s vegan and 100% natural, so safe to put on your nipples before as well as after breastfeeding and you don’t have to wash it off before feeding your little one.

Another thing that was a real help during pregnancy was this stretch mark oil, also from Weleda.

For as long as I can remember, I have had stretch marks on my butt and thighs and I was certain that I'd end up with them on my belly. But I used a drop of this oil daily after showering while I was pregnant and to my surprise, I have not one stretch mark on my tummy. So this deffo gets a thumbs up from me.

One thing that I am really grateful for is that I have had my Mum around for the first few months. With her being a nurse and a mother of four, she has a wealth of knowledge and is always on hand to help with the little things. If I need to have a shower or just pee, it's so useful having her here to help. Not only my Mum, but my Dad being here too is a great help. He is absolutely smitten with her. Never seen him so mushy and it's lovely to see. If you can't be as fortunate to have your parents around to help, try your best to surround yourself with people at this time as it can be very overwhelming and tough so try to have as much adult interaction as you can or you may go stir crazy. If you know any fellow Mums nearby, that is also great. Take a look at your local doctor surgery or children's centre for mother and baby groups, this can be a great place to meet fellow Mums in your area to interact with.

Another discovery on this ever-changing journey is that as cute and tiny as she is, my daughter can be a right little shit monster. And as good as those bio nappies are, they don’t always catch all of it which means poo stains on her cute little outfits. Now, I can't have that. So finding this stain remover from Little Violets has been a God send.

With it being all natural and free from chemicals, I honestly did not think that it would work at all. But I literally rinse off any poo residue and then pour boiling water over it then sprinkle the powder directly onto the stain and soak for about an hour before gently rubbing and rinsing away. And it goes from this to this.

I'd be super lost without it. The amount of poo stained clothes she would have to wear is uncountable. Not to mention the amount of poo stained clothes I'd be left with

I have also come to the realisation that I am very protective of my little one. It may be because it is still early days, but I couldn't imagine leaving her for more than a few minutes. After a painful birth, all I wanted to do was hold my baby girl. But because I had an episiotomy and due to me being on blood thinners for the last trimester of my pregnancy, it took longer to do because I was bleeding so much, I was sat up in the stirrups for a very long time, maybe 3 hours. I was also hooked up to a saline drip as I was dehydrated because I hadn't eaten or drank during the 10 hours I was in labour. Alānnah was on the other side of the room in a hospital crib and she felt oh so far away. She went from being inside my tummy and me just putting my hand on my tummy to feel and talk to her, to being out into the World a few feet away and it felt like we were miles apart. I’m sure I'm not the first mother to feel like this, but it was a horrible feeling. That same night a doctor came and took her blood to test as I had low platelets so they needed to check to see if she had the same issue. Luckily she didn't. I don't know how I would have coped if I'd have to give her injections as well as myself. It's a real struggle enough just watching her have her injections, her first lot she cried until her face went red and made me cry. Really hurt my heart. Obviously if I had to inject her for the sake of her health, I would, just like I did for myself but I am so grateful that there was no need for that.

On one final note, I would not recommend is having a vindaloo the day before being induced. Bad idea! I wanted her to come naturally instead of having to be induced as I have heard that it is more painful being induced. So me and my hubby decided to have a curry. But he suggested I have some of his super firey vindaloo. Well, let's just say it didn't bring her out of me but it felt like it brought out everything else that was inside me, from both ends. My labour was pretty full on from start to finish and the added excitement of the vindaloo was not needed. At first when my contractions started I wasn't sure if it was her or the vindaloo. So, if like me, you aren’t too used to eating hot curries, please don’t pick the day before you are due to be induced to start.

All the pain and suffering from that day was worth it though and I am forever grateful for the gift that is my daughter. I am also grateful that my husband, Mum and sister were there to help me through it all.

I hope these tips helped and feel free to let me know anything else you think would help other new parents. Sharing is caring, right?!