To my 1st Time Mum Self with #VicksBabyRub

I have been a Mummy for nearly 6 years. It's hard to believe it, the years truly have just whizzed by. It has been an overwhelming whirlwind, it hasn't been the easiest road but then parenting isn't let's be honest. There have been days where I've been elated, sobbed in frustration and times when I have wondered if I'm doing it all wrong. Of course, I must be doing something right I still have 2 thriving and beautiful children but my god it has been a learning curve. 

If I had to look back and send myself a message before I became a Mum there are so many things I would tell myself. Gosh, if I knew then what I know now ..........

So if I could go back in time what would I say to the Helen before kids. What advice would I give myself? I would say this...... Helen......Mama, you have GOT this.

Helen, I know you are scared, I know you are nervous, I know you're afraid. It'll be ok, things have a funny way of just sorting themselves out. I know that you feel that you're not cut out to be a Mum but trust me you are. Once you have that baby in arms, your flesh and blood you'll realise that everything in life is worth living. 

Embrace your pregnancy Hels. Every single bit......even the acid reflux and the leaky boobs. That bump, the glossy hair (soon to be shed after birth), the glow and the spring in your step. Stroke that bump, feel those magical kicks and wriggles as it's something incredible. You are growing a life, a mini human....a mini you! This life inside of you is like no other, it will give you focus in life, something to live for. I know you feel like you're finally on a path that is good for you and I know this pregnancy has come at a tough time in your life (getting pregnant while in the middle of studying for a nursing course is never ideal!), however you CAN do this Mama! 

The sleep deprivation is hard, I know you can never imagine just how awful it can be until baby arrives but it will pass. Just ride that wave, I promise it doesn't last forever. Take in that newborn smell, listen to those utterly beautiful baby snuffles and cherish every single moment and milestone. You never know if you'll be lucky enough to have another. There will be dark days, there will be days when you feel the crying won't stop, cuddles won't help and you can't take away any illnesses or 'ouchy's'. There will be days when you need a cuddle, need some time out and just to remember who 'you' was and is now. But you got this Mama. 

When you look back on your first time Mum self, you will be amazed how far you have come. Look at you now, you are doing it. You are a Mummy and a flipping good one at that. Because...... you have GOT this Mama. You have got this. 

Of course, we all need a little help sometimes. Baby snuffles as gorgeous as they  are can lead to an unsettled and grouchy baby and no one wants that. This is where Vicks BabyRub (#VicksBabyRub) could be your saviour. This calming and relaxing rub scented with lavender, rosemary and aloe vera is a wonderful solution to not only help you bond with your baby but help them feel calm and settled. Ideal to use after the bath and just before bed, if your baby is unsettled or over tired or just before nap time. It's a gorgeous and calming multipurpose item worth its weight in gold. 

Sometimes it can be the simple things that help the most but ultimately remember Mama.......you GOT this!! You are rocking motherhood and you are acing it (even if you still feel like you really have no clue). 

* Written in conjunction with BritMums and #VicksBabyRub. This is my entry into the Vicks BabyRub challenge, sponsored by Vicks BabyRub. Specially designed for babies aged 6 months and over, Vicks BabyRub is available at Boots, Superdrug, Tesco, Asda, Waitrose and all good pharmacy chains. RRP £3.99.