the new born stage

Being a new mum is something I don't think I could ever put into writing and have you as the reader understand the experience
I know everyones journey is different but all of you mamas reading this will know what I am talking about.. Its HARD in those first few weeks coming home with that little precious bundle
Yes you've been given your greatest gift in life but it doesn't come easy!
​So many emotions and challenges with not knowing what you are doing and trying to navigate your way through day to day life, everything becomes hard!
A lot of people have said to me "You make being a new mum look so easy!" but it in all honesty I'm struggling just as much as the next new mum is! I am just really good at hiding it, Give me 15 spare minutes to get dressed and put on some makeup no one would ever know I've been up all night and day crying with a screaming baby just about to lose the plot at any moment, Well maybe the three cups of coffee before 10am will be a give away on how much sleep I've had that night ;)
I like to keep things real as possible on this blog even though Ive always posted about makeup but motherhood is raw and real and still beautiful! 

Rest assured I'm not here to scare you I want just want to share with you my most loved/used items since becoming a mum, Billie is now 10 weeks old and sadly (YES IM STILL SAD EVEN THOUGH IVE CRIED ALMOST EVERYDAY) I feel like the new born stage is almost over so I thought I would share he things that have made life a lot easier and convenient!

Bandolier phone case/strap - Think you are good at multi tasking? When you become a new mum you will take that skill to a whole new level!
When leaving the house with a baby you pretty much have to take the whole house with you so I have not used a handbag since the day she was born because this is all I need! I wear it cross body, slot my drivers license and eftpos card in the back card holder and I’m good to go!
Car keys go in pocket and if I don’t have any I can clip that onto the strap too! HELL you can clip anything on there use your imagination people!
It makes life so easy to be hands free when pushing the stroller,carrying a huge ass baby bag, 10 grocery bags that are all heavy and feel like they will slice off a finger at any moment, balancing a coffee on your head, trying to open the front door all while holding a baby. 
​But don't worry about losing or forgetting your phone cos that shit is strapped to your body. THANK ME LATER NEW MUMS! 
@bandolierstyle @hellodarlingnz

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SOOTHIE pacifier by AVENT - Man there is quite a bit of controversy/unwanted opinions surrounding pacifiers? My mum tells me when we were babies they were kind of frowned apon who the hell knows why if it stops a baby from crying or puts them to sleep she can have it whenever she likes!
Billie took a pacifier when we were in hospital, I know all babies aren’t into them but it is a serious god send when I’m trying to get her to sleep or if she’s really upset i.e screaming the house down it can really help sometimes.
So I couldn’t care less what some people’s opinions on pacifiers are if it helps in any way I’m all about it.
​My sister introduced me to the Soothie by Avent which annoyingly you can't get here in NZ but I have seen them sold on trade me! 

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Haaka Breast Pump I used an electric pump to express mostly but the Haaka was amazing when my milk came in and boobs were seriously engorged and full (husband looked at me with wide eyes and we both just pissed ourselves laughing..it really is quite the sight) I would put the cup on the opposite side while expressing to encourage let down and at first it doesn't seem like you get much but then next minute you've got yourself  100mls in barely no time..amazing! I used this while in the shower as my boobs would be painfully full in the mornings the heat/steam is great for encouraging let down PLUS anything to save time and again multitasking at its finest people*
There is so much to love about it...Cheap, super portable, silent and great way to store milk in the fridge to save dishes! 

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Lonely Maternity Bra
When Billie was one week old lonely launched these bras and I was beyond excited! I've always loved wearing nice lingerie and just because one is breast feeding doesn't mean that you have to settle for hideous or uncomfortable right!?
I wished I hadn't wasted hundreds of dollars on the bras I got prior to these coming out because these were all I wore after I got them! One in black and one in cream. Buttery soft fabric, gorgeous thick lace trim, ever so stretchy, basically a dream to wear and lovely on the eyes too! 
I wear the Bonnie style $110
www.lonelylabel.com

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Le Forge Zebra Baby Blanket 
This little blanket is a pram size so its been perfect for the stroller, the bassinet or in the car over her in the capsule. I don't think I can go on too much as its just a blanket but I couldn't not include it as it think I have used it every day since she arrived! I got mine from flux boutique online or if you are after a similar but different print Red Current do some gorgeous ones! These would make the perfect baby shower gift too FYI! 

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Nursing Pillow - Let me tell you this has been such a god send, when breastfeeding or bottle feeding Billie I put this around my waist while sitting down and it means I'm not bending right down over her straining my back! Also PERFECT when flying with a new born.
Josh and I recently booked a last minute christmas holiday to be with family (we weren't sure whether we would go or not with a new born in tow) all of the fly cot/bassinets were taken so I just used my nursing pillow around my waist and she slept on me the whole 3 1/2 hour flight both ways! 
I have had a lot of questions via instagram as to where I got mine from, The actual pillow is from The Wharehouse I think they are around $39 but I did source my pillow case via Etsy because I couldn't for the life of me find a neutral/minimal one that didn't have tacky cartoons all over it. The seller is called Ivie Baby but just a heads up the shipping to NZ made it quite expensive.

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Solly baby wrap - If you watch my instagram stories regularly you will have seen I often rave about this wrap! Perfect for travelling, getting housework done, settling a baby, or anytime you need to be hands free really.
Its pretty special as baby is snuggled up so close to you they can hear your heart beat and are being jiggled around just like they were in the womb hence why its so settling and comforting for them.
Solly is another american brand @sollybabywrap so if you are in NZ and want something easier to get your hands on but just the same I have another one called the Chekoh Wrap, Its just as good! You can get one from @globalbabynz 

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Tiba & Marle Baby Bag 
As soon as I saw this bag I knew I had to have it simply because it doesn't look like a baby bag! I found it incredibly hard when looking because I wasn't going to settle for something hideous just because it ticked all the boxes with functionality...thats just not me, if I'm going to use something everyday I want it to look good! 
The bag itself fits everything and more that I need for Billie, I love how many compartments it has to keep things organised which my OCD appreciates.

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​Joolz Geo Stroller
Probably our biggest purchase when it came to buying baby things but I don't have a single regret because I LOVE my stroller! Its easy for me to break down and light enough for me to get in and out of the car boot, has great storage underneath.
​We purchased from Dimples in new market and the service was FABULOUS

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Pretty Brave Change Mat - These are so well designed and are perfect for your baby bag as they fold up into a clutch like ensemble, you can change your babies nappy anywhere with one of these they are so handy! Easy to clean and look super cute! 
@pretty.brave

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While looking through my cameral roll I stumbled across this picture...I had had one of the worst nights with Billie and was absolutely exhausted, I mean you only have to look at my hair to know it was a rough night haha! 

Emotionally drained from feeling as though I was failing big time at the whole mum gig I honestly thought in that moment that things were not going to get any better and this was my reality!
It can be very isolating and even though you aren't you can feel so alone in what you are trying to do!

​But if you are a new Mum or new mum to be I just want to tell you things get better! 
Open your curtains everyday and let the light pour in, take all the help offered because its takes a village to raise a baby seriously!
Don't let the weight of it over whelm you because you are doing a fabulous job
I have found that being open about how hard it is lightens the stress of it all and I've found its important to know that admitting its hard doesn't make you a bad mum!
10 weeks in and I only JUST feel as though I am finding Billies rhythm, every day and night still has its ups and downs but each smile makes it better and all worth it
 

From one mama to another, We got this!
Fi x 

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