Mothers Group

When I first had Luke, I was scared of being isolated. My family live interstate and my inlaws are overseas.

My Maternal Child Health Nurse put me into a mothers group at about week 2 of Luke's life, but it didn't start until he was 7 weeks. I counted down the weeks. The group went for 6 weeks. Tuesday was the final one.

And as I sit here at the Honda Workshop, typing this on my iPhone, waiting for them to fix the shudder in my transmission, I've been filling out the evaluation form and reflecting on what I've learnt.

I liked the way they gave us information, the nurse would talk, give us hand outs and then we could ask questions. This was probably most helpful for me. It was great also to hear that some mothers have similar experiences to me and that I wasn't alone. Every week I counted down until mothers group. I loved it!

I loved the nurse who facilitated it too. I want to take her home!

The only thing that made me feel less confident was about 'routine' and getting Luke into one where he will sleep in his cot. I went home, tried it, and ended up in tears when it failed to work. This is still something I struggle with. Luke will sleep on the couch during the day, or even in the big bed with me if I have a nap. The benefit of him sleeping in the cot is that I wouldn't have to constantly check him, but I stand by the belief that Luke needs to be flexible and not bound by a strict routine. He's a pretty good sleeper at night (and will sleep in his cot too) so I cant complain, really.

This picture is further proof about making Luke flexible. He doesn't have to be in his cot or pram to sleep. He is having a nap while we wait here for the cat to be fixed.

Mothers group was great also because I learnt what was around in the community, not only from the facilitating nurse, but also the other girls - mums and bubs yoga anyone?

I wish they had comfier breast feeding facilities though! Although that's just me being picky. The day I managed to feed on that plastic chair was one of my proudest moments.

I hope we will all meet together again, despite many going back to work soon, and of course the big commitment of a new family! I still don't know if or when I will go back to work, or even if I will pursue teaching anymore or not.

If your a new mum- I highly recommend a mothers group through your local council. And persist with it :)