A letter to my new mom self

You're wanting the first few weeks and months to speed by but try to relish them, despite the challenges. You'll miss them one day, and realise what a gift they were, and how having your newborn fall asleep in the cradle of your arm, or on your shoulder might never happen again. Development is wonderful and so is looking forward, but don't forget the awesomeness of the now. Don't wish it away. You feel like a fat cow most of the day, most of which is irrational. Look how your baby is growing and thriving – that's due to you, and the wonderful care around him. Yes, you're a feeding machine, but you don't look bad. Or like a dairy animal. At all. As with everything, the tough times pass. Look after yourself and be a little gentler on yourself too. You're doing a wonderful job. No one will tell you that, so don't rely on it. Just know it. Love Tanya