Surviving the First Few Weeks with a Newborn

So, you’ve just had a baby. You're officially in the newborn zone , where time is fake, snacks are meals, and you haven’t washed your hair in two weeks (same).You love your baby more than life, but also... you’d sell your soul for three hours of uninterrupted sleep and a coffee that’s still warm.

If you’re deep in that newborn fog, hi. I’m with you. Here are a few things that helped me survive those blurry, beautiful, what-day-is-it weeks:

1. Let go of “perfect”

No one’s got it all together. That mum who says her baby sleeps through the night? She probably cried in the shower yesterday (if she even made it to the shower).You’re doing enough. Messy is normal. Hairy legs are normal. You are normal.

2. Accept help, even if it’s just someone holding the baby so you can eat toast with two hands

Seriously. If someone offers help, let them. Don’t be polite.Say yes and walk away fast before they change their mind.

3. Sleep is a myth – but resting is real

You might not get proper sleep, but you can close your eyes and pretend.Even lying flat while your child naps on your chest like a hot water bottle counts as recovery.

4. Your baby isn’t broken – they’re just new

Some cry. Some don’t. Some hate the pram. Some scream when you sit down.You didn’t do anything wrong – they’re just tiny humans adjusting to life outside the womb... and so are you.

5. Take the photos, even if you haven’t showered in... a while

One day, you'll want to remember this.Not the mess or the exhaustion, but the way they curl into you, the way they blink up at you like you're their whole world (because you are).So take the photo. Yes, even in the stained top and dry shampoo crown.

Just something I wish someone told me...

Honestly, those early days are such a blur. You think you’ll remember every detail , the newborn smell, how tiny their fingers are, the way they’d only fall asleep on your chest, but so much of it fades in the haze of nappies and night feeds.

I started taking little photos, not because they were perfect, but because I didn’t want to forget. And somewhere along the way, that turned into something more.

Now I get to help other mums hold onto those first days too , even if your baby needs to feed halfway through.

But whether you ever step in front of my camera or not , I hope you give yourself permission to be in the picture sometimes. Because you matter too. Not just as “mum”, but as you.

You’re doing better than you think. 🤍

And if you ever do feel ready for natural, relaxed baby photos, I’m a newborn photographer based in Wigan, always happy to chat when the time feels right.

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