For me, it all started with the longest final days of pregnancy imaginable. Ollie was born two days after his due date, and by that point, I was beyond impatient. I felt huge, uncomfortable, emotional, and honestly just completely fed up. Every little twinge had me wondering if labour was finally starting, and every morning I woke up still pregnant felt like a lifetime. Looking back now, those extra two days seem so small, but at the time they felt endless.

When labour finally arrived, I had the water birth I had hoped for, and it was honestly such a lovely experience. Despite the pain and intensity, there was something incredibly calming about being in the water. It helped me feel more relaxed and in control, and before I knew it, our beautiful little boy was finally here. Meeting Ollie for the first time is a moment I’ll never forget. Suddenly, all the waiting, discomfort, and anxiety disappeared.

Of course, the first few days of motherhood didn’t quite go the way I had imagined. We ended up spending the first couple of days in hospital because Ollie’s jaundice levels were too high. As a first-time mum, it was scary hearing medical terms and watching doctors and midwives monitor him so closely. All I wanted was to take my baby home and begin our new life together, but instead we stayed under hospital lights and worried about whether he was okay.

Eventually, we were allowed home, and I thought the hardest part was behind us. But shortly afterwards, we had to go back into hospital for another night because Ollie wasn’t putting on enough weight. Again, it completely knocked my confidence. As a new mum, you already question everything you’re doing, and it’s easy to feel like you’re failing when things don’t go perfectly.

One thing I quickly learned is that support is absolutely everything. I’ve made great use of the NHS feeding team, who were such a huge help during those early weeks when feeding felt overwhelming and stressful. Sometimes, you just need reassurance from someone who understands and can guide you through it without judgement.

I must also admit that we’ve used ChatGPT quite a lot for those random quick questions that pop into your head at all hours of the day and night, especially when you can’t seem to find a straight answer anywhere else! From feeding worries to sleep questions, sometimes you just need instant reassurance as a first-time parent.

There have also been a few baby products that have genuinely made life easier during these first few months. The Nuby RapidCool has honestly been a lifesaver for making bottles quickly when you have a hungry baby crying and no time to wait around. We’ve also loved the Najell carrier and sleep carrier, especially during those days when Ollie only wanted contact naps or needed settling close to us. Being able to keep him close while still getting little jobs done around the house has made such a difference. Another product we’ve found really useful is the Vital Baby UV steriliser, it’s quick, easy to use, and just makes the never-ending bottle washing feel slightly less overwhelming.

Something I didn’t expect as a new mum was how much I would notice the way brands communicate with parents online. When you’re sleep deprived and navigating motherhood for the first time, the tone brands use genuinely matters. I’ve found myself really drawn to brands such as MAM and Kendamil that feel supportive, realistic, and honest rather than ones that make motherhood look completely perfect all the time.

The brands I’ve connected with most are the ones that share helpful advice, respond to questions, and create content that actually feels relatable. Sometimes even a reassuring Instagram post or simple how-to video can make you feel less alone during those difficult newborn days. On the other hand, I’ve definitely switched off from brands that make parenting feel overly polished or unrealistic. As mums, we already put enough pressure on ourselves without feeling like we need the perfect routine, perfect home, or perfect baby in order to be doing a good job.

Another thing that has really helped us is getting out of the house and creating little routines. Every Tuesday, we attend a baby group run by a local charity, and it’s honestly become one of the highlights of the week. There are lots of sensory toys for the babies, and it gives mums the chance to chat to each other and realise we’re all going through similar things. Even just getting out for an hour can completely change your mood on a tough day.

Having our dog has also been such a blessing during this stage of life. No matter how tired I feel, the walks force me to get outside, get some fresh air, and reset for a little while. I don’t think I realised before becoming a mum just how important those small moments outside the house would become.

If these first 100 days have taught me anything, it’s that motherhood isn’t about perfection.

Babies don’t follow a script. Some days are magical, and others are exhausting. There are moments where you feel completely in love with your new life, and moments where you cry because you haven’t slept properly in weeks. I’ve learned that asking for help is okay, that every baby grows at their own pace, and that mums need kindness too.

Most importantly, I’ve learned just how quickly time goes.

It honestly feels like yesterday that we brought Ollie home, tiny and sleepy, and now he’s nearly three months old already. Somehow, in what feels like the blink of an eye, he’s turned into this cheeky, chunky little boy full of personality. He smiles when he sees us, giggles during silly moments, and is already trying to sit up by himself. Every single day he seems to change a little bit more, and I can’t quite believe how fast it’s happening.

Everyone tells you to soak it all in because it goes quickly, but you never fully understand it until you’re living it yourself. The sleepless nights can feel never-ending at the time, yet suddenly your newborn is growing out of tiny babygrows and becoming more independent right in front of your eyes.

These first 100 days have been emotional, messy, exhausting, beautiful, and unforgettable all at once. I’ve discovered strengths I didn’t know I had, and I’ve also realised that it’s okay not to have all the answers. Motherhood is a learning curve every single day.

If I could give one piece of advice to any new mum, it would simply be this: try not to put too much pressure on yourself. The washing can wait. The house doesn’t need to be perfect. Take the photos, enjoy the cuddles, and allow yourself to be present in the small moments because they disappear so quickly.

Right now, I wish I could freeze time just for a little while. Even amongst the chaos, these have truly been the most special 100 days of my life.