Being a parent

When we had our son the Centre had been going for just under a year.  I was already connected with fellow acupuncturists and through my work I knew osteopaths, massage therapists and homeopaths that I trusted. 

Thinking about health, looking after myself and others was a part of my life already.... and it was surprise to me how stressful it could be to look after this new little being, make the right choices for him and for me.  It took me a while to realise it's not about always trying to find the “right choices”, it's about making the choices that felt right to me.   That might just sound like semantics, but for me it was a bit of an epiphany.   

Seven and a bit years into being a mum and it is easier.  I've learnt a lot about myself and my family.  A decent night's sleep and a bit of alone time is a good solution for most things.  Sometimes I feel like I've 'got it' and then there are the times when it feels overwhelming....and that's when I look around for a little guidance. 

My current 'go tos' are very different to when we had a baby.  Back then it was more about the practicalities for keeping him alive.  My copy of the La Leche book The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding is very well worn as a result of many late night readings whilst breastfeeding.  The Space programe run by Playcentre was a life changer.  I met two of my closest friends in this parenting journey there, as well as learning a lot about how my baby was going to grow and change.  These days I turn to  Nurturing Little Souls blog written by local mum Julie Louisson and Growth Mindset information and resources by Big Life Journal.  

If you'd interested to find out a bit about how we work with new families here at the Centre, check out our Support for new families page.

And if you are a mum or dad reading this, know that you are doing a great job!

love, Claire xx
Mum, acupuncturist and business owner

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