Once you become a parent, you suddenly wish you’d had at least some inkling of what you were in for.

Yet, it’s like there’s some sort of secret pact amongst those who are already parents. A “let’s not tell them until it’s too late” kind of secret. So, I’m breaking the pact and laying this out here once and for all. Beware and read at your own peril …

12 Things You Wish You Knew Before You Became a Parent 

1. Motherhood is not a natural process for many new Mums. Love at first sight doesn’t always happen with your baby. You may not even like them. It’s normal, don’t worry.
2. Kids are messy. Welcome to a life of vomit, snotty noses, spilt food and faeces. Then there’s the sticky hands being put everywhere!
3. Your baby will cluster feed. This is when they go through a growth spurt and demand you feed them around the clock for up to 48 hours at a time!
4. Being a parent is damn hard work. It’s the hardest job in the world and you’ll wonder at times why you signed up for it. But it’s worth it.
5. Your Mummy gut is right. Go with your gut. Mum knows best. Trust your instinct, even if someone else says you’re wrong.
6. Breastfeeding isn’t a magic weight-loss bullet. Some Mums lose weight breastfeeding, others don’t.
7. It doesn’t get easier having a second child. When you’re expecting a second baby, forget all thoughts that you’ll have it easier this time round. They’ll be nothing like the first and will challenge you just as much.
8. Say goodbye to sleeping in. Your kids will wake up early. They’ll want you to get up early. They will never believe it’s fun and enjoyable to sleep in!
9. Everyone else thinks they are an expert. You’ll be bombarded with advice from others, all thinking they know better than you. But you’re the Mum, you get to say what goes. Practise saying ‘No’ well before baby arrives.
10. Sometimes surviving the day is all you can do. There’s nothing wrong with both you and your baby staying in your pyjamas all day long. 
11. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. You don’t need to do it alone. 
12. Your child will give you such a high level of unconditional love which you never knew existed!

If you are a parent already, can you relate to any of these? Let me know below in the comments or tell me in our Sleepytot Facebook group. Are there any other things you’d like to share that you wish you knew before you became a parent?