I’m sure everyone has seen milestone cards for babies’ developments and achievements – they’re to use in photos marking milestones a baby reaches, such as eating solid food, surviving their first illness, crawling, saying their first words. My pack came with some blank cards to fill in yourself, and I vote we use them for mummy milestones: The first times you do things as a mum – whatever feels special to you!

Small Victories Amidst Chaos

As a new parent, it’s easy to lose sight of yourself amongst the nappy changes, nighttime feeds, and the perpetual chorus of nursery rhymes. However, amidst the chaos and worry, there lie these small victories – “mummy milestones” that deserve their own spotlight. The obvious ones are fitting into your pre-pregnancy clothing, driving a car, going out without bubba, or getting intimate with your partner again. Add in maybe some of the big benchmarks – 3 months, 6 months, etc.

These achievements may seem trivial, but actually I have found them to be pretty significant in contributing to my mental well-being as a new mum and, in turn, in enhancing family life. So, come on, let’s celebrate mummy milestones!

It’s the Little Things that Matter

I’d say that my most important milestones were the little things that made me feel like myself again. Some usually familiar things felt so strange and new; others felt comfortingly familiar: The day I put my jewellery back on. The day I stayed up late reading. The day I had a hot bath. The day I got stuck in a traffic jam (like on the good old pre-baby commute!). 

Landmark Achievements

Squeezing into my pre-pregnancy jeans felt like a real landmark achievement. Getting back to your pre-pregnancy size is not just about the denim; it symbolises the rediscovery of your body and a sense of accomplishment. For me, celebrating the return to a familiar silhouette wasn’t about conforming to societal beauty standards, but, with all respect for the incredible transformations my body had undergone to produce a life, regaining the “normal” me I had almost forgotten existed. 

Equally monumental is the first solo venture into the outside world. Whether it’s a quick trip to the supermarket or a coffee with a friend, these brief moments of respite from constant caregiving can almost feel like holidays in the early days! You might laugh, but my first outing was a visit to the dentist! It actually felt like a really big deal because it was just me, and not me and my new mummy self! Stepping out independently allows you to reconnect with your own identity outside of parenthood. It’s another little chance to remember the person you were before becoming a mum, and to start to find ways for the versions of yourself to come together as you move along the journey of raising a family.

Ripples of Positive Impact

I’ve learnt that the impact of celebrating these mummy milestones extends beyond the individual; it spills over into family life, creating positive ripples. I felt much better in myself after acknowledging these milestones – and we all know that a happy and fulfilled mother radiates positive energy that influences the overall atmosphere at home. If I am feeling happier and more fulfilled, I can do a better job at being the wife and mother I strive to be. Plus, when you prioritise your mental health and well-being as a mum, it helps you get through the baby blues, and sets an example for the entire family, teaching your kids the importance of self-care and resilience, too.

Furthermore, even the smallest celebration of mummy milestones can foster a supportive environment within the family. You don’t need to throw a big party; you can just toast with your coffee mugs or buy a bunch of flowers, and make the moment special. Acknowledging these achievements together was one way that my husband and I strengthened our bond as new parents. It meant we could share in these little accomplishments that brought hints of positivity into what was a really difficult time as new parents. It was a way for him to participate proactively in my physical and psychological transition to being a mother. And I feel that this allowed us to create lasting memories and reinforce our belief that each family member’s well-being is interconnected.

Making More of Mummy Milestones

In the grand tapestry of family life, it’s easy to focus solely on the child’s growth and development. But little, lighthearted celebrations of mummy milestones can act as reminders that motherhood is not a lonely journey of sacrifice, but parenting is a joint effort to move forward as a budding little family.

So, here’s to the mums wriggling back into those pre-pregnancy fashions and stepping out into the world with newfound confidence! I hope that for all of us, little moments of self-celebration can continue to be woven into the fabric of family life!

Maybe we should make our own packs of mummy milestone cards! What would you put in – what “firsts” were special for you and should be celebrated?