When you have your first baby it is wonderful to have a helpful, understanding husband, a supportive family, and friends who will bring you wine/chocolates/luxury bubble bath (delete as applicable) and tell you how beautiful your baby is.

What you really, really need on top of all these things though, are some people your own age who have just done or are about to do exactly the same thing as you.  Some people who feel as absolutely tired as you do.  Some people who also have really sore boobs (not to mention anything else).  Some people who have no idea what to do with a tiny baby either, and no intention of telling you what to do with yours.  Some people to discuss the foul and bizarre emissions that these tiny babies make without making them feel sick (or bored of constantly discussing nappy contents).  Some people to talk to, but who will understand totally if all you want to do is stare at the wall because that’s all they want to do as well.

I often mention my fabulous husband and lovely family (and in that I include my husband’s family who I feel as close to as my own) that I am so lucky to have.

I don’t often talk about the people I met through my ante and post natal groups when I was pregnant with the girl and just after she was born. This post is for them.  I am still friends with most of them.  They are the people that I looked at with a questioning look so many times and who looked back at me with raised shoulders, a tissue and a cup of coffee.

Thank you, one and all for everything.  For the ears, for the gallons of tea and coffee and for the babies that produced weirder nappies than mine.