Tune into our new podcast for tips and tricks and from our mummy blogger panel

Whether you're getting to grips with caring for a new-born, negotiating your way through toddler tantrums or waiting for your little bundle of joy to arrive, we know that parenting can be anything but predictable.That's why we're launching a brilliant new podcast - <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/id1459882964" target="_blank">Nappy Natter</a><a href="http://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/id1459882964" target="_blank">s</a> - with an A-team of mummy blogger contributors, who are on hand to advise, empathise and share their own experiences of navigating parenthood.Scroll on to read their stories...<h2>The mumblings</h2>Lorna Hayward, 38, blogs as <a href="https://themumblings.co.uk/" target="_blank">The Mumblings</a> and <a href="https://www.instagram.com/mrshhayward/" target="_blank">@mrshhayward</a>. She's mum to Elsie, five, Marnie, three, and Reggie, six months."The best advice I can give to any new mum is to remember yourself. It's so easy to get lost in motherhood, but carving out time for you is so important. It doesn't matter whether it's an hour in a coffee shop with a good book, or a solo trip to the supermarket - which, as all mums know, can feel like a spa break! Time for your own thoughts and time away from hearing 'mummy' on repeat iss essential for your wellbeing. Never feel guilty about needing it."I blog about my own struggles with mental health problems - I was diagnosed with anxiety and OCD after my daughters were born. It's hard to take that first step and admit you're not coping and need help. But once you get it out in the open, you'll be surprised to find how many other mothers around you have felt the same. It's normal to struggle sometimes - and it doesn't make you any less of a brilliant mum."<img alt="the_mumblings" class="ci-image ci-original" src="https://ui3.assets-asda.com/dm/the_mumblings_GL?scl=1"><h2>@mother_ofall_adventures</h2>Jade Arif, 33, is mum to Theo, 11, Mellie, four, Raulf, three, Eidee, two, and Forrest, six months - and shares her experiences at <a href="https://www.instagram.com/mother_ofall_adventures/" target="_blank">@mother_ofall_adventures</a>."I wish someone had told me before I became a mum that I shouldn't compare myself to other mothers. I used to look at what baby kit they'd bought and how they cared for their little one, then try to copy it, never feeling I was as capable as them."Over time - and four more children later - I've learned to trust my instincts and do things my way. Every baby is different, every mum is different and now I forge my own path. I'm much happier and more confident as a result."Social media has made it easier to be honest about motherhood. It's rare a day goes by that I don't have to deal with a toddler tantrum: Raulf had an epic one recently because I wouldn't let him run around in a train carriage. I don't hesitate to share difficult moments along with good ones, though, because that's real life. I can sum up motherhood in two words - learning curve - because you never reach a point where you know it all."<img alt="mother_of_all_adventures" class="ci-image ci-original" src="https://ui3.assets-asda.com/dm/mother_of_all_adventures_GL?scl=1"><h2>Mummy nutrition</h2>Nicola Ludlam-Raine, 33, is mum to Henry, six months, and blogs on pregnancy and beyond at <a href="https://www.mummynutrition.com/" target="_blank">Mummy Nutrition</a> and <a href="https://www.instagram.com/mummynutrition/" target="_blank">@mummynutrition</a>."A top tip from me? Don't pick up a crying baby during a nappy change. I learned that the hard way when Henry recently pooed all over me! So far, it's the little life hacks I've discovered that have helped me most, such as putting babygrows in sunlight to get rid of poo stains. The best thing I've invested in since Henry is a good baby carrier. It's great because I can be hands-free, he's able to be close to me and we can get out and about more easily."Before you have a child, you're used to being able to get so much done - but you have to readjust your expectations of yourself once you've got a baby. Keep a daily one-line diary recording the little 'wins', whether it's making your first solo trip out with your baby or making it through a tough night of feeding. Never forget you're keeping a little human alive, which is a huge achievement in itself."<img alt="mummy_nutrition" class="ci-image ci-original" src="https://ui3.assets-asda.com/dm/mummy_nutrition_GL?scl=1"><h2>NOt another mummy blog</h2>Alison Perry, 40, shares her thoughts on motherhood and more at <a href="https://notanothermummyblog.com/" target="_blank">Not Another Mummy Blog</a> and <a href="https://www.instagram.com/iamalisonperry/" target="_blank">@iamalisonperry</a>. She's mum to Grace, eight, and twins Ayla and Eva, eight months."They say it takes a village to raise a child, but with so many of us now living away from families and leading busy lives, social media has become that village. There are blogs, websites and forums where you can chat with like-minded mums and get advice - it's such a positive part of modern motherhood."My best tip for new parents is to accept all the help you're offered. If someone wants to cook a pasta bake for your dinner or hold your baby so you can shower or take a power nap, say yes. With my first baby, I was so used to being independent that I found it hard to accept help. Now I welcome it with open arms."One of my most memorable parenting 'fails' was when we went on a mini-break with Grace, who was four at the time. I'd planned the trip with military precision - or so I thought, until we arrived and realised her suitcase had been left at home. We managed to kit her out from a nearby supermarket, but I still cringe about it!"<img alt="not_another_mummy_blog" class="ci-image ci-original" src="https://ui3.assets-asda.com/dm/not_another_mummy_blog_GL?scl=1"><h2>A slice of my life Wales</h2>Leanne Cornelius, 34, mum to Aria, four, and Carrie, eight months, is the creator of parenting and lifestyle blog <a href="https://asliceofmylifewales.com/" target="_blank">A Slice Of My Life Wales</a> and <a href="https://www.instagram.com/mama_cornelius/" target="_blank">@mama_cornelius</a>."One mummy blogger I admire is Giovanna Fletcher, wife of McFly singer Tom Fletcher. She's really down to earth and her honesty is so refreshing - it's how I try to be in my own blog."When I had my first baby, a midwife told me to prepare to be inundated with well-meaning advice but not to feel obliged to follow it all - and I've always remembered that."At the moment, I'm breastfeeding and having to look after my elder daughter. If I have to put cartoons on Netflix to distract Aria so I can feed the baby, I'll do it. A bit of TV is fine for kids, and it's important to keep things in perspective."<img alt="a_slice_of_my_life_wales" class="ci-image ci-original" src="https://ui3.assets-asda.com/dm/a_slice_of_my_life_wales_GL?scl=1">Are you planning for the arrival of your little one, or have your own young children already? <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/id1459882964" target="_blank">Check out our new podcast 'Nappy Natters' with our panel of mummy bloggers here</a>.

Bump, birth and beyond: tips from our parenting podcast

By Asda Good Living,7th May 2019

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