Having a baby is a time of immense change — emotionally, physically, and mentally. It can bring great joy and excitement, but it can also be accompanied by unexpected lows. Many new mothers experience what’s known as the “baby blues”.

As a mother, I remember feeling shocked by her sudden change in behaviour. I had no way to control or predict the outbursts and felt ill-equipped to deal with the situation.

As babies begin to focus on the world around them, they start learning about emotions through eye contact and by observing the facial expressions of others.

If you take away one thing: treat self-care not as a guilty treat but as a parenting essential.