An Irish woman's open letter on becoming a first-time mum: 'Soak up every moment'

As part of our Mums Who Inspire series, we spoke with Rachael Rochford to learn more about her inspirational post on becoming a new mother. If you have a story that you would like to be featured, email mumswhoinspire@magicmum.com. 

Rachael Rochford became a mother for the first time in 2015, and if there's one thing she has learned in the past two years, it's that motherhood is an emotional rollercoaster. 

Living in Newbridge, County Kildare, the 29-year-old spends her days running around after her beautiful toddler, Isla. 

Being a stay-at-home mum, she is aware of the trials and tribulations that can often take centre stage in a new mum's head.

Looking beyond the craziness of sleepless nights and round the clock feeding, Rachael knows how it feels to worry, and to feel alone. 

Speaking to MagicMum, the mum-of-one explains: "I wrote this post because I think it's something that a lot of women experience after having a baby."

"It is important for others to feel they are not alone in how they feel and how they think. They need to know that everything will be OK."  

Rachael's post on The Impending Joys of Motherhood, 'Soak up every moment – A letter to my new-mum self' has brought us tears of joy, as we too realise we are not alone in our thoughts.  

I see you sitting there, sore, stiff, tender, and you just hopped onto this emotional rollercoaster of motherhood.

Cry it out, you’re allowed to. You will get through this night and soon you will be home in your safe haven. Concentrate on those beautiful flowers brightening up your view from the hospital window.

Home time, you’re in your happy place now my love, take it in, listen to that kettle brewing, this is only the beginning.

From here on in, soak up all that newborn scent that you just wish you could bottle. Take those cuddles and never let go.

Let the visitors ebb and flow through your household and stay in those pyjamas you’ve been oh-so looking forward to wearing until they fall apart, and those slippers you’ve stretched from your swollen pregnancy feet.

At night, when all is quiet, take all of that, take it all and absorb yourself in gazing at your beautiful creation, while there are no disturbances, no people, just us.

When that little Miss decides she wants to sleep a little longer, let it be.

She will not go hungry, babies do not know time. All they know right now is feelings, so just be there to tend to the needs of those, go with the flow.

You’re a Mama now, trust your instincts, my dear.

This is the time you need to take in every detail, every little wrinkle, every flicker of tiny eyelashes, tiny hands and toes. Embrace it all.

You don’t realise it right now, but time is going to go quickly, probably too quickly.  All the worry, it’s natural. But everything is going to be ok.

Your body is swollen and unrecognisable, but that soon shall pass too. It will never be the same body as before, but you will feel normal again with your wonderful upgrade. Be kind to your body, it gave you life!

You are exhausted beyond measure, emotional, and probably in a state of euphoria all at the same time, but let me tell you this…

This very moment, with this very child, comes once in a lifetime. Soon, it will be a distant memory, and your arms will be empty of the delicate flower you brought into the world, and the only place she will fit is tucked up in your heart.

The post has resonated with us, and we hope you too can take comfort from Rachael's beautiful honesty through The Impending Joys of Motherhood.