Mothers Day Letters Project

Welcome to Western Sydney University’s Mother’s Day Letters Project.

This special initiative encourages the sharing of wisdom between Australian mothers as we come together to support new mothers and to address maternal worries and anxiety.

The blissful side to parenthood is often discussed, but becoming a new mother can also bring with it overwhelming emotions at a time when you least expect it.

This initiative is about supporting new mums and promoting resilient motherhood.

Here you’ll find letters from mothers about what and who they found particularly helpful during the first-year after birth, and why. It’s more than advice, we’re gathering the best tips that got mums through, especially in those first few weeks.

From letters to date, we have created the top ten tips:

1. Listen to the people who give you advice but trust your instinct. You and your baby will figure it out together.
2. Cherish the moments that give you joy and hang on tight when you feel out of your depth because the tough times to end and you do survive.
3. Don't forget to ask for help and please don't say 'no' when help is offered.
4. Sleep is your greatest challenge so prioritise sleep for yourself over everything else you need to do.
5. Eat well, be kind to yourself and take time to breathe. Housework is not important.
6. You are not alone and there is great advice and support out there.
7. Feeding is a full time job and don't let people make your feel bad.
8. Don't isolate yourself. Get out and go for a walk or a coffee and find your tribe.
9. Nothing prepares you for the love your will experience so try to soak it all in. Inhale their smell, relish their soft warmth and remember the giggles.
10. You are an awesome mamma and you are everything your baby needs. You have got this gig!

To contribute your own tips, click on the survey link below. It’s a five-minute process that makes your guidance even more valuable by enabling our researchers to identify exactly which strategies worked for new mums, alongside the best services and practical help to ensure mums experience the best start to their new life-changing role.

Researchers from Western Sydney University will then create a guide to helping mothers, so watch this space.

All letters are strictly anonymous and your identity and details will remain protected.

A partnership between Stockland and Western Sydney University.

Some articles from the Coversation that are interesting this is particularly so at this time of social isolation and distancing because of COVID-19:

• Coronavirus while pregnant or giving birth heres whaqt you need to know
• Can mothers breastfeed during the COVID-19 pandemic