Christmas as a new mum is magical — but it can also be a lot. A lot of expectations, a lot of movement, a lot of “this is how it’s always been done,” layered over a body that’s still healing and a baby who is very much calling the shots.
Looking back, there are so many things we wish we’d known — or given ourselves permission to do differently. So we asked the Bare Mum team to reflect on their first Christmas as new mums and share what they’d change if they could do it again.
If you’re pregnant, newly postpartum, or heading into the festive season with a tiny human in tow, consider this your gentle reminder: you don’t have to do it all. Here’s what we’d do differently — so you don’t have to learn the hard way.
Amelie
If I could go back to my first Christmas as a new mum, I’d prioritise rest, boundaries, and practicality - without guilt.
-
I’d say no to hosting in late pregnancy or early postpartum, knowing that even when people come to you, the physical and mental load can still be significant.
-
I wouldn’t cook at all - I’d bring something ready to eat, because in that first Christmas, preserving your energy and being present matters far more than what you put on the table.
-
I’d be more mindful of timings that worked for me and my baby, keeping visits shorter and within clear, comfortable windows.
-
I’d be more considered with locations, knowing that what once felt easy can feel very different in that season.
-
I’d invest even more into meal preparation ahead of time, so nourishing myself in those early weeks felt simpler and more supported.
-
I’d take even more photos and videos. I captured a lot, yet now I wish I’d held onto even more of those fleeting moments.
-
I’d set aside intentional time just to rest and recuperate, rather than relying on it to happen in between everything else.
Danielle
My biggest learnings came down to slowing right down and caring for myself instead of trying to do it all and be it all.
-
I’d intentionally set aside time just for us and the baby. We still saw extended family, but I wish I’d protected more quiet, ‘just us’ family time.
-
I’d say no to travel. Running around and long car trips isn’t fun when your baby is new and still learning a rhythm.
-
I’d keep my nutrition consistent. Skipping meals, then overeating later, plus dehydration caused a few issues with my milk supply that I now know were avoidable.
-
I’d buy fewer gifts for our baby from us. She was showered with love and generosity, which was beautiful, but in hindsight, we all went a bit overboard.
-
I’d accept that some traditions take time. A newborn doesn’t care about Christmas lights no matter how excited we are to share all the magic, and that’s okay. The magic builds as they grow.
Caz
Looking back, my biggest lessons were around letting go of expectations, perfection, and the idea that I had to manage everything myself.
-
I wish I’d known the baby would be far more interested in the wrapping paper than the presents themselves. The pressure to make it “special” really wasn’t necessary.
-
I felt stressed trying to keep my baby quiet and fuss-free so I wouldn’t disrupt anyone during the meal. In hindsight, I wish I’d let people help me more and embraced the chaos instead of fighting it.
-
I shouldn’t have felt like I had to keep up with the whole day. Christmas is long and busy, and I wish I’d given myself permission to step away, rest, and reset while my baby slept.
-
As a mum of two, I wish I’d planned for my toddler’s needs just as much as the newborn’s. Trying to protect nap times, routines, and special one-on-one moments, even briefly, would have made the day calmer for everyone.