This month, we celebrate mothers and turn the clocks forward to reclaim some light – what fun!

Before I go on, I want to take a moment if I may to congratulate our very own editor Lois Barnes on becoming a mummy, and wish her family all of our love, from the parenting page here at The Local Answer.

If you are a new mum you might be wondering what to expect as this year unfolds and you slowly adapt to thinking for two, rather than just eating for two!

She will never truly be by herself again

One of the biggest adjustments a woman has to make when becoming a mother is the concept that she will never truly be by herself again, for she now thinks, feels, plans and advocates for another human being 24/7. That is a lot, and the reason why I feel Mothering Sunday in its modern form is a great opportunity to take a pause and allow others to look after you for a while.

A huge adjustment

Shifting your identity from that of daughter to mother takes a while and is a huge adjustment to your confidence, decision making and ability to step fully into your own power. If you are lucky, your own mum will be there to guide you and support you all the way.

Thinking about your own mother now, how long has it been since you thanked her for all she did for you when you were too young to notice? This Mother’s Day, why not reach out to her, send a card or, if your mother has passed on, take some time to reflect and thank her for all she did for you. It’s a good feeling and one you will appreciate and feel better for doing.

Learning to manage on little to no sleep

In time, it will become second nature to prioritise your child, to ensure that they are fed, warm, clean and safe before and above all else. You will learn to manage on little to no sleep, get used to drinking tea or coffee that has gone cold, and often forget to eat, before falling asleep the moment you get a minute to yourself. Ah, the joys of parenting!

No sooner will you get used to having one little person in your life, than you may be wanting to do it all over again in no time.

Talking of time, the clocks go forward on the 31st of this month. It seems a bit later than usual, but this change heralds the turning of spring and the approach of summer, lighter evenings and flowers blooming – all things to treasure.

Mothering Sunday and the start of spring both have me excited to say, “happy March, everybody”.