Nothing can prepare you for becoming a first time parent, you can read all the books in the world and speak to as many people as possible but it still won’t give you a true insight until you go through it yourself. That is why I wanted to write Rattles and Battles. 

This book is full of everything I wish I had known before I gave birth to my first child. I had read all the books about how to look after my baby, but I had neglected to think about me, and also my partner and how having a baby might affect our relationship.

I wrote Rattles and Battles after I had my first child and whilst I was going through the newborn stage with my second, and all those familiar feelings came hurtling back into our lives. I knew I had to write this book, even if it was only something I could share with my friends when they had their own children.

Rattles & Battles is there to comfort first time parents and share the knowledge that what they may experience is totally normal and that they will get through it.

I read this book while pregnant, but it was only once I had my little one that I realised just how important the advice and support in this book is. When you’re feeling down and you are struggling to cope with new parenthood, this is just the thing you need to know that you are normal and very much not alone, and it will all be ok. Better than ok, things will be wonderful! Pick up this book and read it in your first week of being a parent, you will be so glad you did!

Having a baby is a wonderful, positive and a privileged experience and we all know the fantastic things that having children bring to our lives. However, what we are not aware of is that although it is the absolute best of times it can also be the worst of times.

There can be a lot to deal with in those first few months, the sleep deprivation, the screaming, the anxiety, worry and frustrations that come with such a huge life changing event. The turmoil between you and your partner and the emotional rollercoaster ride that at times you feel will never end.

This book tries to give you a heads up on what may be to come, so if you do experience these thoughts or feelings they wont be such a shock, and you will be better prepared to face these early challenges knowing that they are completely normal and that most parents face the same struggles just like you.

I always feel that forewarned is forearmed, and if I had known about all these things before I had my first child I would have accepted and dealt with things differently and enjoyed the experience a lot more than I did. When you think that you are the only one experiencing certain thoughts it can feel like a very lonely place.

I couldn’t put this book down. It is such a true and honest insight into the journey through those first weeks and months of parenting. So refreshing to hear the author talking about the not so nice stuff – it is not all hearts and flowers and sometimes we do just want to cry! Every aspect of the book rang true for me and I can’t wait for the next one!

Rattles & Battles is all about honesty and openness and telling the whole story so that you know that you are not alone and to give you some light relief and a few laughs along the way. So if you are a new parent or know someone that is, spread the word ‘Don’t Panic join the Army’.

Rattles & Battles is available on Amazon and you can follow us over on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.

We also have a review from the lovely Melanie from Frasers Fun house and you can check out her blog and read her review here.