Children naturally have an active imagination. And one of the easiest and cheapest forms of entertainment is to monopolise their imagination – something as simple as a blanket over the lounge to form a makeshift tent or cave can result in hours of play on a rainy day. Add an empty cling wrap roll for a telescope and a tea towel as a cape, and you have a ready-made pirate outfit. Make a crown from a magazine page or leftover cereal boxes, a wand from another cling wrap roll (perhaps painted or decorated by the child) and an instant princess costume. Involve the child in the preparation of the regalia and there’s some more time taken up. There’s no need to turn on the television or spend money to entertain children – they can do a great job themselves with minimum effort and outlay.

Home-made play dough, paints or even a simple baking exercise can keep children happy, and give them a talking point for anyone that comes their way. My daughter still talks about making cookies and cupcakes, and for the price of a box of mix and an egg, you even have something the family can enjoy and share afterwards!

No-one ever said having children was easy. It has often been described as the hardest job you’ll ever love. You don’t deliver your newborn and then immediately get handed a manual, and even though everyone has well-meaning advice, it’s ultimately up to you what you do with the screaming thing that has now taken over your house. You all learn together – the baby, the parents, and everyone in a 15-mile radius. Soon your house is a battlefield of nappies (disposable and cloth, clean and dirty), bottles, dummies, muslin wraps, vomit-covered bibs and blouses, squishy toys that make noises and flash lights, books, greeting cards and flowers. Did we mention the screaming?

The most important thing to remember is to go into it with open eyes and an open mind. Don’t assume everything is going to be fine – you will have two-hourly feeds all night, nappy contents that look like something the creature from the black lagoon would reject and in-laws who offer suggestions that were out-of-date in 1964. Make-up and pressed suits are also a thing of the past. You’re lucky if you’re dressed by 3pm.

And you’ll love every minute of it.

Everyone knows breast is best. There is no argument, but what if (for some medical reason) you can’t breastfeed? With all the pressures placed on new mums and even mums-to-be, it can be a daunting time without the added pressure of the breast versus bottle decision. I placed a lot of pressure on myself to breastfeed, for many reasons, and was pleased to have made it to almost six months. It was not easy – it was something my baby and I had to learn together because, no matter what people say, it is not something that comes naturally to all new mums and babies. I was in agony for most of that time, and it felt like no sooner had we got it right then it all fell apart. But I was glad to have made it so far and give my baby the best start in life.

When we all (me, daddy and baby) made the decision to go bottle, I didn’t feel any guilt or shame. We quickly got used to the sterilising and carting around of bottles, and it did give others to share in the bonding experience of feeding a baby – starting down into your new child’s eyes is a wonderful thing that should be shared. If you can’t breastfeed, bottle is the next best thing!