Do not underestimate your dimension as a mother which, above all, is also that of a woman. As such, it is not just made of your weaknesses but of all the courage and determination that you, and you alone, can bring out. Don't take yourself too seriously and don't try to be perfect at all costs. Feel free and proud of yourself as you are - complicated and full of faults, amused, with mood swings, cheerful and sad, relaxed and tense, rested and tired yet unique, special, happy, glad to be alive, to love and to be loved.

Do not overestimate many, too many things, starting from your body, your strength and energy. Give yourself a break sometimes, admit you are tired and struggling. Remember - you are not Wonder Woman. Being a mom is a job that you learn through practice, trial and error, and there is no job more difficult and complex than being a parent.
Don't overestimate your children because one day they too will be as "stewed" as you are - the right amount.
 Lastly, do not overestimate other people's opinions and ideas. People whisper, so shut them up by being happy. Put on your best smile, bring out your self-irony, your charm and optimism because they are winning cards.

If you need help ask for it and, most importantly, don't be embarrassed to do so. You are always so busy doing too much and juggle thousands of responsibilities. You're only human after all, not a super heroine. Don't neglect yourself, your passions and the things you like. Learn to share and, sometimes, to ask people to do things for you. Find time for yourself and your partner. Slow down, relax, look after yourself better, don't give up on having fun and trying, because you are a woman as well as being a mother. There are times when a bit of selfishness and self-regard is exactly what you need.

You won’t manage without your baby's smile and dear little voice, that says that wonderfully magical (and special, and unique) word, the first a child learns, understands and loves: "mummy".
And, if you are a lucky woman (and not all women are, as I am), you will not be able to manage without the support of your partner/husband, of discussing things with him, of his helping you, especially when the going gets tough, and of the way he looks at you that is worth more than a thousand words. You will still be far from perfect, "stewed" in your way - after all, a "mammabollita" comes with a "papabollito" - but together you make a whole and a great team.
My motto for when you are desperate it is one of the cult phrases of the perfect mammabollita, a mantra you should repeat until you are sick of it: “it is a just a phase, it is just a phase…”.

1. Do not underestimate: The passage of time, which, once passed, never returns. I have no regrets about my life with my son (who's almost 4). With him, I have tried to do all I wanted and all I thought would be of help. When I look back, I am truly pleased with what I've done. I am happy not to have to say “if I'd had more time….”

2. Do not overestimate: Maternity books. They are excellent to dip into, but in this field there are no hard and fast rules. No. Every mother must fine tune this special art on her own; seeking out different opinions, certainly, but then choosing her own way based on what she feels is right. It's always better to make your own mistakes than someone else's.

3. If you need help: Ask for it. This has always been my weak point. I've always been afraid of bothering people, and as a result I've made mistakes (for example while breast feeding) that I am sure I could have avoided if I'd asked for help. Choose someone you can rely on with regard to the particular help you need, and trust in that person.

4. You won’t manage without: A fantastic mei tai baby sling. It's the only thing I haven't tried and that I would like to use even now that my son weighs 3 stone.

5. My motto for moments of desperation: How the hell did my granny manage with 10 children? If she made it, I have no excuse.

You have probably already visited her website, but are you familiar with her five tips on how to survive pregnancy and motherhood? Here they are!

1. Do not underestimate
the power of maternal instinct and the strength of the unconditional love that binds a mother to her child. Being a mother is not easy but it is the most beautiful experience a woman can wish for.

I receive hundreds of letters from pregnant women who are afraid they will not be able to deal with a baby. I think that being afraid of not coping is a feeling we all shared during the nine months of pregnancy. This fear usually vanishes as soon as we look into the eyes of our little one.

2. Do not overestimate
unsolicited advice and your strength. When you have a baby, especially the first, everybody is at the starting line ready to give you opinions, advice and sometimes even disapprove.
Non-constructive criticism is to be ignored, advice and opinions should be welcomed with ‘thank you’, but ultimately the last word is yours.

You should never overestimate the strength of your body – learn to listen to the alarm bells of exhaustion. Sleep when the baby sleeps, turn a blind eye on what needs to be cleaned and find a part of the day for “me time”.

3. If you need help
Ask, call, share, let off steam and confide in somebody. Never be afraid to ask for advice. Talking to other mums is very useful and a great way to make good friends. This happens every day on my website. Do not be ashamed to say that you can’t do it. It can happen – we’ve all been through it. Ask your partner, mother (even your mother-in law if necessary) for help.

4. You won’t manage without…
Contact with your child and don’t be afraid to spoil him! Cuddles are the cure for all your baby’s problems and for you as well.

5. My motto for when you are desperate
Life carries on in one way or another, you'll get over this and tomorrow will be another day, certainly better than this one.