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…”.

Do not underestimate yourself: both in terms of resources and limits. Because if on the one hand demanding to much of yourself may be stressful in the long term, insecurity also does not help, in fact it often blocks the right decisions.

Do not underestimate the future. Do not let negative times and difficulties get you down too much. With children, family and work, you will always be faced with phases that pass and give way to new phases. When there's little to be done about a situation, I just sit and wait. Sooner or later something good will come along. And everything always changes.

Do not overestimate the lives of others. From the outside everything may seem easy and perfect, but I can assure you that this is not the case.
Never overestimate the opinions and words of others. People speak from their own experience, way of being and personal life. This will never coincide with your own experience. Do not overestimate your fears and anxieties. They are like shadows, they seem much bigger at midday than they really are.

If you need help look for it and delegate. Don't feel guilty if you need to take time out for yourself. Try to rest every now and then everything will seem easier! Do not take everything on you own shoulders, there is also a daddy in the family, don't discount him, he can learn as much as you did.

Don't be without: everyone will tell you that you can't be without children and I agree that this is really true, but I also advise you to take some time out for yourself every so often. Regenerate the body and mind and relationships!

Her motto for desperate times: Panta Rei

After all, was there ever a mother who didn’t wish she had a magic wand? Elisabetta describes herself as a “semi-witch, a journalist, an enthusiastic cinema fan, a cyclist braving the streets of Milan." One thing's for sure - she gets straight to the point.

1. Do not underestimate: Relatives barging in…

2. Do not overestimate: How much you can cope. You need to rest if you are breastfeeding. Ask someone (your mother, partner/husband, neighbour, friend, anybody!) to help you.

3. If you need help: Everything you need is online

4. You won’t manage without: Having some way of letting off steam! Make sure you have hobbies and interests, other than your children and housework.

5. My motto for when you are desperate: ADELANTE!

Bewitched

1. Do not underestimate: Yourself when you think about labour and birth. It will naturally bring out the best in you.

2. Do not overestimate: The accuracy of your due date! You could be one or two weeks early or late, so try not to pack your hospital bag and prepare the baby’s room between contractions. If you are overdue, be patient, smile and wait!

3. If you need help: Say so! Do not deny it - we have all been through it and we can all help. Speak to your neighbour, the shop-assistant, another new mum you have not spoken to for some time…

4. You won’t manage without: A good stroller you and your baby can explore the world with.

5. My motto for when you are desperate: “Relax and enjoy your child… Your baby was born to be a reasonable, friendly – though occasionally demanding – human being,” said Benjamin Spock. He also said we should not be afraid to love them and enjoy them - babies need smiles, words, games and cuddles as much as they need vitamins and calories.

Littleelo

1. Do not underestimate: The importance of friends who are mothers too – they are the only ones who really understand you and can give useful advice.

2. Do not overestimate: Your strength. You’ll feel on top of the world during pregnancy, but tiredness will hit you after childbirth. Admit it, you are knackered. Try to rest.

3. If you need help: Do not be ashamed to ask for it. Ask anyone, even your mother-in-law or your nosy parker neighbour.

4. You won’t manage without: Stopping and thinking. If you are normally always on the go, children will force you to slow down and stop.

5. My motto for when you are desperate: “Fortunately, they do grow up.”

ItMom

“I used to be a manager,” she says. “Now, with two children, I manage what I call the ‘family business’. I do not sit at a desk all day, which makes me feel more alive and interesting than ever.”

Here are her essential tips on how to survive motherhood.

1. Do not underestimate: Your skills. It may be difficult at first, but you will succeed in being the best mother for your child. You are not born with maternal instincts, you develop them as the days go by. One day you and your child will look at each other in the eye and understand each other immediately.

2. Do not overestimate: People who are always giving advice. Mothers and mothers- in-law were young mums thirty years ago – now they are making up most of what they are saying. Accept help, but do not put up with being criticised.

3. If you need help: Say so! Meet up with other mothers, talk to friends. You will find support.

4. You won’t manage without: A husband and a cooperative, attentive father. To be a happy woman, you need good father, not a boyfriend.

5. My motto for when you are desperate: Half your problems vanish as time goes by.

Manager di Me Stessa (My own Manager)

1. Do not underestimate: How relations with relatives (EVERYBODY!) change with respect to you and the baby. Try not to be sucked into the gaping hole that will open once the baby is born!

2. Do not overestimate: Yourself. Do not try to do everything perfectly, do not plan every fine detail, do not waste time planning. There is one thing that having children has taught me – precise plans and time frames are useless! Do some organising, but don’t over do it.

3. If you need help: Speak to another mum! Or look for an online community of mums, where advice is given by women who know what it is like to be a present-day mum.

4. You won’t manage without: A camera! No matter how many photographs you take, they will never be enough!

5. My motto for when you are desperate: NEVER forget you are the best mum your child can have - and your child knows it.