1. Do not underestimate: your abilities - I have often found myself saying to myself that certain things can’t be done, that I can’t make it… but then my determination helps me try everything I want to. Sometimes it is clear that I am not perfect at everything, but I try. I try to learn new things for my graphics work, which is always changing. I try to be a good mom... this is how I discovered I had potential and interests I didn't think I had. Now, after my second pregnancy, I have even discovered I have the potential to learn to love myself, and to be able to love my family even more.

2. Do not overestimate: having to do everything on your own. When my second child was born I thought I could do everything on my own and I would never need help, but then I discovered that every now and then it is good to ask others to do things we would like to do ourselves. Sometimes we too have to concentrate on our needs and our dreams.

3. If you need help: ask for it. Use words to express what you need, even if it is just a coffee. Nobody can enter your mind and understand what you need, not even the people who know you best. Silence and unspoken words breed misunderstandings. Have no fear to express yourself and ask for what you want.  If you need your husband to do something in the house, ask - you'll discover he is not lazy, he simply doesn't know what to do.

4. You won’t manage without: a moment of me-time. In the evening I need to have half an hour entirely on my own, during which I sort out what has happened during the day, I quietly drink a cup of herbal tea and listen to the silence in the house. When everybody is sleeping I write down my thoughts or read a book and the next morning I am ready for the warmth of my family's hugs.

5. My motto for when I are desperate: obvious but true, every cloud has a silver lining.

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.