The new year has begun. It is time for resolutions and planning for change. We evaluate the old year and decide how we could improve on results in our business. We take a look at ourselves and try to change habits that we don’t like.

Then, maybe it’s a year when we don’t do any of that. With the birth of my grandson Richard (Ricky), all those thoughts are on hold.

I don’t want to entertain anything but Richard for now. I should be talking about the train coming down the tracks that is calving and all the preparations we need to make.

We will hold our first calf rearing meeting this weekend before Philip heads back to Kosovo. That will be time enough to get in the zone.

Cartoon by Clyde Delaney.

By the time you read this, I will be back in school. I can feel the goodwill of my colleagues already.

They will all want to know about Julie and her baby. It is hard to put into words what it means to be a grandparent. I’m still getting used to it.

I sit looking into the pram. Then he opens his eyes and I can’t move away. I have to at least make an effort at housework and then I find I’m looking at pictures of him on my phone. Then I’m back to the side of the pram. It is a kind of madness indeed.

Time out for family

Over the Christmas break, it was lovely to just stop. It is really hard to do it without a reason.

Making a decision to take days and weeks just for family is a luxury that many cannot afford. We spent the whole Christmas confined to Woodside in a little cocoon.

Everyone was looking out for Ricky. I know it was only two weeks but it felt a lot longer.

Managing a brand new car seat of the modern variety is challenging for a granny

I left the house twice; once to go to the shop and for a trip to the doctor for Julie and Ricky’s check-up. What an excursion – it took an hour to get ready.

Managing a brand new car seat of the modern variety is challenging for a granny. Getting the baby stuffed into it is a huge task. I use the word "stuffed" because that was what he looked like when all the straps and safety things were in place.

Ricky was unperturbed and slept away. Julie, tender after a caesarean section, took time to get to and into the car.

Doctors and nurses throw eyes heavenward scoffing at silly granny’s suggestions

She is up and walking on her sticks already surprising us all at the speed of her recovery. Ricky, like many newborns, has day and night well and truly mixed up.

Doctors and nurses throw eyes heavenward scoffing at silly granny’s suggestions. But I know what I’m talking about.

I remember my own mother coming down to Cork to take Colm in hand. He was nine weeks old and rather active at night. Granny sorted him so I have plans. But for now we have to go with Ricky’s timing.

Supporting new mothers

On a serious note, nobody works as hard as a baby’s mum. It is a serious challenge for first-time mums and it is an anxious time for both parents.

Is the baby getting enough food? Is breast feeding going well? How do I know? Should I bottle feed? And if I do am I a failure?

Babies generally lose some weight immediately after birth. The rule of thumb is that they should be back to birth weight at two weeks.

The guide amount of bottle is 150ml/kg of body weight in 24 hours. Julie was bombarded with advice from all quarters. There comes a time when again one must stop.

New mums must be supported to feel good in themselves

Every mother and baby unit is different and what works for one may not work for another. So many factors are involved. Julie is combination feeding both breast and bottle and Ricky is thriving.

New mums must be supported to feel good in themselves and allowed to make their own decisions about their babies.

The judgement of professionals must be sensitive and empowering. Remember mums, you do an amazing job that is unparalleled and so very satisfying. Take a bow.