'Baby Daze'
A book signing event
I'm Sarah Davis, the author of 'Baby Daze,' which was recommended in 'Mother & Baby' magazine's '3 of the best funny books' feature.
I didn't set out to write a book. I wrote the short, light-hearted poems totally unexpectedly, while up for the 3am feeds. By the time my son Matthew was 8 months old, there were 40 poems! I put it down to hormones, the peace and quiet and the intensity of emotions. I think that my subconscious was trying to make sense of the impact that having a new baby has, on all aspects of life.
'Baby Daze' reflects the rollercoaster of parenting a new born - from the sentimental to the humorous, with feelings and experiences familiar to all new parents.
Talks for new and expectant parents
As the author of 'Baby Daze,' I was invited to speak at events at a variety of venues and events, including at Mamas & Papas, Mothercare and the launch event of Baby Week Leeds.
I've spoken on various topics, including my experience as a breastfeeding mum and the importance of making connections. My audience has included expectant parents, new parents, maternity professionals and councillors. I've also written guest posts and articles for numerous on-line sites.
As the poems are short and relatable, I've used them as a starting point in mums' groups, to encourage new mums to open up about their own feelings and experiences. This has been really successful in helping them to normalise their own emotions.
It's not just for mums! Grandparents, midwives and new dads love the poems too. Here I am pictured with Leeds Dads (a local group of dads with young children, who organise social meet ups and activities).
Mothercare
Baby Week Leeds, 2018
Leeds Dads
'Baby Daze' media coverage
'Mother & Baby'magazine
'Baby Daze' has featured in a variety of national publications, including:
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Mother & Baby magazine
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Motherdom
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Chat magazine
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Woman magazine
I've also been interviewed live on BBC Radio Leeds and BBC Radio Gloucestershire, as well as an interview on Talk Radio Europe.
Where can you buy 'Baby Daze' from?
The RRP for 'Baby Daze' is £7.99 and can be purchased here for UK delivery only.
You can also purchase the 2nd edition from Amazon (published by Malba Books) using the following link: https://www.amazon.co.uk/BABY-DAZE-Humorous-Honest-Motherhood/dp/1838386394
Scroll down to read some of the poems.
A selection of poems from 'Baby Daze'
Getting to know you
The scan and seeing the beating of your tiny little heart,
Knowing that it’s really only just the very start.
Growing ever bigger as you struggle to find room.
Feeling kicks and hiccups as you move inside the womb.
Hearing your first cries just as you come into the world
Beginning your life’s journey – as yet to be unfurled.
The gripping of my finger with your tiny little hand
The feelings and emotions only parents understand.
Nappy Days
Oh, my goodness he’s not happy
He has got a filthy nappy!
He just let out such a trump
The explosion made me jump!
Catapulted him off my knee
Hardly dared to look and see!
It’s on his back and legs as well
I can’t describe the awful smell!
I had better make it snappy
His feet are getting in the nappy!
I’m worried about his poorly tum
Don’t want to seem a fussy mum!
But it has given me a fright
I want to check that he’s alright.
Doctor said that this much poo
Is common – “It’s what babies do!”
Mums and Babies Group
My local Mums and Babies group
Helps to keep me sane.
With adult conversation
To stimulate my brain.
When I am feeling anxious
It helps to get me through
To hear that all the other mums
Have fears and worries too.
We talk about our babies
And get stuff off our chest
And reassure each other
We can only do our best.
We have a laugh and giggle
About the week we’ve had
Sharing our experience
The good things and the bad.
By the time our tea is finished
And we’ve put the world to rights
We’re re-energised to face
Another week of sleepless nights.
The Future
I’m sure that in the future
We’ll have many conversations
When you will tell us all about
Your plans and aspirations.
I hope that you will use
The many things that you’ve been taught
And we will be right there
If you want guidance or support.
You know we’ll always love you
Whichever path you choose
Whichever of your skills and talents
You decide to use.
When it comes right down to it
What I want most for you
Is independence, health and happiness
And to have your dreams come true.