LISTEN: #TakeTheTime - your feelings are likely to be the same as other new mums

For many women, a newborn baby is thought to be a wonderful occasion in their life, but for some new Mums there can be struggles ahead in the months after childbirth when the initial joy has passed and the realities of motherhood kick in.

As part of MFR's #TakeTheTime series we are looking at an Elgin based charity for mums and toddlers which can provide help and support for those who are looking to enjoy time with their kids - rather than wrestle with the challenges alone.

Frances Powell is manager of Step-By-Step In Moray which has been going for 10 years and is now based at Winchester House in Elgin.

"The charity was established because there was a lot of parents who were vulnerable and they were unable to give their children the start in life they wanted to, mainly because they were isolated, or they didn't have the support or the skills to raise their child in they way they wanted."

"...motherhood is meant to be absolute bliss - and the reality is that it's not for many people"

Frances says the transition into motherhood is not always an easy one for people to seamlessly move into:

"Everybody's happy to have a new baby, but sometimes that happiness is short-lived, when young women may have found themselves with a big social circle while in work, then find themselves at home, with their baby, all day long. They find it difficult to cope with the unpredictability of having the newborn baby. Many women in Moray are living with the baby by themselves, some may have partners in the military, or perhaps they're working offshore. There may be no partner in the relationship."

"It could be somebody with additional challenges, their own health, or the baby's health may be uncertain, post-natal depression or other mental health issues are very common."

"There's also the 21st century view that motherhood is meant to be absolute bliss - and the reality is that it's not for many people"

"There's no cure for motherhood - it lasts all your life(!)"

"I'm a granny and I'm still faced with the challenges of motherhood. The fact is though, that a problem shared is a problem halved, we find that groups of people coming together with their children is a great solace for Mums"

"They come along and realise that the things they've been worried about are fears others share. We have paid professionals in our group and volunteers and many of those are Mums - or wise Grannies - and they share the responsibility and provide relief"

Frances explains about how you might take the first steps to seeking help from a mums and toddlers group:

From leading busy lives, Frances says much of what can help in the initial stage of baby development can involve just small changes from mums.

"Many people just need to slow down, because baby's progress is much slower than we're used to in our fast paced daily lives.

"You need to stay in touch with people, get out and about - rest enough - especially if your child's been up in the night, don't feel guilty about taking some rest."

"Share your feelings - tell others how you're feeling - and also listen to them, and then you'll realise your feelings are that different from other Mums"

"Also at Step-by-Step, we're quite keen on routines and establishing routines is quite good for yourself, the group sessions and structure are good for helping you make progress"

"Free play is also very important. Enjoy your baby - take that time - even very young babies respond to play, so take your time and learn how to do that."