Life as a new mom – My motherhood journey
One of the most beautiful and life-changing experiences for me was becoming a mother. Before I actually became a mother, I though I was prepared. I watched the videos, read the blogs, testimonies, expert advice. No matter how much advice I took from people, nothing could prepare me enough for the transformation motherhood brought in my life.
Don’t be mistaken. This journey has been wonderful and extremely and rewarding. It has brought me so much joy, so much happiness more than I’ve ever experienced. But it also came with a lot of challenges in ways I never expected.
Here are some of the most important things I wish I knew before I became a mother.
Physical and mental changes
Having a baby changes you completely. Your priorities shift, heart expands and you understand what true love is all about. Ever since I had my baby who is 5 months now, I often tell my husband I cannot imagine that we once had a life without him.
Sleep Deprivation is real
When I was pregnant in my third trimester, people always advised me to get enough sleep. They always said that later, I would not be able to sleep enough. For me it was a feeling of excitement whenever someone said “Once the baby comes” and I neglected that advice. I would just nod politely like I understood. The truth is I didn’t.
Sleepless nights affect your emotions, patience and overall well-being. The first six weeks are the hardest especially if you are breast-feeding. Things get better after two to three months when the baby’s sleep cycle regulates. The first time my baby slept 5 hours straight was in the third month. We were so afraid wondering whether to wake him up or let him sleep and get some sleep ourselves.
Asking for help
Many mothers hesitate to ask for help, but this is the time support is most essential. It can be in simple things like cooking a meal, watching the baby while you are asleep or maybe just to listen and offer emotional support.
Asking for help is not a sign of weakness and it makes a huge difference when you have someone be it your partner, family, friends or even an online community for new moms.
Value the little moments
I always thought of the milestones my baby would achieve like his first word, first birthday, first time he walked but after my baby was born, I experienced far more valuable moments which I want to hold on to forever. While these moments are valuable too, they aren’t the ones that make me emotional.
The cuddles, the little fingers, tiny toes, when the baby holds your finger, those little stretches after a nap. The simplest of moments is what you treasure the most.
Every baby is different
There is no such thing as a universal rule for babies. Some may stick to a schedule, some may be flexible. Some may roll on their tummy earlier than others. Its not something you can control and you don’t have to stress about it by comparing your baby to another. You are doing the best you can for you and your family.
Your relationship
Having a baby changes everything and it is very important to communicate, especially with your partner. Both of you have new responsibilities, both of you are tired causing stress to arise. Remember you are on the same team. Small acts of kindness can help strengthen your relationship.
Create a plan of action that gives both of you sufficient sleep and always make time for each other. For example, my baby wakes up at 5 a.m. From 5 to 8 a.m my husband would look after the baby and later during the day, he takes a nap during which I take care of the baby. That way we aren’t both sleep deprived and exhausted. See what works for you.
You are stronger than you think and you will get through this phase. There will be hard days where you will be pushed to the maximum but also days when you experience love like you never have. You are never fully prepared and you learn how to be a parent along the way, with experience.
If I could go back and tell myself something before becoming a mother, I wouldn’t tell her what baby products to buy or read more about pregnancy and child birth, I would tell her that she’s going to have hard days, going to make mistakes, have weeks of sleepless nights, doubt every single thing she does but its all going to be worth it. She’s going to find love that she never knew existed.
Just remember to enjoy the little moments. They pass with the blink of an eye.
Read my next post below:
How to calm your baby
Foods that impact your baby’s hair growth during pregnancy
Best Gifts for a Pregnant Woman – Modern Mama Life
Side Hustles for busy moms during nap time – Modern Mama Life
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