Becoming a new mom is one of those blessed times in your life that will forever change you. Yet, because it can be one of the best moments of your life, that doesn’t mean it will always be easy. The fact of it is that motherhood is challenging, especially within the first few months.
Before the baby is born, we’re used to calling our own shots and spending a lazy Sunday morning in bed. However, once your baby is home, everything changes. From diaper changes to late-night feedings — the experience can be a blessing and overwhelming.
With that in mind, every new mom should know these six things.
1. Things Don’t Always Go as Planned
When you come to this realization, it can be unpleasant. In fact, you could spend all this time preparing for the baby and as soon as they come home, everything changes.
You might plan for a routine feeding and sleeping schedule and have a checklist to prepare yourself. Despite how much you prepare, your little one will have his own ideas of what life will turn out to be.
However, if feeling prepared helps calm your nerves, keep up with it. Just be aware that things won’t always go according to plan. Maybe you expect your delivery to go a certain way or that you plan to breastfeed and end up supplementing instead.
Either way, it’s okay if you’re having trouble being a new mom. The key is to listen to your instincts and do what’s best for you and the baby.
2. Breastfeeding Is Challenging
You may have already heard how breastfeeding is important — some people are even truly passionate about it. While you might have plans to breastfeed your baby, it might now work out as you expect.
For some, breastfeeding can be painful. Others don’t have enough milk supply, while some new moms can experience mastitis — a painful infection in the breast tissue. Plus, stress can be another factor in reducing your milk supply.
However, you won’t know what your journey is like until it happens. Breastfeeding might not always be the best option — which is completely okay. You can still be a good parent and have a happy baby with formula feeding.
3. Postpartum Recovery Is Important
While you won’t exactly know how you’ll feel after childbirth, postpartum recovery should be part of the plan. You’ll experience things in your own way. For instance, most women experience pain and discomfort during postpartum recovery. Things like hemorrhoids — can cause bleeding and itching — or you’ll feel constipated no matter what. Plus, you may have torn down there, or your nipples feel chapped.
You can't avoid all of these things, but there are ways to help you cope during recovery. Ice packs, heating pads, and sitz baths are just a few things that can relieve some of the discomforts.
4. Babies Can Cry for No Reason
When babies cry, it’s because they have a good reason. Usually, it’s because they’re hungry, gassy or need a diaper change. Eventually, you’ll learn what they’re crying for, but sometimes they call for you even when you've met their needs.
Many of us would like to think there’s a scientific answer for everything, but it doesn’t always work that way. Even some doctors can agree that babies will cry for no reason. It’s just their way of communicating.
If you think about it, they were safe inside your womb for nine months, and now they’re surrounded by unfamiliar sights and sounds. The world can be big, loud, and scary for them. However, it’s natural to be unsettled by your baby’s cries. If you’ve tried everything to soothe your baby’s crying — set the baby down in a safe place for brief periods.
It’s okay to give yourself time to breathe, and chances are, your baby will likely calm down with you.
5. There Will Be Bodily Fluids — And Lots of It
Every baby is different, but expect lots of poopy diapers. You might even have to change those poopy diapers every few hours.
Be prepared for the many things that come your way. Sometimes they pee on you while you’re changing your diaper. Then there’s the spit-up. Some babies will spit up — and even projectile vomit — every time they eat.
All of these fluids mean lots of diapers and loads of laundry. So, expect the messes and know it’s okay if you don't get around to laundry each time.
6. You’ll Feel Like a Different Person for Awhile
After bringing your bundle of joy home, everything will feel different to you. You’ll stop feeling like yourself and experience a new reality. Many new moms will experience postpartum baby blues. In fact, 80% of new moms experience it in the first few days.
Sometimes you’ll feel like crying on and off throughout your day. Or you can suddenly feel like snapping at your partner over the smallest things. Sometimes it may even feel like you’re not bonding with your newborn.
Between your hormonal and emotional balance, it’s normal to feel like you don’t recognize yourself. Self-care is the most important part of being a new mom — and having support will be the best way to get through those feelings.
Trekking the Mountains of Motherhood
Becoming a new mother can be overwhelming, but it’s not all that scary. Yes, you will have moments when you question yourself whether you’re a good parent. Yet, all that matters is you’re doing what’s best for your family. So, hang in there and go along for the ride. Embracing motherhood and all the messes that come with it is what makes it an unforgettable and incredible journey.
