Let me start by saying that I am the quintessential first-time-mom. During my pregnancy, my husband and I went to
That is one of the joys of motherhood, you learn so much. So I thought I would write a post about what I have learned in hopes to share it with fellow moms and moms-to-be. I also would love to see if there are any other moms who have had the same or any other learning experiences and if so, please share I would love to hear from you!
With that being said, here it goes.
1. Looking after a newborn is hard.
I know, I know…your saying, well duh?? Yes, this is obvious, but it is seriously hard. It goes without saying that giving birth is one of the most incredible experiences. I was so happy and eager to take him home and begin finding out our new normal. Looking at where we are now compared to four months ago, we have moved mountains! Owen is somewhat on a routine and we actually get sleep. But that didn’t come easy.
One night, while Owen was crying, I asked my husband to rock him back to sleep. A few seconds later I notice that Owen is still crying. I look over at my husband and he is literally sitting up on the side of the bed ROCKING. A. BURP. RAG. Yes, you heard that right and no, I’m not making this up. I didn’t know whether to be mad or laugh [I chose the latter]. I share this now hilarious story to depict how sleepy the newborn stage really is.
This time four months ago; I was wearing the same sweatpants I’d been wearing for 5 days straight, the infamous mesh undies, and my already sore nipples being used abused for the 30th time already that hour on top of getting little to no sleep. So basically, I was a hot mess for the first month…but I survived! So for you mamas who are getting through that newborn phase, YOU GOT THIS!
2. Enjoy every moment.
If I had a penny every time I heard this during my pregnancy…I’d be pretty darn wealthy. But I now understand why it’s said over and over again to expecting moms. Time moves so quickly. Owen is only 4 months old and at least once a week I scroll to his newborn pics to reflect on how tiny he was and how much he has grown in such a short amount of time.
Be present
3. Don’t compare yourself to other moms.
To my surprise, I found myself doing this more often than expected. I followed several moms on Instagram and even joined a Facebook group and every time another mom posted, I began to develop insecurities for my own motherhood experience. It’s important to remind yourself that every person’s motherhood experience is different and unique to them, and that is beautiful. We can most certainly learn from other people’s experiences, but no one experience is going to be the same.
4. Self-care is not selfish.
I’ll admit, this is something that I’ve struggled with even before having Owen and I continue to struggle with it to this day. As a working mom, my days are usually booked from morning until night. So it is hard to even find time for self-care in the first place. But even with a busy schedule, there are small moments that you can use for self-care. For example, while at work I pump for 30 minutes, two times a day. I use that time to completely disconnect and relax. Whether that be playing a mindless game on my phone, catching up on the Real Housewives, or reading. I can depend on having at least
So I encourage you to find a set time, either every day or every other day, for self-care. Whether that be when you pump, on your lunch break, or after you put the baby to bed. That set time may change, or may not even happen depending on the day, but I promise it is so beneficial for you, baby and your family.
Cimarra
THIS!!!!! Girl, seriously this is theost relatable post I think I’ve read as a mother so far! In our early days home we had to sleep downstairs (because of my C-section I couldn’t get in and out of bed) and the baby was fussy so I had been holding him and rocking him and I woke my fiancé up and said can you hold him so I can use the restroom real quick…this fool picked up the baby’s stuffed elephant cuddled it and went back to sleep, I was so mad but dying laughing at the same time. I cherish the pictures from that night, and all of the struggles we had while he was still so tiny. It’s amazing how fast they grow and change
Morgan
Oh my goodness! Not the baby’s stuffed elephant!!! lol! Well, I’m glad I’m not alone in this! They grow way too fast, I honestly feel like I blinked and he’s all of a sudden 5 months!
I’m glad it was relatable, it’s so good to hear your experience too! Knowing I’m not alone in this journey really helps me get through the rough and sleepless nights/days.