Dear Me,
First off, congratulations on welcoming your little one into the world! Seriously, don’t let anyone else tell you otherwise. You have every right to roll your eyes or even give a playful punch to anyone who dares to say anything negative. Remember, you also have the right to dismiss comments about your postpartum body—regardless of their tone.
Let’s be real: you may not feel like it now, but you’re absolutely stunning. Sure, your stomach feels a bit like a deflated balloon, and those pre-pregnancy jeans? Yeah, leave them at home—trust me on this one. At this moment, you might equate your body with feelings of unattractiveness, but girl, you are radiant. That pregnancy glow is real, and don’t forget about that luscious hair! Plus, you have a beautiful baby to carry around. Embrace every photo opportunity; you’ll thank yourself later when you look back and see just how amazing you looked. Smile wide, even if you’re navigating through a whirlwind of emotions.
You might find yourself crying on New Year’s Eve, questioning everything about your life. This is perfectly normal. It doesn’t mean you love your baby any less; it’s just the reality of adjusting to the monumental responsibility of caring for this tiny human. Feeling overwhelmed is okay. Allow yourself to process those feelings—preferably in a bathroom where no toddler can interrupt your moment of vulnerability.
Now, let’s talk about poop. Oh, the joy of a normal bowel movement! You’re likely on pain medication because of those tears (and not the emotional kind), so take that Colace now, don’t wait until you’re suffering. Load up on fiber, greens, and yes, coffee—your long-lost friend from pre-pregnancy. You deserve that caffeine fix now more than ever. Just make sure someone is there to hold the baby when you finally get that well-deserved bathroom break.
Sleep deprivation is a whole new beast. Newborns don’t understand day from night, and you may find yourself wide awake at 3 a.m. with a little one staring at you. That’s just part of their charm. They’re not defective; they’re just being babies. Anyone who claims otherwise can take a hike. If you can, hand them off to your partner and catch a few z’s yourself.
As you adjust to this new life, remember that it’s okay to let the house go a little. Laundry can wait—you just brought a human into the world. Don’t rush into cleaning or running errands; you need to rest. It’s okay to use that baby wrap to keep your little one close while you enjoy some “me” time, even if it involves going out for a glass of wine. Just don’t spill it on them!
Breastfeeding is another adventure—you’re doing great! But please, stop fretting over who’s watching you. If someone feels uncomfortable, they can look away. You have every right to nourish your baby wherever you are. And do take time to relax with your little one. Watch your favorite shows, catch up on some reading, or just enjoy the quiet moments. But also, don’t forget to hand the baby over to your partner from time to time for your sanity’s sake.
Most importantly, you’re doing an incredible job. You are keeping a tiny human alive, and that’s no small feat. Take care of yourself, too; a happy mama means a happy baby.
And about that elimination communication? Yeah, let’s not even go there. You don’t need that stress right now.
Love, Your Future Self
If you want to learn more about postpartum experiences, you can check out this insightful post on postpartum journeys. And, if you’re considering at-home insemination options, Make A Mom offers great kits to help you out. For more resources about pregnancy and home insemination, visit News Medical.