Updated: December 20, 2015
Originally Published: February 19, 2013
Four months ago, I became a member of the New Mom Club. The arrival of my son marked a profound transformation in my life.
Is that an exaggerated claim? Perhaps.
Is it accurate? Undoubtedly.
Membership in the New Mom Club doesn’t come with an official ID or a celebratory gathering. However, it does usher you into a whirlwind of remarkable, sometimes frustrating, joyful, and occasionally bewildering moments that create a bond with your fellow “New Mom Club” members.
What does new motherhood entail, you may wonder?
New motherhood is…
- Embracing selflessness as a daily practice.
- Perpetually questioning if you’re making the right choices.
- Welcoming more visitors to your home than ever, while realizing that they are primarily there to see your baby, not you.
- Longing for your pre-baby life.
- Gradually forgetting what your life was like before, yet knowing you no longer desire it, referred to as BB (before baby).
- Shedding tears when your baby cries, when you leave them for the first time, or when they reach a new milestone.
- Coming to terms with the fact that most of your preparations were in vain, yet recognizing that you’ll be just fine.
- Developing a newfound respect for your own mother—definitely make that phone call to express your gratitude.
- Observing your partner with your child, and experiencing a fresh sense of love for them.
- Gaining insight into the unconditional love your parents have for you.
- Managing unexpected leaks—frequently.
- Living through days that seem endless, yet months that pass in the blink of an eye.
- Transitioning from the freedom of your previous life to the unpredictability of parenting.
- Relishing a dental appointment as your only moment of solitude that week.
- Identifying a stain by scent, guessing whether it’s pee, spit-up, breast milk, or something else entirely.
- Instinctively reaching out to catch any unexpected fluid.
- Engaging in discussions about diaper contents at least five times daily.
- Accepting new hygiene standards—every other day for a shower feels luxurious.
- Redefining what constitutes adequate sleep (a four-hour stretch? You’re lucky!).
- Letting go of all the preconceived notions you held about parenting prior to your own experience.
- Wondering if other new moms you encounter are also hoping for a friendly chat and potential friendship (they are).
- Returning to work and grappling with the guilt of not spending enough time with your baby.
- Choosing to stay home and worrying that your child might thrive better in a more stimulating environment.
- Working from home and stressing that neither your job nor your baby is receiving the attention they deserve.
- Constantly worrying.
New motherhood is a powerful, challenging, overwhelming, exhilarating, confusing, and ultimately beautiful experience—even when you find yourself covered in various bodily fluids.
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In summary, the journey of new motherhood is not just a life-altering experience; it’s a blend of emotions, challenges, and beautiful moments that redefine who you are.