The Helpers Who Don’t Actually Assist
Recall the excitement surrounding your third trimester when friends and family promised to help once the baby arrived? What they didn’t clarify was that their idea of “helping” often means showing up to dote on the newborn while you manage the household tasks you assumed they would take care of. Isn’t that just delightful? Now, instead of enjoying quality time with your little one while she’s calm, you’re left juggling chores. Don’t worry; they’ll return your baby when the crying starts.
The Visitors Who Treat It Like a Vacation
These individuals are the not-so-helpful cousins of the previous group. Traveling from afar with dreams of meeting the baby, they plan to stay and “assist” at all hours. Yet, they also expect to be fed as you struggle to nourish yourself. They can’t comprehend why you would want them to help with laundry while they’re supposedly on holiday. And good luck suggesting nighttime activities that won’t lead to them barging back in at 2 a.m. just as you’ve finally settled the baby.
The Friends Who Arrive Late
“We’ll swing by at noon with lunch,” they promise the night before. “Perfect!” you think, especially since your fridge is bare and food is scarce. At 11 a.m., your baby dozes off, and you tell yourself, “Don’t nap; visitors will be here soon.” But as each minute past noon ticks by, your frustration grows. By 1 p.m., you’re in a state of rage fueled by hunger and sleep deprivation. “WHERE ARE MY SANDWICHES?!” you might scream.
The Person Who Brought Dessert
Initially, you won’t mind this person. The hunger from breastfeeding makes indulgence tempting. However, at 3 a.m., while trying to soothe your crying baby with one hand, you might find yourself devouring an entire coffee cake. Regret will wash over you as you realize fitting into your jeans again is a distant dream. What kind of person would entice you like that?
The Creator of WebMD
This is another figure you initially appreciate until they drive you up the wall. When you return home from the hospital, everything feels off. You’re sore and unsure about the baby’s odd behaviors. Late-night Googling can escalate minor issues into catastrophic scenarios. “Did I develop pre-eclampsia after delivery?” you might wonder. “My baby has both Asthma and Impetigo!” Most likely, everything is normal—you just need to put down your phone.
The Inconsiderate Sick Guests
These visitors arrive with sniffles and coughs, insisting they’re no longer contagious. Others may insist it’s just allergies. Before you can even say, “Please wash your hands,” they’re all over your defenseless newborn. When one sneezes, it’s as if you can see germs spreading, which is terrifying. Worrying about a sick baby is challenging; dealing with a fussy infant while unwell is nearly unbearable.
The Mother Who Critiques Your Parenting
This could be your mother, an aunt, or just a friend. Regardless, they have their own way of doing things—correctly, in their eyes. “Why don’t you do it this way?” they may ask. Your inner response may be, “WHY DON’T YOU MIND YOUR OWN BUSINESS?”
The Partner Who Sleeps Soundly
In those early days, most mothers wake up at the slightest sound from their baby. Meanwhile, some fathers seem to sleep through anything, even with a screaming newborn inches away. There may be little they can do, especially if you’re breastfeeding. Yet, you’ll likely feel a twinge of resentment, especially if he dares to complain about fatigue.
The Pregnant You Who Neglected Kegel Exercises
You felt confident about your Kegel exercises during prenatal classes, convinced that you’d be fine. However, after your first postpartum sneeze, you may discover that things aren’t as under control as you thought.
The Delivery Person Who Rings the Doorbell Repeatedly
If you give birth around the holiday season, the incessant doorbell ringing will drive you mad. It may not always wake your baby, but it will come at the most inopportune times, like when you finally get a moment alone in the bathroom or when you’re attempting to breastfeed. “JUST LEAVE THE PACKAGE AND GO!” you might shout in frustration.
In summary, adjusting to life with a newborn can be overwhelming, and certain individuals may unintentionally add to your stress. From friends who don’t help as expected to family members who critique your every move, it’s essential to navigate these relationships with care. For additional insights into pregnancy and home insemination, you can explore resources such as this informative article, or check out this guide from the CDC.