When I first learned I was expecting, I thought I had it all figured out. I envisioned the kind of mother I would become, the nurturing environment I would create for my child, and how I would maintain a smooth, joyful lifestyle for my family. Looking back, I realize how naive I was. Here are nine things I wish I had kept to myself during my first pregnancy.
1. Fatigue Is a Whole New Level
Pregnant Me: I’m exhausted because I wake up multiple times at night to use the bathroom, then I have to manage a full day at my desk job. I can only squeeze in a short nap after work.
New Mom Me: I haven’t slept in what feels like an eternity! My routine now includes endless diaper changes, constant feeding, and cleaning up messes. I can barely remember the last time I sat down for a meal. Is that the smell of colors?
2. Judging Other Moms
Pregnant Me: Why would any mother take her kids out when they’re clearly upset? Just stay home!
New Mom Me: I have newfound respect for those mothers who can handle multiple screaming children while grocery shopping. You are a superhero! If you wrote a book on your skills, I’d buy every copy.
3. Time Management Skills
Pregnant Me: I’ve mastered multitasking at work; I can definitely manage my time as a mom.
New Mom Me: Wait, when was the last time I showered? Time management took a backseat the moment my baby arrived.
4. Desiring to Be a Stay-at-Home Mom
Pregnant Me: After years of working, I’m ready to embrace the rewarding life of a stay-at-home mom filled with educational activities and outings.
New Mom Me: I miss adult conversations, coffee breaks, and lunch hours! My brain is too foggy for educational activities, and the park is too hot. Playdates? I just want another adult to talk to about anything other than parenting!
5. Sleeping When the Baby Sleeps
Pregnant Me: I’ll rest when the baby sleeps and we’ll bond during nap time.
New Mom Me: Why does he have to be attached to me at all times? When he finally sleeps, I’m busy shoving leftover pizza in my face while doing chores.
6. Getting Back in Shape
Pregnant Me: I’ll make time for daily exercise and maintain a healthy diet.
New Mom Me: It’s Day Four of surviving on drive-thru meals while calming my fussy baby. If we’re at home, he cries and I don’t eat. If we’re in the car, he quiets down, and I can munch on fries.
7. Avoiding Rash Decisions
Pregnant Me: I won’t fall for that typical “new mom haircut.” A ponytail is sufficient.
New Mom Me: My hair is a tangled mess, and I don’t have time to deal with it. Just cut it all off!
8. Using Television as a Babysitter
Pregnant Me: I can’t imagine using the TV to entertain a baby; that’s just lazy parenting.
New Mom Me: Here’s my justification for TV time: I need to take a break to eat, use the restroom, and simply breathe for a moment.
9. Maternity Clothes Forever
Pregnant Me: Maternity pants are the best! They fit perfectly and are so comfortable.
New Mom Me: Maternity pants are still my go-to! Despite my best efforts, regular jeans just don’t fit right anymore. Chasing a crawling baby means constant adjustments, but those maternity pants are still my best friend.
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In summary, the transition into motherhood is filled with unexpected challenges and revelations. It’s a journey of learning, adapting, and sometimes realizing that our preconceptions were far from the reality we face.