As a new mother, it’s only been two months, yet I already feel a sense of familiarity with the routine: rocking back and forth in an overly padded glider, holding a fussy baby, and battling waves of anxiety.
Entering motherhood is akin to riding a roller coaster fueled by fluctuating hormones, unfamiliar fears, and paralyzing self-doubt. Everyday tasks seem daunting; I often misplace my keys and find myself burdened with an array of new essentials: baby, diaper bag, wipes, pacifier, and postpartum stress.
In a moment of desperation, I reach for my new phone to send a message to my partner, who is outside grilling with our guests. “She won’t sleep,” I type with one thumb. “I’m lost. She’s too fussy to stay awake and won’t eat. I’m exhausted and unsure how to manage socializing with her screaming.”
The reply I receive is unexpected: “Who is this?”
New motherhood has consumed my time to the point where I haven’t even updated my contacts, resulting in a text sent to a stranger. I can’t even recall my partner’s phone number.
“Sorry, I meant to text my partner! Whoops!” I quickly draft a message to the right number, and my phone beeps again.
“Wow, you must be really tired. New baby?”
“Yes, she’ll be 8 weeks old tomorrow!”
The response that follows warms my heart: “I just want you to know, it gets easier. I have three kids, and right now, I’m enjoying a glass of wine on the porch while they’re reading and talking. It truly does get easier. Hang in there.”
Her words bring tears to my eyes. She didn’t have to reply, yet she chose to share what my weary heart so desperately needed to hear.
As a new parent, exhaustion can feel overwhelming. It’s a challenge to maintain perspective when everything feels insurmountable. I remember moments of such fatigue that I accidentally discarded freshly pumped milk or found myself grasping at bedsheets instead of my baby. The fear of being alone with my child, compounded by postpartum anxiety, left me questioning my abilities as a caregiver.
In this vulnerable state, it’s easy to internalize unsolicited advice. Today, I can brush off comments like “Just remain calm and your baby will be calm” or “Wait until she starts crawling if you think this is tough.” However, as a new parent, confidence is often lacking, and those comments can weigh heavily.
This is why I cherish that kind stranger. Instead of offering clichés, she provided a genuine affirmation that resonated with me: it gets easier.
To all new parents navigating this challenging journey: feel free to reach out to me anytime. I understand that sleepless nights and fussy infants can make you feel inadequate and lost. If you need support, here’s what I’d say:
It gets easier. Each milestone, from the first smile to the first step, marks progress. Gradually, your child will become more independent, and so will you.
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In summary, while the challenges of new motherhood can be overwhelming, remember that there is a light at the end of the tunnel. With each passing day, the journey becomes a little smoother, both for you and your child.