Hello there, it’s me—16 years ahead! That adorable little bundle you’re cradling and protecting right now? Well, guess what? He’s behind the wheel now! And here’s a fun fact: He’s actually a better driver than you ever were. I know these thoughts might seem far-fetched during these chaotic, sleepless nights, but I thought you might appreciate a glimpse into the future.
Let’s rewind a bit before he starts driving; I realize that might be overwhelming at this moment.
Dear younger, inexperienced first-time mom,
Get ready for some major life changes! But remember, some things will stay the same.
Since you’re feeling a bit overwhelmed and maybe even a little down, let’s start with the changes ahead.
- That C-section you had? Despite the horror stories, you’ll recover swiftly and surprisingly well. In fact, you’ll be so glad you chose that path after the tough labor. Stop being hard on yourself for not delivering vaginally. That professor who claimed childbirth was “mind over matter”? Well, she didn’t have back labor or an almost nine-pound baby like you did. Each experience is unique. Be thankful for modern medicine. Remember, how your baby arrives doesn’t define your strength as a woman; it’s all about the precious arrival.
- On your first night in the hospital, those amazing nurses will offer to take the baby to the nursery so you can catch some sleep—please let them! I know you’re hesitant to part with him; you feel like no one else can care for him as you do. But trust me, to be a great mother, you need to take care of yourself first.
- You might resist this advice and stay up all night, but when morning comes, exhaustion will set in. Once you finally lay your baby down, the moment you start to drift off, he’ll wake up screaming. Your thoughts will spiral, and you’ll think, “Oh my God. I’m never going to sleep again.” But hold on! One day, he’ll be a teenager who sleeps until noon, and guess what? You’ll wake up at 6 a.m. every day, and surprisingly, you’ll enjoy it!
- Breastfeeding will be one of the toughest challenges you face. You thought it would come naturally, right? Well, it won’t. But that’s okay. You’re doing great! You’ll need to find a comfortable position, using pillows, and it might feel awkward at first. It’s a lot of work, but it’s worth it despite the exhaustion. And when you switch to formula after a few months, you may find yourself missing breastfeeding.
- I must confess, breastfeeding isn’t the hardest part—sleep deprivation is! It will mess with your mind, affecting your energy and mood. But remember, this phase won’t last forever.
- Now, let’s talk about that four-page list of reasons your baby cries that you plan to give your mother-in-law. Just don’t do it! Trust me, your baby isn’t as unique in his crying as you think. Let others help—your mother-in-law raised two sons just fine, and you need to allow yourself to take a break.
- Around 15 months, you might panic when your baby only says “buh.” You’ll rush to the pediatrician and feel like a failure, but don’t worry! He’s just showing his independent spirit. He’ll talk when he’s ready, and his first words will be, “I don’t want to see that lady again, please.”
- And yes, you’re going to have two more kids! You may wonder how you could possibly love another child as much as your first, but you will. Your heart will grow to hold all the love you have for them.
Some things will never change, though:
- Not everyone else will care about your child as much as you do. They’ll enjoy hearing your stories, but don’t forget to have interests outside of motherhood.
- The Mama Bear instinct doesn’t fade. You’ll always want to protect him, no matter his age.
- Finally, he will always be your baby, even at 16 when he towers over you.
For more insights into pregnancy and home insemination, you might find what you need at the CDC’s excellent resource here. And if you’re interested in learning more about home insemination kits, check out this link. Also, this site provides great information on baby-making kits.
In summary, you’re going to navigate this wild journey of motherhood, filled with challenges and joys. Embrace the changes, cherish the moments, and always remember to take care of yourself.