When I envisioned my life as a new mom, I thought I’d effortlessly juggle tasks like a superhero, with my baby snugly perched on my hip while I tackled household chores, paid bills, and engaged in captivating conversations with my partner. In my mind, life would simply continue, now with my adorable little sidekick.
Oh, how wrong I was! The reality of parenting an infant was so far from that dream it’s almost comical in retrospect. My little ones didn’t just adapt to my lifestyle; they demanded my full attention, day and night. Forget about setting them down for a moment’s peace — those early months were a whirlwind of feedings, diaper changes, and a whole lot of noise.
Now that my kids are a bit older, I can finally do many of the things I couldn’t manage back then (well, most of them). But I want all the new moms out there to know that feeling overwhelmed is completely normal. Adjusting to life with a baby means embracing a new reality, and yes, it can feel as if you’re stuck in a time warp. Here are a few things I bet you’re struggling to achieve:
- Eating With Both Hands
I must have had countless meals with a baby in my lap, and let me tell you, neither of us emerged unscathed! Crumbs were practically our second language. - Leaving the House Without a Two-Hour Countdown
Looking back, it seems ridiculous because I didn’t have that much to pack, yet every outing felt like an expedition. And, of course, the baby always decided to have a blowout right when it was time to leave. - Completing a Thought
Forget about coherent sentences! In those early months, my brain felt like mush. Mom brain is real and it’s a struggle. - Personal Hygiene
I used to shower daily; now, I was a walking baby mess, covered in spit-up and who knows what else. At one point, a baby wipe shower became my new normal. - Cleaning Anything, Really
I’d start to tidy up, only to be interrupted by a hungry baby. My tiny apartment could take a week to clean, and by the time I was done, it was time to start over. - Making Phone Calls
Sorry, family! Phone conversations fell to the bottom of my priority list once the baby arrived. It was a case of “call you when I can!” - Enjoying a Book or a Full TV Episode
I used to devour novels, but after my first child, I went four years without reading a single one. And binge-watching? Forget it; a 30-minute show could take three nights to finish. - Keeping Track of Days
In the early days, I had no idea what day it was. My first son was born in winter, and I swear the first time I stepped outside, I thought it was spring (okay, slight exaggeration).
So why is it so hard to accomplish anything? Besides the fact that you barely sleep (and let’s be real, “sleep when the baby sleeps” rarely works), you often find yourself lost in your baby’s eyes, soaking in every sweet detail. I spent countless hours simply gazing at my little ones, and while it took a toll on my to-do list, I have zero regrets. They grow up so fast; I cherish those moments even more now.
So hang in there, vent as much as you need, and remember to find a bit of humor in it all. Before you know it, those little ones will be grown, and you’ll be able to finish a thought without a baby simultaneously trying to eat your hair.
For more parenting insights during this wild journey, check out some of our other blog posts, such as how to navigate home insemination here. And if you’re looking for reliable resources on artificial insemination, visit Cryobaby for expert guidance. You can also learn about IUI success on WebMD.