Eleven years ago, I was hit with some hard truths the moment I entered the chaotic yet rewarding realm of motherhood. It felt like the seasoned moms were chuckling at me from their corners, whispering, “Look at her! She just realized she’ll never have a full night’s sleep again!” or “Oh, bless her heart, she thinks she can do crunches and get her abs back.” I admit, I stepped into this adventure a bit naïve, but I can’t be the only one who was shocked to find out that toddlers will indeed watch you pee! So, here’s a heads-up on what “THEY,” those snickering moms, failed to mention before you embarked on this journey.
This list is crafted from years of toddler negotiations, countless hours driving a minivan, and a staggering number of sleepless nights. These insights are the essential tidbits that might catch you off guard if you’re not prepared.
1. No mom has it all figured out.
Seriously, not a single one. Every mother is winging it, hoping for the best. If you come across a mom who claims she has it all sorted, she’s probably not being honest. Exception: Mom Bloggers (ahem).
2. You will sleep again, but it’ll be different.
From now on, you’ll have a sixth sense when it comes to nighttime shenanigans in your house. You’ll be half-asleep yet somehow know when your kid is sleepwalking or when your daughter needs medicine. It’s a weird talent you’ll develop!
3. Sick leave? Forget about it.
You’ll find yourself signing forms while battling nausea, organizing PTA events on pain meds, and running errands when you feel like you’ve been hit by a truck. Your well-being will take a backseat to the demands of motherhood. Accept this now.
4. Make friends with fellow moms who get it.
As soon as your little one arrives, seek out that one mom who allows you to be honest without judgment. If she claims she knows what she’s doing, run the other way. But if she admits, “Absolutely not!” grab her and bond over wine. She might just be your lifeline.
5. Sex can become just another item on your never-ending to-do list.
It’ll get squeezed in between tasks like “Make Unicorn-themed Party Favors” and “Empty The Dishwasher.” Remember, while folding laundry can wait till tomorrow, nurturing your relationship cannot. And yes, it’s okay to multitask even during intimate moments—because, motherhood.
6. When you bring that tiny human home, brace yourself: you may not immediately like them.
Sure, you’ll love them eventually, and the miracle of life will seem incredible, but those early days are tough. Your life as you knew it has changed, and it’s okay to feel overwhelmed. If you admit it out loud, you’ll find camaraderie with other moms.
7. You’ll become a master of deception.
From Santa to the Tooth Fairy, you’ll conjure elaborate stories about how these magical beings operate. You’ll find yourself crafting tales while expecting honesty from your kids. So, maybe keep a list of where the Elf on the Shelf should hide—trust me, you’ll need it!
8. Every product out there can be deemed dangerous if you listen to the experts.
From GMOs to organic this and free-range that, it’s a maze of opinions. Just do your best and ignore the judgments. Remember, no one has all the answers—only you know what’s best for your family.
9. Get ready for a wardrobe overhaul.
Post-baby, your undergarments will transition from “lacy” to “sturdy” as comfort becomes paramount. Yoga pants will become your best friend, and you’ll find yourself embracing leggings like never before. Celebrate your new style—your body did something amazing!
10. You’ll figure out this whole mothering thing.
Sure, there will be mistakes and moments where you think, “My kid will need therapy because of me!” But just do your best with what you have. If they’re not satisfied with your parenting skills later on, they can figure it out with their own kiddos. For now, embrace your role confidently!
This list isn’t exhaustive, but one thing’s for sure: I won’t be the one snickering behind your back. Nope, I’ll pull you aside, share a few laughs, and pour you a generous glass of wine while we navigate this wild ride together.
For more great insights, check out this excellent resource for pregnancy and home insemination at American Pregnancy. And if you’re looking for the right supplies, visit Make a Mom for their authority on the topic.
And hey, for more on this journey, you can check out this other blog post.
Summary
Motherhood is a wild ride filled with surprises and challenges. From the reality that no mom has it all figured out to the need for comfort over style, these ten truths are essential for any new mom to know. Embrace the chaos and connect with supportive friends as you navigate this journey.