Updated: July 11, 2017
Originally Published: July 2, 2015
I’ve been a mom for about 441 days now, and let me tell you, it’s been a wild ride. Since welcoming my little one, I’ve transformed into a completely different person. While I’ve picked up some wonderful traits along the way, I can’t ignore the fact that I’ve become a bit of a… well, let’s say, “difficult” person. Here’s how it happened:
- The Initiation: Those first three months were my crash course into what I like to call “bitch-hood.” I was stuck to my breast pump like it was my new best friend, no alcohol in sight, and perpetually exhausted. I craved help, but when it came, it never felt right. Handing over my baby to my mother-in-law or even my sister felt like handing off my identity. I thought, “I should be able to handle this!”
- Sleep Deprivation: Ask any new mom what her wish for Christmas is, and you’ll hear one word: “sleep.” It’s a never-ending cycle of swaddling, teething, and separation anxiety—no sleep equals no patience, and no patience equals a total b*tch.
- Unsolicited Opinions: The moment you announce your pregnancy, it’s as if you’ve opened the floodgates for everyone with an opinion. “Don’t eat that!” “You should be resting!” “Breast is best!” “He needs socks!” I swear, if one more person tells me how to raise my child, I might just lose it.
- Body Woes: Sure, growing a human inside you is an incredible feat, but that doesn’t mean I can’t be frustrated that my favorite jeans are now a distant memory, thanks to my hips deciding they prefer their new, wider home. And don’t even get me started on the sports bras that have taken over my wardrobe. I’m allowed to vent about how hard it is to shed those extra pounds, even if I did enjoy every scoop of ice cream while pregnant.
- Me Time, Please: I adore being a mom, but sometimes I just need a break. I don’t want to wipe anyone’s nose, dodge flying toys, or revolve my day around a tiny dictator’s nap schedule. I crave uninterrupted time to scroll through Pinterest for DIY projects I’ll never attempt or to indulge in a burger while binge-watching my favorite shows. If I don’t get this time at least once a week, watch out! I might just turn into a full-on monster when you walk through the door after work.
I promise I’m not trying to be a diva; motherhood just has a way of bringing out my inner b*tch.
For more on navigating the ups and downs of motherhood, check out this insightful article on intracervical insemination. If you’re curious about home insemination, Cryobaby’s syringe kit offers great resources. Also, for those interested in fertility topics, the Cleveland Clinic’s podcast on IVF and fertility preservation is an excellent resource.
In summary, being a mom is both rewarding and exhausting, and it can turn anyone into a bit of a “difficult” person. But with some “me time” and a little understanding, we can navigate this crazy journey together.