When I envisioned myself as a new parent, I pictured myself effortlessly juggling tasks, with the baby comfortably nestled on my hip while I tackled chores, managed bills, and engaged in stimulating conversations with my partner. I thought life would simply adapt to include my beautiful baby.
Oh, how wrong I was. The reality of parenthood, especially during those early months, was a far cry from my expectations. Newborns don’t just blend into your existing routine; they demand your constant attention, are often loud, and seem to nurse non-stop. In those initial weeks, even putting them down for a nap felt like an Olympic event.
While I can now manage many tasks that once seemed impossible, I want to reassure all new parents that feeling overwhelmed is completely normal. Here are some things that can feel nearly impossible during those first few months:
- Eating With Two Hands
I can’t count the number of meals I had with my baby in my lap. Each time, at least one of us ended up covered in crumbs. - Leaving Home Without a Marathon of Preparation
It’s hilarious in hindsight, but getting ready to leave the house often took two hours. And somehow, the baby would always choose that moment to have a diaper blowout. - Forming a Cohesive Thought
The concept of “mom brain” is real. I struggled to string together coherent thoughts, let alone articulate them! - Taking Care of Myself
I used to shower daily — that was a non-negotiable. Post-baby, I often resorted to a quick wipe-down with a baby wipe while juggling spit-up and baby pee. - Cleaning Anything Thoroughly
A quick wipe of the kitchen counter was often interrupted by a feeding. It felt like a never-ending cycle of cleaning, only to start over again the next week. - Making Phone Calls
Family members were understandably frustrated by my lack of communication, but in the whirlwind of new parenthood, phone calls dropped to the bottom of my priority list. - Enjoying a Book or TV Show
I used to devour novels. After my first child, I didn’t read a single book for four years. Watching a 30-minute show? That would take at least three nights to finish. - Keeping Track of Time
In those early days, I often lost track of what day it was, not to mention whether it was morning or afternoon. I remember stepping outside one day and being shocked that it was spring!
Why is it so hard to accomplish anything during this time? Beyond the lack of sleep (and let’s be honest, the advice to “sleep when the baby sleeps” is often unrealistic), I found myself completely captivated by my baby’s tiny features, spending hours just gazing into their eyes. Yes, it was time-consuming and made completing tasks nearly impossible, but I have no regrets about that. As my children grow, those moments of connection become even more precious.
So, hang in there, new parents. It’s okay to vent, laugh, and cherish those fleeting moments. Remember, before long you’ll be able to finish a full sentence without a baby simultaneously drooling on you.
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Summary
Becoming a new parent is a whirlwind of challenges that can feel overwhelming and disorienting. It’s normal to struggle with multitasking, self-care, and even keeping track of time. However, these moments are fleeting, and soon enough, you’ll find yourself navigating life with greater ease.