Dear Me,
First off, congratulations on welcoming your little one! Seriously, it’s perfectly acceptable to feel frustrated if anyone downplays this monumental moment. You have every right to give a gentle nudge to anyone who comments on your postpartum body, regardless of their intentions.
Let’s be real—you might not feel your best right now. Your abdomen may feel like it’s lost its shape, and those pre-pregnancy jeans? Leave them at home. You might think your body is unattractive, but take a moment to appreciate that you are radiating beauty. Your hair still has that lovely pregnancy luster, and you have an adorable baby to show off. Trust me, you’ll want to be in those photos. Your future self will thank you for capturing the joy, even if it doesn’t always feel joyful right now.
You may find yourself feeling overwhelmed, especially on nights like New Year’s Eve when you’re questioning your life choices. That’s completely normal and doesn’t mean you love your baby any less. Adjusting to the responsibility of caring for a tiny human can be daunting. It’s okay to feel lost and uncertain; these feelings are a part of the journey.
Now, let’s talk about something you’ll wish you had prepared for: constipation. Following your delivery, you might be on pain medication, and trust me, it can backfire when it comes to regularity. So, do yourself a favor and start taking that fiber supplement now. You’ll thank yourself later when you can finally enjoy a regular bathroom experience. And yes, coffee is your new best friend—embrace it. You’ve earned it after avoiding it during pregnancy!
Speaking of new friendships, prepare for some serious sleep deprivation. Newborns have no concept of day or night, so expect to be wide awake at 3 a.m. with a baby who seems to think sleep is overrated. It’s natural to feel like your baby is malfunctioning, but remember: they’re just a baby. Ignore anyone who offers unsolicited advice—just hand them over to your partner and take a breather.
As for cleaning and organizing? Please don’t stress about keeping everything perfect. Your house can wait; you’ve just done something incredible by bringing a new life into the world. Allow yourself to rest and recover.
You’re doing some things right, though! That baby wrap you’ve got? Perfect for keeping your little one close while you attempt to reclaim some semblance of normalcy in your life, whether that’s indulging in oysters with friends or enjoying a glass of wine (with a napkin on the baby’s head, of course!).
Breastfeeding is another area where you’re excelling, but don’t get too caught up in who’s watching. If anyone has an issue with it, they can avert their gaze. Just relax and let your body do what it’s meant to do. If you nurse while wearing the wrap, no one will notice anyway.
Take the time to bond with your baby, but also carve out moments for yourself. Whether it’s catching up on your favorite shows or indulging in a good book, balance is key. You don’t have to be a mom 24/7.
Above all, remember: you’re doing great. Keeping a tiny human alive is no small feat, so prioritize your own well-being. It’ll make a world of difference for both you and your little one. And as for elimination communication? Let’s be honest—you’ve got enough on your plate without adding that to the mix.
With love,
Your Future Self
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