Motherhood comes with a tidal wave of unsolicited advice and comments, often starting the moment you share your pregnancy news. New moms are inundated with phrases like “cherish every moment” and “don’t you feel blessed?”—frequently leaving them feeling guilty for not being completely overwhelmed with joy. The truth is, no mom feels #soblessed all the time. Below, I’m here to decode some of these well-meaning yet often misguided sentiments.
“My kids bring me so much joy.”
Translation: “When they finally go down for a nap or sleep through the night, that’s when I feel joy.” Truly, there’s nothing quite like those rare moments of solitude to catch up on cleaning or, let’s be honest, binge-watching Netflix while sipping on a glass of wine.
“Breast is best.”
What they really mean: “I love my breasts, and I want to remind you how great they are.” Regardless of how you choose to nourish your baby, the pressure to breastfeed can lead to cracked nipples and other painful issues. Why put yourself through that?
“We plan, God laughs.”
Actual meaning: “I had a plan until my baby had a blowout while my toddler flushed my keys down the toilet.” Expect the unexpected, especially when kids are involved.
“The best gift you can give your baby is a natural, med-free birth.”
What’s really behind this: “Enduring 96 hours of labor and a serious injury makes me feel superior to other women.” This martyrdom is not a gift; it’s a narrative that some mothers cling to, hoping their children will owe them for their sacrifices.
“I can’t imagine leaving my child.”
Translation: “I wouldn’t leave my baby with anyone questionable, but if Grandma’s available, I’ll be out the door faster than you can say ‘cocktails.’” Every mom deserves a night out!
“I love my postpartum body.”
What they mean: “I love it because I still look like I’m five months pregnant, and it gets me extra attention in public.” Those extra samples at the food court do come in handy.
“I feed my child nothing but organic food.”
Translation: “If by organic, you mean the milk from my breasts, then yes!” The pressure to maintain a perfect diet while breastfeeding can be overwhelming, but after carrying a baby for nine months, you’ve earned the right to indulge in that cold pizza at 2 a.m.
“I don’t know who I was before I had kids.”
What they really mean: “I barely remember my life before parenthood, and I’m not sure I want to!” What was my social life like? Did I even wear clean pants?
“You never know your capacity for love until you’ve had a child.”
Translation: “You also never know how much bodily fluid you can handle until you’re knee-deep in a stomach bug with a child.”
“It was all-consuming love at first sight.”
Okay, this one has some truth, but not in the way you might expect. Honestly, I was too exhausted to feel that immediate connection right after childbirth. It wasn’t until weeks later, after sleepless nights, that the love truly hit me when my baby first made eye contact. That moment was everything.
Motherhood can feel like a rollercoaster ride, dragging you through the mud one day and lifting you up the next. Despite the chaos, the love and beauty of nurturing a new life make it all worthwhile.
For more insights into parenting, check out our post on home insemination kits. And if you’re looking for authoritative advice, Make a Mom specializes in these topics. Additionally, the CDC offers valuable resources on pregnancy and home insemination.
Summary
New moms often face a barrage of well-intentioned comments that can leave them feeling guilty or misunderstood. By translating these phrases, we can see the humor and reality behind them. Motherhood is a complex journey filled with challenges and immense love, making every moment worth it.