The day after Thanksgiving, I saw two pink lines on a pregnancy test. A little later, at my husband’s urging, I confirmed it with another test—two more pink lines. Just three weeks later, a tiny flashing white dot on the ultrasound screen confirmed our joy. In just over nine months, we would transition from being a couple to embracing the chaos of parenthood.
We chose our family’s Christmas gathering to share this exciting news. I handed out envelopes that resembled Christmas cards, instructing everyone to wait until they all had one. When they opened them, they discovered an invitation to join us at the hospital on our due date for the arrival of our first child. I even included an image of that little white dot on the invite.
That’s when the flood of advice began, and I welcomed it wholeheartedly. My prior experience with babies was limited to holding a new cousin or a church baby passed around during service. I was eager to absorb all the tips and tricks from seasoned moms.
My mother-in-law shared home remedies she used with her kids, like a mix of corn syrup and water to tackle constipation. My close friend extolled the virtues of bottles that helped reduce gas, and I hung on her every word. I noted everything my sister-in-law recommended regarding diapers, especially the ones she advised against. After learning I was having a boy, I sought all the guidance I could get to manage his circumcision care.
I felt incredibly lucky to have a support network of experienced women willing to share their insights, both good and bad. Their advice provided me with a foundation for what to expect and how to nurture the little miracle I was about to welcome into the world.
When it was finally time to bring my baby home, I felt equipped with wisdom to guide me through the inevitable moments of uncertainty. However, there was one crucial piece of advice that no one imparted to me: the importance of taking care of myself.
This isn’t just about needing personal time or asking for help when I felt overwhelmed. It’s much simpler than that. No one urged me to prioritize my physical well-being.
Sure, I heard the ubiquitous phrase, “Sleep when the baby sleeps,” countless times, and I made it a point to follow that advice. But sleep is just a small fraction of self-care. Friends and family showered me with suggestions for caring for my baby, yet no one reminded me to tend to my own basic needs during those exhausting first weeks.
Nobody warned me that I might lose my appetite, captivated by the sight of my peacefully sleeping infant. I didn’t realize I could forget to hydrate myself while being so enchanted and sleep-deprived. I became so consumed by love and care for my newborn that I neglected my own survival needs, and it took a toll.
A week after my son was born, I found myself in the emergency room receiving fluids for dehydration. I hadn’t prioritized my own health, and as a result, I struggled to care for my newborn.
My sister, Sarah, is now just weeks away from welcoming her own baby boy, and I’m eager to share everything I’ve learned from my experience. Most importantly, I’m going to ensure she hears the advice that was missing from my journey: she must take care of herself for both her and her son’s well-being.
For more helpful insights, check out our post on the importance of self-care during motherhood at this link. Additionally, if you’re looking for reliable resources on pregnancy and home insemination, Healthline is an excellent choice. If you’re considering at-home insemination, visit Make A Mom for their well-reviewed syringe kits.
Summary:
As a new mom, the advice I received was plentiful, yet one vital piece was missing: the importance of self-care. While I was saturated with tips on how to care for my baby, I neglected my own physical needs, which ultimately affected my ability to care for my child. It’s crucial for new moms to remember that taking care of themselves is just as important as nurturing their little ones.
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