Hello, future moms! Are you counting down the days until you meet your little miracle? You absolutely should be, because welcoming a new life is a profound experience that will stay with you forever. While becoming a mother is a beautiful journey, it’s also a total game-changer in ways you might not expect—even in your wildest dreams or darkest fears.
The thrilling experience of new motherhood is often defined by a mix of awe and anxiety. I adore my child and cherish the role of being a mom, but let’s be real: those early days can be quite challenging. Sometimes, I find myself reminiscing about “my old life” and missing aspects of it. Before you find yourself in a sleep-deprived haze, where a wild night out involves a trip to the pharmacy in your pajamas, consider tackling these seven things while you still can.
1. Catch a Movie in Theaters
Make it a point to see a film on the big screen. Go late in the evening and savor the privilege of staying up past 10 p.m. Indulge in popcorn, peanut M&Ms, and a Diet Coke. This may be your last chance for a movie night for quite a while—at least until the next animated blockbuster hits theaters.
2. Enjoy That Extra Hour of Daylight Saving Time
You know that blissful feeling when you get to “fall back” in November and score an extra hour of sleep? Savor it now, because soon enough, daylight saving time will become a dreaded event, heralding the arrival of a fussy baby who insists on waking at 4 a.m. and stubbornly refuses to adjust for weeks. Just wait until you realize how sleep-deprived you’ll truly be!
3. Relish the Privacy of Bathroom Breaks
What do you mean, “by yourself”? I thought that was a given—until I had a child! Recently, while I was in the bathroom, my 4-year-old burst in for a hug while I was mid-wipe. Trust me, once you have kids, privacy in the bathroom becomes a distant memory. This includes all bodily functions, so be prepared!
4. Sleep In on Weekends
One thing I learned after becoming a parent is that babies don’t understand weekends. They wake up at the same time, 7 days a week, completely disregarding your plans for a leisurely Saturday lie-in. No more cozy mornings spent reading or brunching; those days are over.
5. Run Errands Solo
You may wonder what I mean by this, but trust me, a trip to the store will soon feel like an endurance test. Packing the diaper bag for a quick errand will feel like preparing for an expedition. And maneuvering a stroller while hoping for no diaper blowouts? You’ll miss the days of shopping alone!
6. Get Intimate When You Want
If you’re like I was before motherhood, early mornings were for the birds. But once you’re a parent, early rising becomes the norm, effectively eliminating spontaneous morning intimacy. Forget about afternoon delights, too; your time will be consumed with cleaning, soothing, or simply trying to catch a nap. Just remember, intimacy will return after you heal and your baby starts sleeping longer stretches—don’t count the weeks; it’s just too disheartening.
7. Embrace Your Selfish Side
Once you have a child, life starts to revolve around them. It’s a huge shift from a time when your career, appearance, and social life were your main focus. Adjusting to this new reality can be tough, but it’s something you’ll learn to navigate over the years.
Moms-to-be, while I don’t want to induce panic, I do want to prepare you for the realities of motherhood. A wise friend once told me that you never truly realize how deep your love for someone can go until you have a child. Despite the long days and occasional longing for your pre-baby life, the love you’ll feel for your child will far outweigh any challenges. Their smiles, laughter, and those peaceful moments while they sleep can make you consider doing it all over again—against your better judgment.
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Summary
While preparing for motherhood, take advantage of the freedom you have now—enjoy movie nights, sleep-ins, and privacy while you can. The transition to a life centered around your child will be significant, but the love and joy you experience will outweigh the challenges.