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by Isabella Thompson
Updated: July 24, 2017
Originally Published: April 1, 2016
Reporting from the whirlwind of the newborn phase: my little one is just 12 days old. Time has become a blur, with days and nights merging into one, and I haven’t stepped outside in what feels like ages. I can’t recall my last shower, meal, or even where I last placed my slippers or sanity.
Yet, oddly enough, I find myself appreciating this sleep-deprived phase. Perhaps it’s the exhaustion talking? Most likely. But here are a few reasons why I’m feeling this way.
Finding Joy in the Chaos
When else in my life is it socially acceptable to dedicate all my energy, day and night, to nurturing a tiny human?
How often do I savor the rich aroma of freshly brewed coffee in the morning like I do now?
That messy topknot on my head is becoming a signature look.
And I must say, my “post-baby” figure has its charms. Sure, I know these changes won’t last forever, but for now? They’re undeniably impressive.
My current wardrobe consists of mismatched, oversized clothes, but I couldn’t care less—there’s no dress code for this all-consuming job, and thankfully, my baby isn’t judging me (at least not yet; my older child might be giving me the side-eye).
My skin, particularly my face, is thanking me for the break from makeup, enjoying the chance to breathe.
The kind words from friends and family warm my heart, especially from those who understand my journey. Just this morning, one of my closest friends brought over freshly baked muffins, which I devoured guilt-free before they even had time to cool.
At this point, no one expects more from me, and if they do, I genuinely don’t care. I’m not functioning at my best during the day, but I’m also not planning to drive or operate heavy machinery—my body needs to recuperate anyway.
I find comfort in the fact that no one minds if I mistakenly place my hair ties in the fridge, wear my shirt backward, or ponder absurd questions like why my baby isn’t purring like my cat. These quirky thoughts are just part of the package.
The Beauty of Being Present
Ultimately, the greatest aspect of this phase is that I have nowhere else to be but here.
These late-night feedings often feel like an intimate world shared between just the two of us, where my only responsibility is to care for this little being who, much like me, has no place to rush off to. He is unaware of the outside world, and he doesn’t care—it’s just us.
I can hear the house settling around us and the soft sounds of him nursing. If I concentrate, I can even sense my own emotions swirling, a mixture of anxiety and the remnants of tension from pregnancy.
But still, I have nowhere else to be but here.
I marvel at how fortunate I am to have a roof over my head and a warm bed to retreat to after those long nights. I may not have it all figured out, but I am profoundly grateful for this moment.
During my hospital stay, a lovely nurse named Rosa visited while I was nursing. With her soothing Italian accent, she offered practical advice, reminding me to keep my baby close for effective feeding. “He’s a smart boy,” she said, “make him work for it.” Her words resonated with me: “After all, it’s the best place in the whole world.”
She is absolutely right. As I cradle my baby during those quiet hours, I realize we truly have nowhere else to be but here, and it is indeed the best place to be.
Resources for New Parents
For anyone seeking information on home insemination, you can check out our article on the Cryobaby home insemination kit, which provides valuable insights. Additionally, for those considering the costs and success rates of ovulation induction, this resource is a great place to start. And for comprehensive support on pregnancy and home insemination, visit Mount Sinai’s infertility resources.
In summary, while the newborn stage can be challenging, it also offers unique moments of connection and gratitude that are truly unparalleled.