As I embarked on my first pregnancy journey, I was bombarded with a multitude of clichés about motherhood, especially concerning the challenging newborn phase. New mothers are often inundated with warnings—sleep deprivation until the child reaches kindergarten, the inability to shower for days on end, and the likelihood of consuming neglected leftovers while juggling the demands of a crying infant. Indeed, the newborn stage can be overwhelming, and many of the unsolicited pieces of advice I received turned out to be quite accurate. My initial meals consisted of hasty bites of various snack bars while caring for a baby who insisted on waking every couple of hours.
While I did find myself reflecting on simpler times during those initial blurry months, some of the common beliefs about early motherhood simply didn’t apply to my experience. Here are three postpartum “guidelines” that I challenged and found great benefit in:
1. No Showers for New Moms
This is perhaps the most frequently cited guideline of new motherhood—the notion that new moms simply don’t have time to shower. As I approached the end of my pregnancy, I prepared myself to abandon my daily shower routine. However, I was pleasantly surprised when just two hours after giving birth, I found myself enjoying a refreshing shower. The next day, while my baby underwent routine checks, I managed to sneak in another shower and even apply some makeup.
When we returned home, I continued this practice, finding that even a couple of minutes alone in the shower was rejuvenating. Though not every shower felt luxurious, those brief moments of self-care helped me tackle the challenges of motherhood with a clearer mind. If you can carve out even two minutes, you too can enjoy the refreshing benefits of a shower.
2. House Cleaning is Off-Limits
Another common guideline suggests that new mothers should let household chores slide during those chaotic early weeks. If cleaning isn’t your forte or if you have ample support, then absolutely let those dishes pile up without guilt. However, if you’re like me and the sight of a messy home causes anxiety, don’t hesitate to bring out the cleaning supplies.
For me, tidying up created a sense of normalcy amid the chaos of motherhood. A clean space provided comfort during those exhausting days, and I found joy in fresh sheets and a tidy kitchen. It helped me feel more in control when everything else felt topsy-turvy.
3. Exercise is Forbidden
While this guideline has some merit—since postpartum healing varies greatly depending on the individual—it’s important to recognize that staying active can be beneficial. I maintained a regular exercise routine for years before my son’s arrival, and once I received medical clearance, I gradually eased back into physical activity.
A few weeks postpartum, I began taking walks, and within a month, I was back at the gym. Even if it meant squeezing in ten minutes of exercise while my baby napped, I prioritized movement as a way to maintain my identity and well-being during this transitional phase.
In conclusion, many common beliefs about early motherhood are not as strict as they seem. New mothers will face challenges and changes that they cannot fully grasp until they embark on this journey. The most significant takeaway is to disregard these so-called rules and remain true to oneself. For more insights on navigating the postpartum phase and other topics, check out this link for our related blog post on home insemination. Additionally, explore this resource for valuable information on postpartum care kits. If you’re seeking more about fertility and insurance, this guide is an excellent resource.