Dear Son,
A time will come when you and your partner embark on the incredible journey of parenthood. I want to share some insights about this miraculous yet challenging experience that you both will navigate together.
Please take a moment to absorb these thoughts, and keep them close for reference during those intense moments. While every woman’s experience is unique, I’ll highlight key points that I believe will be particularly relevant to your beloved partner. This journey into parenthood will be unlike anything you’ve encountered before.
Understanding the Changes
First and foremost, understand that the person you once knew will evolve in ways you can’t fully comprehend. Pregnancy transforms women. Accept this change wholeheartedly and be ready to adapt alongside her. Daily, and sometimes hourly, she may feel like a different person. You’ll need to embrace this shift as part of your relationship’s evolution. Two significant factors will influence her thoughts and emotions: her hormonal changes and her instinctual drive to protect her growing baby. You won’t truly grasp this, so please resist the urge to claim that you do.
Expect Her to:
- Experience cravings for unusual foods, often demanding them immediately.
- Navigate a whirlwind of emotions, feeling joy, sadness, and frustration simultaneously.
- Be consumed by plans for the future, which might lead to anxiety.
- Shift her focus to her own needs and her baby’s, sometimes to the detriment of your relationship.
- Cry more frequently than you might expect.
- Be irritable over minor inconveniences.
- Alternate between love and frustration toward you in rapid succession.
Physical Changes
Additionally, be prepared for the physical changes she will undergo. Her body will change significantly, and while weight gain is expected, it’s important to avoid comments about her appearance. Instead, shower her with compliments, even if she reacts defensively.
Common physical discomforts may include headaches, back pain, nausea, fatigue, leg cramps, and more. Some issues, like hemorrhoids, may persist long after delivery. Respect her boundaries, especially regarding physical affection—those once inviting moments may be off-limits for a while.
Be Supportive
Throughout this nine-month journey, you must remain steadfast and supportive. Remember, complaining is not an option.
Reflecting on my own experience, I remember the moments when your father truly shone: when he comforted me during my emotional spirals, held my hair back while I vomited, and stayed awake with me through restless nights. His patience and understanding were invaluable.
There were things I wished he had done as well, like helping me with certain physical tasks or simply being more present during those trying times.
Final Thoughts
Son, if you take away anything from this letter, remember to know her favorite foods and flowers—they can change at a moment’s notice. Bring them home often.
Wishing you all the best in this new chapter.
Love,
Mom