While you can certainly delve into the works of parenting experts or books that claim to prepare you for the unexpected, in reality, you only need a few key insights as a new mother. Here’s what you should know:
1. Let Go of the Mess
Everything can be tossed if it’s had enough exposure to baby vomit. Handmade gifts from friends and family are lovely—those quilts adorned with unicorns or blankets crafted from vintage fabrics may be treasures. However, when your sweet little one decides to decorate these creations with bodily fluids, it’s best to say goodbye. Seriously, just bag it up and move on. Depending on whether your child has started solids, you might decide to burn it instead.
2. Seize Every Chance to Nap
It’s a well-known fact that a new mother desperately needs rest. The advice to catch as many Z’s as possible is truly invaluable. Naps can be scarce, so learn to use “life hacks” to your advantage. For example, you don’t need to boil the pacifier every time it hits the floor. Eventually, you’ll stop worrying about sanitizing it altogether—why not start now?
And when your partner promises to take the midnight shift but then snoozes through it, hang in there. He’s not genuinely asleep; he just prefers to stay in bed. You can play this game too. Meanwhile, your baby will likely doze off again.
3. Use Your New Status to Avoid Social Engagements
Remember, having a new baby is your golden ticket to avoiding social engagements. Use the “baby is sick” excuse liberally; no one will question you. Who would dare criticize a mother for caring for her ailing child? Not even your Aunt Edna will be angry if you skip her seventh wedding because of your sick infant.
4. Prepare for a Whirlwind of Emotions
Prepare for a whirlwind of emotions. If you return to work and someone remarks, “Wow! Are you expecting again?” resist the urge to take drastic action against them. Yes, it’s a ridiculous comment, but your baby needs you, and you don’t want to create unnecessary drama. People can be thoughtless, especially towards a new mom who’s dealing with a surge of hormones. Be ready for it and try not to let their insensitivity get to you. You can always entertain fantasies of their downfall later.
5. Remember Your Partner is Adjusting Too
Don’t forget, your partner is also experiencing the challenges of parenthood. While he may not be physically recovering from childbirth or dealing with hormonal shifts, he’s adjusting too. Avoid smothering him in his sleep and try to keep the eye-rolling to a minimum to save yourself a headache.
6. Embrace the Chaos
Let go of the small worries, and take a big step back. If your baby has been in plain white onesies for two weeks while their closet is bursting with cute outfits, so what? Babies don’t care. And chances are your husband won’t notice any more than he would if you changed your hair color to plaid. Embrace the chaos; your home may smell like a mix of “diaper pail” and “baby lotion,” but that’s perfectly fine.
7. Allow Yourself to Feel
If you find yourself weeping over spilled breast milk, let it out. Sometimes, it’s too tiring to fight back the tears. You’ll find your way back to your normal self eventually, and then you can save those tears for more pressing matters, like romantic comedies or hilarious YouTube videos.
8. Trust Your Instincts
As you embark on this parenting journey, you’ll be bombarded with advice—some useful, some not so much. You’ll encounter old wives’ tales and feel overwhelmed by the latest parenting trends. Amidst all this noise, remember: no one knows your baby better than you do. No amount of reading or advice from family will change that fact.
So, go ahead and steal some much-needed rest.
For further insights on navigating parenthood and tips on home insemination, check out this resource on fertility treatment. And if you’re curious about tools to assist with insemination, take a look at this blog post.
In summary, embrace the madness of motherhood, prioritize your rest, and remember that your intuition is your best guide.