Are you a first time mom asking yourself “what is even happening?” IF SO then his blog is for you. You are not alone <3
Are you starting from no experience with a child?
When I was pregnant with my first child had absolutely ZERO idea what I was in for. I was the youngest sibling in my family AND the youngest cousin on both sides. I had never been around babies, changed diapers, or realized how life-altering it would actually be to become a parent. On top of having my son, I was also DETERMINED to continue running my business FULL SPEED, because I am a woman and I am strong.
When you are trying to balance it all
So there I was postpartum breastfeeding, running a business, and completely in the weeds of mom-ing. I had travel plans for work while breastfeeding and was just in the thick of not fully being aware of the changes in my body, my brain, my marriage, my relationships, and my business.
I don’t say this to scare ANYONE. My son also did not cry, but screamed his first year of life. I’m saying this to say if you are going through any of these “what is even happening” moments, YOU ARE NOT ALONE.
Is it better to know all this before hand? Or to just deal with it as it comes?
I don’t believe in moms walking around saying “just wait until”. You know the moms I’m talking about. I feel like it’s one warning after the other, but honestly I don’t fully blame them because they are all right… “just wait.” I do however wish I had an understanding of what was to come, but can you even describe it?
5 things I wish I understood before becoming a mom:
- It’s Okay to Ask for Help: This was hard for me because I wanted to do it all on my own. I also had no desire to have my husband do any of it. I struggled with PPA and didn’t want anyone to hold my baby. HOWEVER, the more I did it, the more comfortable I felt with it.
- Awareness of Postpartum Mental Health: Understanding that postpartum depression and anxiety are common and recognizing the symptoms can help you seek support early if needed. I DID NOT see it in myself. My mother and husband both brought it to my attention, and I could not see it. So if someone close to you that you trust says it, it may be time to consider and seek out support.
- Self-Care is Vital: It’s easy to focus solely on your baby’s needs, but neglecting your own well-being can lead to burnout. Take time to rest, eat, and engage in things that recharge you. Shower, change your clothes, put on makeup, move your body, brush your teeth (lol). You are worth it, mama, and you will be better for it!
- Parenting is like trying to hit a moving target: No one expects you to have all the answers right away. You’ll make mistakes and learn from them. AND WHEN YOU FIGURE IT OUT – they change. So you’ll never fully have a grasp on anything ever again. LOL do I sound like one of those Mothers?
- Mom Guilt is a bitch: Many mothers experience guilt over various decisions, from feeding choices to work-life balance. Remember that you’re doing your best, and it’s okay to prioritize your own happiness and needs. REMEMBER – if you want your child to take care of themselves and love themselves one day we MUST show them not just say it.
BONUS: THE MOST IMPORTANT THING THAT I WISH I UNDERSTOOD:
You are doing an amazing job: if no one told you today or ever, you are an amazing mom, you are doing your best and your love for your child is unmatched and unwavering. I know it can seem scary sometimes, and so life altering but just remember you have also given birth to entirely new you… Just like we give our babies time to learn and grow, maybe we can give ourselves the same grace.