When I was pregnant, I heard all of the unsolicited advice out there. It seemed like no matter who I was talking to, they were spewing out info from every angle, and it was all different. From birth experiences to advice about what to do if my baby came down with a fever — I heard it all as a new mom.
Then I had my first son, and believe or not, I hear even more unsolicited advice. Yikes. I felt like a creature on display for the world to see.
Someone always had something to say to me about how I was mothering my baby, but nobody wanted to tell me what I truly needed to hear.
I wondered if something was seriously wrong with me because the greatest days of my life felt anything but spectacular– I was exhausted, anxious, and second-guessing myself with everything I was doing.
Now that I’m a mom times two (and somewhat of a seasoned mother) I’d like to pass on my mothering wisdom to the new mamas out there; four things I wish I would’ve heard before walking into the path of motherhood.
1. It’s all temporary.
The late nights that turn into early mornings, the exhaustion, frustrations the stages and phases– it’s not forever. One day, it will get easier….you will get rest and a shower (eventually.) You will make it through the sleep regressions, breastfeeding struggles and teething. You will get your baby on a somewhat decent schedule and have time for yourself again. Right now, you may be deep in the trenches of motherhood but just know that this is all temporary. And as cliché as it may sound: you will miss these moments someday.
2. It’s normal.
You may be dealing with a lot of emotions and feel some type of way. Let me reassure you on this: you’re okay. Postpartum emotions are totally normal; the baby blues are totally normal and so is postpartum depression. If you believe that it’s not the baby blues and you are struggling, reach out for help! It’s there. Talk to your partner, a friend, your doctor…someone. It’s okay to feel sad, angry, frustrated. It’s okay to feel overwhelmed and even guilty. It’s okay to not love this whole mothering-thing at the moment…it’s normal.
