So I've prepared for this moment to come. Yes, even before I've conceived, I've already daydreamed of holding our precious bundle of joy in my arms.
I've done my researched and made arrangements. But, wow, the things I've learned went out the window the moment our baby arrived. My husband, Gideon, even commented that my face looked blank a few weeks after we left the hospital. Haha!
I love being a mom, it's beautiful to finally be able to kiss and hold our inheritance from the Lord. At the same time, it's also overwhelming. Here I've listed the 5 things I wasn't prepared for becoming a mom for the first time.
Dress from ASOS Maternity
1. Hourly Feedings and Sleepless Nights
The first month is especially hard as our minds and bodies adjust to the demands of parenthood. I wasn't prepared for the hourly feedings. Sleep has become a precious commodity during our son's early days. Thank God it got better.
At 7 weeks our little boy started to sleep longer stretches. We also came up with a schedule to manage our time efficiently. Shout out to my husband for going hand in hand with me on this beautiful journey.
2. Breastfeeding. It's hard and painful.
I wasn't able to breastfeed our son successfully. Gosh, it's sooo painful. (And this happens while your body is recovering from childbirth.)
By the way, my labor took 35 hours long. NO medical intervention for the first 30 hours 'til I've decided to transfer to the hospital to have a CS. This boy wouldn't come out even though I'm fully dilated. Anyway, that's another story for another time. ;)
So after days and days of trying to make him latch, we both decided to pump. (I'm really thankful to be alive in this day and age where choices abound.) Let's just say, my pain tolerance has maxed out!
3. Baby handling -- I might break the baby!
I was really scared to carry my baby for the first 2 weeks. It's been 4 months since then, and I got better.
4. The small details worry you: from poops to rashes.
I guess I checked him way too much. Rashes, nasal congestion, vaccines... oh, and even poops worries you.
I remember one time when his thumbnail got infected from over trimming. I researched the net far and wide for a solution.
I got scared when I read that I'll have to puncture that yellowish/greenish thing from the infected area to drain. Well, turns out, there's a better solution by soaking the infected area in warm water and Epsom salt.
5. Postpartum Depression is real.
All I could say is... it's a dark and difficult phase to go through postpartum. The thing is, I can't fully express into words what I'm feeling inside. I had thoughts that shouldn't be there in the first place. And cried and cried whenever.
Don't take PPD lightly. A strong support system is very important. If you know of someone going through postpartum depression or you yourself are going through it, please don't hesitate to ask for help. And never give up looking.
What helped me through PPD is the daily washing of God's Word, prayer and sharing what I'm going through to the people who (won't brush me aside), but help me get back on my feet.
As a first-time mom/parent, what things surprised you when your baby arrived? Would love to know them too in the comment section below.