By Celine Villadares
Transition to motherhood is one of the many beautiful privileges that a woman has been endowed with. It is also one of those moments when we, as women, enter the state of many different new experiences from within ourselves to the extension of the outside. Here are a few helpful tips of what to expect as you enter a new stage in your womanhood to become a mother.
Expectation vs. Reality:
Sure, you probably enrolled in pregnancy classes to learn a few techniques on how to handle each terms of pregnancy; it would even probably make you more confident since you are aware of what’s about to happen. However, once the baby comes out, you would realize that what you have prepared for would not always be as predictable as it would be. Now, don’t get me wrong. Classes would definitely be helpful, but there would be circumstances that require much more. Being a mother is physically demanding, from the start of pregnancy to caring for the baby. But, don’t worry; you’ll learn more as you go along! 🙂
Moods and Range of Emotions:
This has been evident for most women even during their single-hood, so expect that as you enter your motherhood, hormones and moods might spike up and down. Now, that’s normal within specified time. Taking care of a newborn baby is definitely exhausting; sometimes you go without sleep (that’s fine, savor those precious moments with your newborn). Due to the present situation you are in, you might get a bit grumpy towards your husband or gets shorter patience towards others. Get the help of your husband to this and talk to him on how he can help you with responsibilities around the house and maybe, he can make some sweet gestures to make you feel much better everyday.
Much Less “Me” Time:
As much as you needed some break from the exhausting (night) mommy duty, you would find yourself unable to leave your newborn even when you are given the opportunity. Things that must be done and prepared for would keep running in your mind and you won’t help it but worry every time you go for some time off. Regardless, take the helping hand from those lovely trusted people who offer to look after your baby; remember, you must be take care of yourself too. Being healthy physically, mentally and emotionally is your gift to your family.
Restrictions:
As a new mother, you would feel some restrictions frustrating. First, physically, you would feel that you only tend to the baby’s needs and nothing else; then comes the choices of food intake. After giving birth, there are certain food and supplements that you must take in order to provide healthy milk for your baby. And let’s not forget about the changes in lifestyle! You won’t be able to hangout with friends as much as you please, rather your friends might just visit often to see how you are with your new role as a mother. But be at peace, all these would be temporary! Again, just think that these would pass and you can never bring back the precious time of your child being a newborn.
There would be many other possibilities of adapting to your new role as a mother, but never forget that as you go on your journey, your husband would always be with you. As to help you when things get overwhelmingly difficult. Consider your support system too, your immediate family, in-laws and friends would be more than happy to assist you and cherish your mommy-baby moments.
