I wanted to document some of the lessons I've learned in my vast amount of time as a mommy. Ha. I hope this will be informational and an encouragement to mamas-to-be.
Lesson #1: You will learn how prideful you are.
Maybe this doesn't apply to you, but it was honestly shocking to me. I already knew I was a prideful person, but I didn't realize how much until having a child. I like the house to be presentable, the bed made, and the kitchen sink empty. I don't like asking for help. I want to do it all. Sometimes, it's just not possible. I've learned spending time with Henry is more important and that the bed can wait. People generally understand that the house will not be spotless. I ask Brett for help with the house, Piper, and Henry. He willingly does it. When my mom or Brett's mom are around, I ask them to watch Henry so I can enjoy my coffee or take a shower. There is nothing they would rather do than hold Henry. They also know what they are doing. I mean, Brett and I turned out pretty well. Basically, I need to let go of some of my unrealistic expectations that I need to do everything for everyone.
Lesson #2: Don't be embarrassed by your baby crying in public.
This goes along with Lesson #1. There have been two instances where I have taken Henry in public, and he has just cried. I fed and changed him before going out, but he still cried. I was so embarrassed, thinking that everyone around me would think that I was a bad mom because I didn't have the perfect child. Get a grip, Sara! He is a baby. Babies cry. People didn't judge me, but instead gave me a look of understanding. It was only me that was giving me a hard time. I need to learn to lighten up on myself.
Lesson #3: Breast milk digests fast. Like, faster than me writing this sentence.
I knew that I would go through a lot of diapers with Henry, but I didn't realize how much. I didn't know that in the first month, Henry would poop while he was eating. That is how quickly babies can digest breast milk. I had to ask the doctor if that was unusual. She said that was a great sign that he was getting enough to eat and that it was completely normal. It was and is frustrating when he has been awake a while, I change his diaper, feed him, and while he's eating, he poops again. He still does it sometimes at almost two months, but definitely not as much. I just have to remind myself that this many diapers is a good sign that he is getting the food he needs.
Lesson #4: Try to take a shower every day.
I cannot stress this enough. I heard this from one of the girls in my Sunday School class and didn't realize how important it would be. Now I do. I felt so gross from all of the things coming out of me after delivery and all the changes my body was going through. Lots of people say to sleep when your baby sleeps, but I say to take a shower during one of those naps. Even now, it makes me feel less disgusting and more human. So, so important.
Lesson #5: Your body may not bounce back like what you expect or hear. That's OK.
You may be blessed with a body that bounces back the next day. I'm not. I'm going to say it. I gained between 45 and 55 pounds during pregnancy, depending on what you count as my pre-pregnancy weight. Given that I'm breastfeeding, the first 30 came off pretty easy. The rest is a work in progress. I'm just now getting to the point where I feel like I can do some exercising (needless to say, the aftermath of labor has been tough on my body). The stretch marks don't do away quickly. I have actually gotten more in some places (thank you breastfeeding). I'm learning that it's alright that I don't fit into my old jeans yet. I'm enjoying spending time with my new buddy. The time goes by too quickly to be worried about losing every single pound right now.
Hope you enjoyed my first five lessons of being a mama and that it was beneficial to some of you. Stay tuned for my next five!
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