Babies are the absolute best, y’all. I swear, I melt every time I see one smile. Yet, as cute as they are, having a little one isn’t for the faint of heart. Sure, folks can read books to try and prepare, but those books don’t tell you everything. Here are some surprising things that every first-time mom should know to make her experience a little easier.
It’s Okay To Feel Overwhelmed
For starters, women don’t need to beat themselves for being stressed out. I can’t tell y’all how many nights I spent crying in the bathroom when my infants wouldn’t go to sleep. And that’s perfectly okay! You don’t need to be supermom 24/7. Rely on those around you when you need help, and don’t be afraid to let folks know how you’re feeling. The more honest you are, the less alone you’ll feel. Also, try to remember that, in between the crying and pooping, you get to enjoy lots of smiles and laughter.
The Baby Clothes Dilemma
Y’all, I’ll be the first to admit that I buy way too many baby clothes for my pregnant friends. If you’re like me, pay attention to the sizes you’re buying because it’s shocking how quickly babies outgrow their clothing. Believe it or not, the average infant goes up a size every ten weeks, so it doesn’t make sense to buy drawers full of newborn clothing that’ll they’ll never have a chance to wear. You’ll need a range of sizes so that your little ones have something to wear all year round.
Your Body, Your Timeline
Ladies, we all wish our bodies would go right back to normal after giving birth. However, the reality is that everyone’s different. Some women drop their baby weight instantly, and some gals’ bodies are never the same—either case is perfectly acceptable. Don’t put too much stress on yourself to rush back to the gym. If you’re really concerned about your health, speak to a physician to develop a healthy plan. The worst thing you can do is stress out about your appearance when you could be getting baby snuggles!
Hopefully, these surprising things every first-time mom should know help lessen your anxieties. I get it; having a baby is one of the most important things you’ll ever do. Yet, if you spend too much time worrying about the little things, you’ll miss out on precious moments you wish you had back. So take lots of pictures and enjoy cuddles while you can. Before you know it, you’ll have a teenager on your hands.