What’s it like being a new mother? That’s a question I’ve been asked a lot lately. It’s been 6 weeks since I had the baby, and I’ve had ample time to reflect on how motherhood has treated me thusfar. Motherhood is rewarding yet tiring, heartwarming yet frustrating at times, new and unexpected in some ways and routine-like in others. But that’s just the tip of the iceberg. Below that response lies a whole mountain of emotions and experiences that one goes through as a mother on a daily basis. Bottom line? There’s no short and simple response that easily sums up this rollercoaster ride. So instead, I’ve taken to saying, “Oh, it feels good”, a response that is succinct but also kind of meaningless. After all, not everyone wants to hear the minutiae of motherhood (especially those who don’t have babies and trust me, I used to be one of them). But a blog is your forum to share your thoughts and opinions, isn’t it? And even if it’s a lonely one, so be it. So here is a list of some revelations, surprises, and clichés that I have found motherhood to be...
- It’s true what they say – you really do experience “love at first sight” the moment you lay eyes on your baby. It was surreal and exciting to finally meet the tiny person that I had carried inside me for 9 months
- A lot of things with regards to caring for a baby are not as easy as one might believe. Nobody tells you this stuff but things like putting a baby to sleep, breastfeeding, and learning what their different cries mean takes work and patience!
- I have new found respect and appreciation for my mother. Or any mother for that matter
- I am incessantly looking up things on the internet - Is my baby’s poop color normal? Does my baby sleep enough? How do I make my baby nap more? My baby just sneezed – does he have a cold? Why does he hiccup so much? Does my baby have colic?
- Unfortunately, I’ve had to experience the meaning of projectile pooping and blowouts (I’ll spare you the details)
- Motherhood teaches you efficiency. I’ve always considered myself to be an efficient multitasker but now, I’m an awesomely efficient multitasker. Baby’s taking a nap? Let me clean the house, take a shower, bake some cookies, respond to some emails, and run to the post office in that window of time. #TrueStory
- I relish the moments where I’m doing my own thing without the baby in tow, whether it’s meeting up with friends or going for a run. But when I’m done, I’m just as eager to get back and see my baby because I’ve missed him.
To all the moms out there, can you relate? What are your thoughts? To all the not-yet-moms out there, now you have the answer to your question!
Gosh..u r certainly a very efficient multi tasker..and you have the cutest baby I have seen lately. Love the way you have taken his pics...n he definitely has his daddy's looks. :)
ReplyDeleteKeep smiling.
Aditi
So-Saree
www.sosaree.blogspot.in
Hi Aditi, thank you so much for your comments on the blog. Always look forward to hearing from you. And btw, I agree - I think the baby takes after my husband as well! :)
DeleteWhat a cutie! And yep - gotta agree with all your comments. I was like that too - I'd be on Google at 2am worrying that my baby was grunting in his sleep or that he hadn't pooped in 3 days. Google is my friend :)
ReplyDeleteMy baby boy is now 7 months and trust me, it DOES get better and you will eventually find some time for yourself (although whether you still feel like wearing a bra is totally up to you. For me, it's still optional most days :P)