My oldest child is now 17. One year left before he's a legal adult. As cliche as it sounds, it truly does feel like just yesterday I was feeding him in the middle of the night, then potty training, and then signing him up for Kindergarten.
That first year as a mom was hard. Bless my heart, I had no idea what I was doing. No first time mom knows what she's doing! Here's what I wish I had known when I first became a mom:
- Babies need fed, changed, and loved. You don't have to do it on a schedule just because your friend does. Feed, change, love. That's it.
- You WILL sleep again, but it will be a few years.
- You will also eventually be able to walk and stand without pain but it's going to be awhile. Also. You'll bleed for every second of those 6 weeks postpartum. Your friend who felt the need to tell you that she only bled for 3? Uh...you're not going to be that lucky.
- You can shove ice inside baby diapers and wear it as a pad. This is both horrifying and wonderful. You're welcome.
- Breastfeeding is great. Formula feeding is great. Do what works for you and your baby and tell everyone else to bug off.
- The sacrifices that you're making for this baby right now? The pain of those? You won't regret them 17 years later.
- Some poop stains will not come out. Throw away the outfit.
If you're a new mom: Hang in there!
If you're in the teen-trenches with me: *raises solidarity fist*
