Hello Everyone, I’m Kristy aka Mommy in Pink. I’ll be writing a series of articles every week here called Pinked Out: Adventures in Motherhood! Before we get into all of that though, let me tell you a little bit about myself…
I’m a wannabe aspiring writer that loves all things associated with Fashion, Fitness, French Culture and Fun! I am a wife and mommy to a little princess, “Elle est belle,” which translates in French to “She is Beautiful.”
You can find me most days at www.mommyinpink.com, where I blog about my life(the good, the bad and the funny) as a new mommy! I enjoy things that make me laugh, I’m a little sarcastic and I’m not afraid to speak my mind! So brace yourselves, because you’re in for some fun reading and hopefully a lot of laughs!
Okay…now that we’ve got the introduction out of the way, here is my first installment of Pinked Out…
I’m a Mommy, Now What?
I’m sure most of you can agree that when you are pregnant, there is so much anticipation and anxiety for that moment when you are finally able to hold that precious child in your arms. I’m talking about all of the emotions involved as you await the final outcome of that 9 (actually10) month adventure we call pregnancy! Then once that long awaited day arrives and you give birth(specifically, if you are a first time mommy), you are left with the feeling of ”What the heck am I supposed to do now?” After all, you’ve been over this very moment in your head a million times..you go into labor(pain free of course),the baby comes out in perfect working order, and you smile, kiss your husband, laugh, swaddle your precious child and everyone lives happily ever after! You don’t think about the after-pains, the jelly donut around your waist or the 6 weeks or more it takes to feel somewhat normal again. Not to mention the out-of-control hormones, hair falling out, or the stockpile of pads you keep for that wonderful parting gift called “Lochia.”
- “Is she supposed to sleep so much?”
- “What do I do, if she stops breathing?”
- “How many poops is she supposed to have in a day?”
- “What do I do if she gets sick?”
- “When can I give her a bath?”
- “My nipples are cracked and bleeding, what do I do?”
- “Hi, it’s me again…I can’t wake her up, all she wants to do is sleep..I’m concerned, any suggestions?”
- “Is it possible to have uterine prolapse, because I feel weird down there?”
My midwife must have thought I was nuts that first week postpartum…because looking back, I really sounded that way! Completely clueless and a little on the Obsessive Compulsive side..don’t you think?
I don’t care what anyone says, absolutely nothing can prepare you for the task of motherhood. You can read a million books and listen to other mother’s advice all day long, but you never really know until you experience it for yourself. After all, I thought that motherhood was something of fairy-tales…remember? Who would of thought that I’d now sleep with one eye open, not give a rip if I was covered in baby vomit and would struggle daily at getting back into shape. Everyone always told me that if you breastfeed, the weight should just… and I quote… “melt right off”…NOT! I can’t even begin to tell you how wrong that assumption was for me. Although I’ve lost a lot of weight, I by no means have lost it all. I’m still waiting on that so called “melting” stage to kick in. HA…what a joke!
So if you’re a new mommy and are left with the feeling of “Now What?” Let me tell you sister, you are not alone! Don’t let anyone fool you, no one has a clue at first. I say just take everyone’s advice with a grain of salt, because in all reality, you have to do what works for you and your baby. Whether that’s bottle or breast, crib or co-sleep , sling or stroller….everyone has their own unique challenges! In the end, we all strive to be good parents and that’s all that really matters, isn’t it?
My husband always says that I become paranoid when I’m pregnant and a mother of a newborn. Is he pooping enough, is he pooping too much…why is he breathing that way… It’s crazy.
OH HOW TRUE ALL THAT IS! Even as vet mommy it can sometimes be very overwhelming and feels 10X more than the first until they get older and start to understand each other and how things will be working. *lightbulb* gotta go start post… LOL thanks.
I always thought those books made it WORSE!!
What a complete truth article!
Thank you for sharing
hehe.. you know I can’t relate.. the stork forgot to give me a visit but I gather when he finally makes his round my neighborhood.. I’d know what to look out for…lol!!
Your article reminds me of the time our infant daughter cried so much that her stomach seemed stretched out. We were so concerned wondering if she was hyperventilating. We watched her closely since she would not be consoled by a bottle or cuddling. Tunrs out she was and still is passionate about anything to do with her. Perhaps she was wet or maybe her shirt was wrinkled at the back…we’ll never know. She is 13 and just as obstinate — or should I say passionate about her likes and dislikes.
What?! You mean you weren’t insta-sixpack after baby either? I decided that the keg look is working for me – I think I’ll stick to it! Excellent capturing of new-mommed.
I’m still laughing at the jelly donut around your waist after giving birth. Great description!
The thing that I’ve learned being a mother is to follow my gut. If it feels right I go with it.
Confession: When my first daughter was born I was completely in shock…for nine months I knew I was preggo, looked forward to meeting her and when I first got to hold her i just wanted to poke her a couple times to make sure she was real (and yes I did…gently of course LOL). With #2 I felt more comfortable and it only took me about a day to get into the swing of things since DH went back to work the morning after I got out of the hospital.
And yes, I agree with doing whatever is best for you and your child. If momma ain’t happy ain’t nobody happy.
I’m completely there with the “pounds melting off!” I lost 20 lbs after my daughter was born and just stopped! Now I’m doing everything I can and per doctors advice to lose and I seem to be gaining!!
Been there…going there again. It’s sad to think that after two kids, about to have my third, I still feel like a “first time mommy” those first few weeks. Maybe that’s just me, but I don’t think you are ever truly prepared for a newborn.