Whether you’re expecting or you recently had a baby, adjustments are necessary for the new addition in your life. While your body is going through several changes, you may find that you’re changing mentally and emotionally as well. Although everyone’s motherhood experience is different, motherhood changes us ladies. You should know to prepare for one of the most significant experiences of your life.
How motherhood changes us
Here are some of the things no one tells you about when it comes to motherhood.
You Won’t Have Much Free Time
When you become a mother, you’ll have very little time for yourself. Your newborn baby will need you all throughout the day (and night). There’s no leaving your toddler alone, or you’ll end up with huge messes or injuries. School-aged children need help with homework and school projects. This means that even as your children grow, they will need most of your time and attention.
Even when your children are asleep, you’ll be thinking about:
- how well they’re doing in school
- how to improve their health
If they’re not developing as fast as you think they should or are having trouble making friends, you’ll be thinking about this as well. Your mind is always searching for ways to better your child’s life, which leaves very little time for you.
It is important to find ways to focus on your mental health as well as your kids’ it is totally normal to take simply 15 minutes a day to yourself.
Your Body May Never Be the Same
It’s a good idea to work out safely during your pregnancy. However, prepare yourself: your body may not go back to the way it was after you deliver your baby. It can be difficult to get the weight off, although breastfeeding can help. However, after your child has been weaned, you may gain weight again. This means that you might have to adopt a new way of eating and exercising, which can be challenging when you’re taking care of a child.
You may also need diastasis recti repair after having your baby. If you find that the muscles in your abdominal area aren’t toning and tightening again no matter how much you work out, you can look into surgery to fix this. Most doctors will recommend abdominoplasty (a tummy tuck).
Your Relationships Will Change
Once you become a mother, you and the people in your life will have to adjust to your new role in life. You won’t be able to spend as much time with your friends. Your relatives may complain that you don’t call as much. Perhaps most importantly, your relationship with your partner has to change once you become parents. You won’t be able to spend as much quality time together and you may not get around to having important conversations as soon as you normally would.
This time in your life can be exciting and frustrating since both you and your partner are adjusting to having a new addition in the house, even if you already have children.
It’s important to let your loved ones know that you still care about them but won’t be able to hang out as much as you used to. Once you get the hang of being a mom, you can (sometimes) adjust your schedule to create meaningful memories with the people you care about the most.
You Gain More Respect for Other Parents
Remember when you swore you’d never say some of the things your parents said to you when you were a kid? As your child grows, you may find some of your phrases and actions mimic your mother and father. You’ll likely start to gain a new appreciation for them. You’ll begin to understand firsthand the hard work and stress that is part of parenting. If some of your friends had children before you and you didn’t understand why they weren’t “fun” anymore, you’ll gain a new appreciation for them as well.
When you have empathy for other parents, you may be able to strengthen your relationships with the people who mean the most to you. You may even find yourself offering a sympathetic look or an extra baby wipe to parents when you see them having a hard time with their children in public.
These are just a the few things people don’t mention when you become a mother. However, once you’re aware of these factors you can better prepare for what will likely be a lifelong adventure.
About the Writer: Regina Thomas is a Southern California native who spends her time as a freelance writer and loves cooking at home when she can find the time. Regina loves reading, music, hanging with her friends and family along with her Golden Retriever, Sadie. She loves adventure and living every day to the fullest.
