Dear Newborn Momma,
I see you. Oh, I see you. Especially you, first-time momma. If I could sweep you up in a big hug, bring you coffee, dinner, and a slice of cake, I’d be there in a heartbeat.
Let me tell you something…
You’re doing great. It gets better. And yes, it really is this hard.
Gosh, those words - “You’re doing great” and “It gets better” were lifelines for me in the first few months of motherhood. And I remember I kept thinking, “Ok, is it just me? Or is this newborn thing HARD?”
I still don’t really know how to describe that transition to motherhood other than the feeling like there was this whole other world that I thought I knew a little about, but I didn’t really understand it until I was in it. So if you’re feeling that same, “Why didn’t anyone tell me what it’s really like?” or, “Is it just me?” I feel you. And don’t worry, it’s ok to find yourself missing that pre-baby life (solo Target runs, sleeping in, gym classes whenever you’d like, sleep, the ability to leave the house without a crazy amount of planning… did I say sleep?). I feel you. Your life dramatically changed overnight, so don’t diminish that! Take it all day by day, coffee by coffee, nap by nap.
For those of you who are breastfeeding, HANG IN THERE! It was a very painful first 2 months for me, and then it got better. IT GETS BETTER! I know not everyone can breastfeed, and that’s totally ok. If you can, I hope you try and know that there will be a time that it’s actually enjoyable. And maybe we’ll miss it someday? Probably :)
One day your body will feel like your own again. One day you will sleep longer than 2 hours at a time. One day schedules and routines will come.
For now? Hang in there. Order Postmates. Be kind to yourself. ASK FOR HELP. I think that’s one of the best-kept secrets that I wish wasn’t so secret… no one can do it all. No mom can do it all, so just don’t make yourself feel like you have to, k? Be kind and loving to yourself. You are keeping another human alive and that is freakin’ amazing.
And yes, you’ll probably roll your tired, sleepy eyes when I say this, but try to savor these moments. Savor their teeny tiny bodies, the way they just melt into you, the way they smell, how they just sit there taking in their world (you’ll miss that stationary baby :) ), because soon enough months will go by and you’ll be scrolling back at the thousands of pictures on your phone thinking… how were you that small? Where did my baby go? It goes by in a blink.
Now go take a nap, or strap that baby in the stroller and get some fresh air. I’ll catch ya on the playground soon enough.
xoxo,
8-Month Momma
My baby at 4 weeks. Cue all the tears.
