Cutting the Onesie and Other Permissions for New Moms

home insemination Kit

Hey there, new mamas! Let’s be real: as a new mom, you’re probably craving a lot of things—like sleep, uninterrupted showers, and meals that don’t require you to juggle a baby in one arm. And can we talk about laundry? If only it would fold itself! But you know what a lot of new parents, especially moms, really don’t need? More cliché advice. Seriously, we’ve all heard the same old lines:

• “Sleep when the baby sleeps.” Yeah, right! If I do that, who’s checking my social media likes on my “exhausted mom” post? Priorities, people!
• “Should I sleep train now or later?” Honestly, sorting through sleep training advice feels as complicated as advanced calculus. I think I’ll just watch for my baby’s cues and follow that old adage about catching some Z’s when she does.
• “Worry about the laundry later; your baby won’t be a baby forever.” How about you wear my dirty laundry for a day and see how that goes?

No matter how well-meaning the advice is, it often serves the person giving it more than the one receiving it. So, while I’m about to share some thoughts with you, consider them more as “permissions” rather than strict advice. You deserve to give yourself these little freedoms, mama!

1. Cut the Onesie Off

Picture this: your amazing little bundle just had a blowout that’s gone everywhere. In that moment, you might consider pulling the onesie over her head or down her body. Both options lead to a mess—one way, poop on her face; the other, all over you. Give yourself permission to just cut that onesie off. It cost $35? Lesson learned: don’t buy pricey baby clothes. They’re going to end up covered in messes anyway. Just cut it off—scissors down, and blades toward the feet, obviously.

2. Awkwardly Breastfeed in Public

If you’re not nursing, skip to the next point. If you are, get ready for some awkward moments! It’s totally okay to feel a little shy about showing off your nipples to strangers—it’s a new world now. If someone says something like, “You should cover up,” just remember that your little one might give them a front-row seat to the show as they unlatch, milk dripping everywhere. Honestly, I once thought, “I wish someone would say something!” but deep down, I just wanted to avoid the awkwardness. But guess what? You can still feel awkward while doing what you need to do. Embrace it! You survived middle school; you can handle this.

3. Doubt Means Don’t

I’m borrowing this gem from Oprah for you. In an age of endless information, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. You could spend forever Googling parenting tips, but let me save you some time: trust your instincts. If something feels off, it probably is. Cut off the online noise, avoid those message boards (seriously, just don’t), and surround yourself with a supportive community. Find groups that uplift your parenting style. When things start to feel confusing, unplug and give yourself space to listen to your gut. If your instincts are leading you in a different direction than your friends, rock on with that!

Trust yourself, mama. Ignore the unsolicited advice—yes, even mine!

For more insights on home insemination, check out this article on intracervical insemination. And if you’re curious about fertility boosters for men, Make a Mom has some great resources. Plus, for a deeper dive into pregnancy and fertility, Hopkins Medicine offers excellent information.

Summary

New moms, it’s time to cut yourself some slack! Forget about the conventional advice and give yourself permission to do what you need—whether it’s cutting off that messy onesie, breastfeeding awkwardly in public, or trusting your instincts over online advice. Remember, you’re doing an amazing job, and you’re not alone in this journey.