7 Surprising Changes When You Become a Mom in College

Finding out I was pregnant was a game changer. That cheap bottle of wine I had enjoyed three weeks earlier? Yeah, not my best decision. As I entered my fourth semester of college, it hit me: my carefree nights of tequila shots and dancing were about to be swapped for sleepless nights filled with a crying baby and dirty diapers. While I thought I was prepared with all my knowledge about breastfeeding and tummy time, I quickly realized that motherhood in college would bring me experiences I never saw coming.

1. Judgment Becomes Routine

You thought people looked at you sideways for rolling into class 20 minutes late after a night out, but that’s nothing compared to the scrutiny you face when you’re pregnant. When a more conservative professor publicly critiques you for expecting, it stings. But you know what? That’s just part of the journey. Motherhood means people will judge every decision you make, so it’s time to grow some thick skin.

2. Germaphobia Kicks In

With finals around the corner and a 2-month-old at home, the fear of your baby getting sick becomes real. Hosting study sessions at your place becomes a military operation; you might ask friends to change out of their clothes at the door, offer hand sanitizer like it’s candy, and spray everything down with Lysol to keep those germs at bay.

3. Breastfeeding Becomes Your Expertise

You’ll become an expert on all things breastfeeding. When you overhear a classmate sobbing about a bad grade, you might find yourself Googling, “Can an adult crying cause a lactation let-down?” and suddenly realize you’re leaking milk before you can even make it out of the building.

4. Sleep? What’s That?

Forget about counting sheep; you can’t remember the last time you had a full night’s sleep, but that’s okay because you can’t miss what you’ve never had!

5. Your Baby Will Be a Genius

Your study time is limited, so you might find yourself serenading your little one with “Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs” instead of “The Itsy Bitsy Spider.” You convince yourself that your baby will appreciate knowledge over nursery rhymes, and who knows? Maybe she’ll be explaining complex concepts to you before the next election.

6. You Don’t Fit Neatly Into Any Category

Navigating articles about working versus stay-at-home moms? Good luck! Being a college student means you’re often away from your baby, yet you’re not necessarily working. You find yourself straddling both worlds and come up with a title like “Not-Working-But-Not-Stay-at-Home-Mom-Who-Goes-to-School-to-Maybe-Be-a-Working-Mom.” Yeah, that sounds about right!

7. You Discover What True Love Is

You once thought you had a deep love for your friends and favorite TV characters, but the love you feel for your baby is a whole new level. It’s unconditional and unlike anything you’ve ever felt. This love reminds you why you’re in college and motivates you to keep going for a better future.

Becoming a mom in college has been the most challenging yet rewarding adventure of my life. While it wasn’t part of the plan, having my daughter early has added a unique twist to my journey. I’ve learned invaluable lessons in these few months, ones that no classroom can teach. For more insights on becoming a parent and the resources available, check out this great resource on pregnancy and explore how to use an artificial insemination kit for those considering alternative paths. If you’re looking to connect or learn more, feel free to visit this link for more information.

Summary:

In summary, becoming a mom while in college will bring about unexpected challenges and rewards. From dealing with judgment to developing a newfound love for your baby, each experience shapes your journey. As you navigate this path, know that you’re not alone and there are resources available to support you.