The 15 Wishes I Have for New Parents

self insemination kit

I have friends who are gearing up to welcome their first child. They’re wonderful folks who aren’t falling into that usual trap of acting like they know it all beforehand—unlike I did. As I reflect on what I would have liked for myself, I’m sending those hopes their way instead.

1. I hope your little one develops a strong aversion to Caillou. It would be even better if they also dislike Max and Ruby—though that’s a tall order.
2. I hope your baby discovers a beloved item to soothe them—a sort of “mute button” like a pacifier or a plush giraffe that doesn’t cost an arm and a leg. Ideally, I hope it isn’t your breast. (For reference, my eldest had a pacifier and a blanket named Charlie, inspired by a certain TV show.)
3. I wish for you to navigate the challenges of sleepless nights, car rides, potty training, and diaper changes with just one major hurdle. Every baby seems to have that one thing they detest, and I don’t know many parents who managed to escape them all.
4. I hope your baby enjoys being carried in the way you prefer—whether it’s in a bucket, sling, or ergonomic carrier. Just don’t let them insist on sleeping like that!
5. I wish for you to steer clear of Pinterest for a while. There’s a time for that, but it’s definitely not now.
6. I hope you can make a list without mistakenly repeating items three and six, only to argue with your partner that you didn’t.
7. I hope you remember that television didn’t ruin you, and it won’t ruin them either. If you do have concerns about it, I hope your friends are understanding.
8. I hope you avoid that wise-seeming stranger in the department store lounge who insists their parenting approach (like attachment parenting or whatever) is the only way. Just remember, what works for them and their child may not suit yours.
9. I hope you have at least one trustworthy friend to confide in—a fellow mom from a forum, a high school buddy, or someone from a class like Lamaze. I didn’t have that supportive community I envisioned; instead, I relied on my high school bestie and a lactation consultant named Sarah, who were both there to listen and reassure me.
10. I hope someone prepares you for the realities of the days following childbirth, using phrases like “mesh underwear” and “surfboards” when discussing the pads you’ll need.
11. I hope your partner actively supports you, whether that means stepping in or just bringing you snacks.
12. I hope you receive the understanding you need from those around you without having to resort to pleading for “some slack.”
13. I hope you don’t feel pressured by competition, as some moms out there might try to make it one. Remember, they might be more anxious than you are.
14. I hope you get a clear picture of what a “post-baby body” really looks like, and that you avoid anything with that label. It will take time, and remember that appearing in a magazine or walking a runway requires more than just effort—it often involves genetics and a bit of luck.
15. Most importantly, I hope you come to understand something I took far too long to realize: you are perfectly equipped to be your baby’s parent. You’ve got this! Your instincts are likely spot on, and your little one truly just wants you—dark circles under your eyes and all, with all your questions for the pediatrician and doubts about their breathing.

For a deeper dive into topics like home insemination, check out some insights on intracervical insemination and explore more about fertility on Make a Mom. Additionally, for more information regarding pregnancy, WebMD offers excellent resources.

Summary

The article shares heartfelt hopes and wishes for new parents, emphasizing the importance of trusting their instincts, seeking support, and navigating the challenges of parenthood with a sense of humor and realism. From avoiding unwanted parenting advice to finding comfort in beloved items, these sentiments aim to uplift and prepare new parents for the journey ahead.