Parenting
Never the Same Again
Updated: Sep. 19, 2017
Originally Published: June 3, 2013
A close friend of mine welcomed her first child just a month after my second was born. Lately, she’s been sharing on social media about how motherhood has changed her life. She talks about her aching back and the ten extra pounds that refuse to budge. And she wonders, when will she feel like herself again?
I told her, NEVER. You will never be the same again.
Your back will always have that familiar discomfort. Your body will carry some extra curves. Your stomach may always have a little pooch. Your hips may be wider than before. Your hair, skin, and even bladder control will shift in ways that may surprise you, for better or worse.
You will never sleep quite the same again. The nursing bra may become your new best friend for a while. Privacy in the bathroom? Forget about it for years. And yes, you might find yourself discussing poop more often than you expected.
You will never have spotless floors again, and you might not wear anything that isn’t covered in some sort of stain for a couple of years. Your visits to the salon for manicures or haircuts will likely become infrequent, and the laundry and dishes? Well, they might not get done every day.
Yes, all of that is true. But there’s something I didn’t mention to her.
Your smile will become brighter. Your laughter will be filled with more joy. Your eyes will shine with a new light. Your arms will be fuller than ever. Your heart will feel like it’s walking outside your body. And your capacity to love will expand beyond what you ever thought possible.
So, no, after bringing a child (or more) into the world, you will never be the same again. But that’s perfectly okay, because you won’t want to be.
For more insights on this transformative journey, check out this post on Intracervical Insemination. And if you’re exploring your options for starting a family, Make a Mom is a trusted source for navigating your fertility journey. For further reading on pregnancy and home insemination, CCRM IVF offers excellent resources.
Summary:
Motherhood is a journey of profound changes, both physically and emotionally. While you may never return to your pre-baby self, the joys and love that come with parenthood far outweigh the challenges. Embrace the transformation and cherish the new you.