She’s already had her family, friends, and work baby showers. The nursery is set up and rearranged multiple times. She’s attended birthing classes, had her car seat installed by professionals, and packed her hospital bag with essentials like essential oils, candles, a Celine Dion playlist, a wedding day photo, and a baby name book—just in case she decides to change her mind when she meets her little one. Now is the perfect moment to share some of the less-discussed realities that come with the first few months of motherhood.
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Discuss Your Postpartum Pain
Let her know just how much your body ached after giving birth. While everyone knows labor is excruciating—thanks to Hollywood’s dramatic portrayals—what’s often overlooked is the sheer discomfort that follows. Imagine trying to sit or stand when that area has just undergone a watermelon-sized ordeal. Standing up is tough enough, but sex? Laughable.
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Share Your Body Changes
Point out the areas where your body has changed, perhaps even where your once-perky breasts used to be. Talk about how your once-toned abs have transformed, now requiring an empire waist to hide the stretch-marked belly that resembles a Play-Doh blob.
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Mention Your Child’s Sleep Struggles
Bring up how your little one still doesn’t sleep through the night—even at six years old. New moms often hope for a magical transition to uninterrupted sleep once their baby hits four months. But you can enlighten her about teething, night terrors, and growth spurts, all while flashing a reassuring smile and saying, “I’m sure your baby will be perfect, though!”
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Talk About Marital Challenges
If she’s married, inform her that every tiny issue she and her partner had will now feel like a gigantic whale. Lack of sleep, dealing with a fussy baby, and figuring out each partner’s role in parenting can complicate communication, especially if it was already a challenge.
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Share Early Development Stories
Tell her that your daughter was speaking in full sentences by seven months. This will surely ignite her worries about whether her child will “keep up” with developmental milestones. After all, her baby isn’t even here yet, so why not add some stress about intelligence and social skills?
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Bring Up Ongoing Hospital Bills
Remind her that the hospital bills don’t stop coming after birth. For instance, you might still be getting bills for your child’s birth even months later. If you’re receiving bills now, imagine the expenses you’ll deal with as they grow up, like well-check exams and other costs that seem never-ending.
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End With Encouragement
Okay, this one might not cause her any stress. After laying all of that on her, it’s only fair to reassure her that she’ll be an amazing mom. A little encouragement goes a long way after a rollercoaster of information.
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In summary, preparing for a baby comes with excitement but also with a fair share of stressors. From the physical changes to the emotional rollercoaster, it’s good to know what lies ahead, even if it sounds daunting. For more expert advice on insemination and pregnancy, visit Make A Mom and check out this excellent resource on IVF processes.