During my first pregnancy, a colleague warned me about the “tough times” that accompany the arrival of a newborn. I shrugged off his comments, convinced that the early days would be the easiest part of parenthood. After all, how hard could it be to care for a baby who just sleeps and eats? I anticipated the newborn stage to be a blissful experience.
Then reality hit. Having a newborn was far from the delightful experience I had imagined.
As I approached my second pregnancy, I was filled with excitement at the thought of snuggling a tiny, adorable baby again. Yet, I also felt a twinge of anxiety as I braced myself for the challenges of round two—endless feedings, fussiness, laundry piling up, and sleepless nights. Caring for a newborn is no small feat.
It’s fascinating how I can simultaneously cherish and loathe certain aspects of this phase. While I feel incredibly grateful to have healthy children, the journey certainly isn’t without its difficulties.
Challenging Realities of Having a Newborn
Let’s explore some of the more challenging realities of having a newborn:
- For starters, those cute little smiles aren’t directed at you. Despite your best efforts to snuggle and coo, those expressions often stem from something as simple as passing gas. Newborns don’t reciprocate affection, which can leave you yearning for some acknowledgment of your love, especially from your precious little one.
- Newborns have a way of demanding attention. Whether it’s cluster feeding, fussing due to trapped gas, or crying for no discernible reason, the chaos can drive anyone to the brink of insanity.
- Breastfeeding can be particularly daunting in those initial weeks. Your milk supply is still stabilizing, leading to discomfort and frequent leakages. Plus, with a baby nursing so often, it can feel like you’re permanently attached to them.
- Nighttime feedings can feel incredibly isolating. As the rest of the world sleeps, you find yourself awake with your baby, longing for the days of uninterrupted sleep and feeling a pang of resentment toward those who are blissfully snoozing while you manage feeding, burping, and diaper changes at 3 a.m.
- Then there are those phantom baby cries. They can follow you everywhere, even during your rare moments of solitude, like when you sneak into the shower. You’ll rush out only to find your little one peacefully napping while your partner looks at you as if you’ve lost your mind.
- Newborns are delicate little beings. Their immune systems are still developing, making them sensitive to loud noises, strong smells, and even the slightest temperature change. This fragility can make outings feel impossible. By the end of the day, I often feel like I’m stuck in a cabin fever situation, desperate for a breather.
- Ten years ago, my idea of a fun night out would have involved dancing at a club. Now, my concept of a good time revolves around a trip to Target or browsing the aisles of Whole Foods—#momlife.
Delightful Aspects of the Newborn Phase
Now let’s take a look at the delightful aspects of the newborn phase:
- The scent of a newborn is simply heavenly. It’s that sweet, captivating aroma that every mom would pay a fortune to keep forever. There’s no way to describe it, but it’s definitely one of the top reasons to embrace motherhood.
- Newborns make the most adorable sounds and faces while they sleep. They grunt, squeak, and even smile in their dreams. Their expressions range from the cutest pout to the most comical “pooping faces.” I’ve documented countless moments with my two daughters, capturing these precious expressions.
- Newborns also sleep a lot during the day, typically staying awake for only one to two hours at a stretch. I like to call this the “newborn grace period,” a time for moms to catch a nap, take a shower, or tackle household chores.
- Unlike older children, newborns require minimal entertainment. They mainly need food, cuddling, and sleep, making it easier for you to manage tasks and steal a moment for yourself.
- These tiny humans are just so small and cuddly! Holding them feels like cradling a little bundle of joy. Their tiny legs curled up against their bellies fit perfectly in your hands, and that sensation is simply irresistible.
I wouldn’t trade this experience for anything. I know that in just a few months, when my newborn isn’t so new anymore, I’ll find myself nostalgic for this chaotic yet sweet time—the crying, cuddling, and everything in between.
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In summary, the newborn phase is a delightful mix of challenges and joys. While it can be overwhelming, the sweet moments make it all worthwhile.