It all began the day after Thanksgiving when I saw those two pink lines on a pregnancy test. Just to be sure, I took another test at my husband Jake’s insistence, and there they were again. Three weeks later, a tiny flicker on the ultrasound monitor confirmed it: we were going to be parents. In a little over nine months, our lives would shift from being carefree partners to navigating the beautiful chaos of parenthood.
During our family Christmas gathering, we surprised everyone with the news. I handed out envelopes, instructing my relatives to wait until everyone had one. When they opened them, they found an invitation to join us at the hospital on our due date for the arrival of our baby. I even tucked in a picture of that little flicker from the ultrasound.
From that moment on, the advice began pouring in, and I was all ears. Having limited experience with babies—mostly the occasional hold of a new cousin or a church baby—I was eager to absorb every piece of wisdom shared. My mother-in-law offered home remedies she found helpful, like diluting corn syrup for constipation. My friend Sarah swore by certain bottles that prevented gas, and I took notes as my sister-in-law shared her diapering tips, especially the ones that fell short of expectations. When we learned we were having a boy, I soaked up every bit of advice on caring for his circumcision.
I felt incredibly fortunate to have a network of women who were willing to share their experiences, both the delightful and the challenging. Their advice equipped me with some understanding of what lay ahead and how to care for the little miracle I was about to welcome into the world.
As the day arrived to take my son home, I was armed with plenty of knowledge for those moments of uncertainty—of which there were many. However, one crucial piece of advice was glaringly absent: the importance of taking care of myself.
I’m not referring to just needing a moment to feel like myself again or asking for emotional support when it became overwhelming. The missing advice was much simpler—no one told me to prioritize my physical well-being.
Sure, I heard the oft-repeated phrase “sleep when the baby sleeps,” and I tried to heed it. But sleep is just a fragment of self-care. Friends and family shared countless ways to care for my newborn, yet no one warned me about the surprising effects of motherhood on my own health.
I was so enamored with my sleeping baby that I often forgot to eat. I couldn’t believe how easy it was to neglect hydration amidst the overwhelming joy and exhaustion. In my love-drenched state, I lost sight of my basic needs.
The consequences were evident when just a week after my son’s birth, I found myself in the emergency room due to dehydration. Because I hadn’t looked after myself, I struggled to care for him.
Now, as my sister-in-law Lily approaches her due date with her own baby boy, I’m eager to share everything I’ve learned about parenting. Most importantly, I will emphasize the necessity of self-care for her own well-being and that of her child.
In the world of parenting, remember to nurture yourself. After all, your health is the foundation for caring for your little one. For more insights on pregnancy and home insemination, check out Progyny’s blog, and consider exploring this article for additional resources. You can also find valuable information on boosting fertility through supplements.
Summary:
As a new mom, I received plenty of advice on caring for my baby but neglected the crucial need to care for myself physically. This oversight led to a health scare that reminded me of the importance of self-care. I now aim to share this vital knowledge with others, especially new mothers.