Dear Me,
First off, congratulations on becoming a mom! Seriously, it’s the most incredible journey, and you have every right to express your feelings—especially when people say things that don’t sit well with you. Remember, if anyone comments negatively about your postpartum body, you can give them a sideways glance and move on.
Right now, you might not feel fabulous. Your body feels different, and that old pair of jeans? Yeah, leave them at home. You might think you look a bit off, but trust me, you’re radiating beauty. Your hair still shines from the pregnancy glow, and you’re carrying around a beautiful little miracle. So, get excited about capturing those moments! Smile for the camera, even if you’re not feeling it. You’ll look back and cherish those memories.
It’s normal to feel overwhelmed, too. You might find yourself in the bathroom on New Year’s Eve, questioning everything. Just know that this is part of adjusting to motherhood. Caring for a tiny human is no small feat, and it’s perfectly okay to feel a whirlwind of emotions, even if they lead you to tears. Let those feelings out; it’s better than bottling them up.
Speaking of overwhelming, let’s talk about the joys of postpartum life—like, the glorious struggle of going to the bathroom! With all the pain medications you’re on, you might find yourself longing for a normal poop. Take that Colace now, and don’t wait until you’re regretting it—trust me on this one! Make sure to eat your greens, drink your coffee (oh, how you missed it!), and schedule some quality time with the toilet.
And sleep? Prepare for sleep deprivation beyond your wildest dreams. Newborns have no concept of day and night. You’ll be up at all hours, wondering if your baby was swapped at the hospital. They’re not defective; they’re just doing what babies do—keeping you on your toes! Anyone who claims they have the secret to a sleeping infant? Just smile and nod, then hand that baby over to your partner for a much-needed break.
While you’re adjusting, remember to rest when you can. It’s okay to let the laundry pile up. You just brought a human into the world! Don’t feel the need to clean everything; allow yourself time to heal. And no, don’t strap that baby into a Moby wrap to scrub the bathroom. Rest is essential, and you’ll be grateful later.
You’re doing some things right, though! That baby wrap is a lifesaver, allowing you to stay connected while enjoying life. Go out and celebrate! Just don’t forget to protect your wine glass with a napkin over the baby’s head.
Breastfeeding is also going well, but please stop worrying about who watches you. If someone is uncomfortable, they can look away. You have every right to nurse your baby wherever you are, so embrace it! If you want a little privacy, nursing in the wrap works wonders.
Spend as much time as you can cuddling with your little one—it’s precious. But don’t forget to hand the baby over to your partner so you can enjoy a shower or read a book without interruption. It’s important to find that balance between baby time and your own time.
Above all, you’re doing an amazing job. Keeping a tiny human alive is no easy task, and you should be proud of yourself. Remember to take care of yourself, too; a happy mom means a happy baby.
And let’s be real—you probably won’t have the patience for that elimination communication stuff. So, don’t stress about trying to get your little one to pee in the sink.
With love,
Your Future Self
P.S. If you’re looking for more resources about home insemination and pregnancy, check out this post on intracervical insemination. You can also find helpful information at Mount Sinai and learn about essential tools like this artificial insemination kit.
Summary: This letter to a postpartum self offers a blend of encouragement and humor, addressing the emotional and physical challenges of new motherhood. It emphasizes the importance of self-care, embracing one’s changing body, and finding a balance between caring for the baby and oneself.