10 Things You Need to Know About Babies

home insemination Kit

Back when I was pregnant with my first little one—about a decade and a million sleepless nights ago—I approached pregnancy like I did my college courses: I read everything I could find, took notes, attended classes, and even joined online forums. I was that overachiever who wanted to ace “Motherhood 101.”

I went to every birthing class, toured the hospital, and dragged my partner to breastfeeding prep sessions. I even washed all the baby clothes in hypoallergenic detergent. I practiced my kegels like a champ. But then, I had a baby. And just like every other postpartum mom, I found myself in bed, dealing with body fluids, stitches in places I didn’t know existed, and my hormones doing a rollercoaster act. All I could think was, “Why didn’t anyone tell me about this?” The truth is, I probably wouldn’t have listened anyway. Here are ten things I wish someone had shared with me:

1. When you first see or hold your baby, it’s possible that you won’t hear a choir of angels singing. You might have a doctor stitching you up or a nurse helping you with the placenta. You could be in pain and more exhausted than ever. And that’s totally okay—there will be magical moments with your baby later.
2. Your first trip to the bathroom post-delivery will be a big deal. Don’t hesitate to ask for help; the last thing you want is to faint alone. Just know, this is just the beginning of your loss of privacy as a mom.
3. Breastfeeding can be tough. It takes time to figure out the best holds for you and your newborn, who is likely to be quite upset. It can be painful at first—my nipples cracked and bled with my first. But don’t worry, it does get easier! And if breastfeeding doesn’t work out, that’s totally fine too. The love you give your baby is what really counts.
4. Expect to cry on your fourth day postpartum. It’s when your hormones crash, and you might feel like everything is going downhill. You’re allowed to cry! But if those feelings persist, definitely seek help.
5. Try not to wear real clothes for at least two weeks. Once you put on actual clothes, people expect you to be functional. Stay in comfy pajamas to ease into your new reality without the added pressure.
6. Babies don’t always sleep, and that’s not a reflection of your parenting skills. They will eventually sleep, promise! Other parents might exaggerate about their babies’ sleep habits. Every baby is different, and they all have their rough nights.
7. Trust your instincts when it comes to your baby. Don’t let anyone convince you that you don’t know your child best. There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to parenting, so listen to your gut.
8. Look for support groups—whether it’s local mom meetups or breastfeeding groups. Connecting with other new moms is vital; it’s like finding your crew in a new college environment.
9. Avoid the martyr complex. Your kids won’t remember you as a martyr; they’ll remember your love. Don’t hesitate to ask friends for help or take breaks when you need them. It’s okay to admit that it’s hard sometimes.
10. Capture plenty of photos (and get in them!), because before you know it, those early days will be a blur. Trust me on this one.

Above all, I wish someone had told me that the first year of motherhood is unlike anything else. Each day is a miracle, filled with challenges and joys that seem to stretch time. You’ll never feel like you’re acing it, and that’s perfectly okay. There are some experiences that you just have to live through to truly understand. For more insights on parenting and home insemination, check out this excellent resource. While you’re at it, if you’re looking into self insemination options, this article is a great read, and don’t forget to check out Make a Mom for their fertility kits.

In summary, motherhood is a journey filled with unexpected moments, both challenging and beautiful. Embrace the chaos, lean on your support network, and remember that every experience is a step in your unique parenting adventure.