BY: Claire Haiek
Most expectant mothers have realistic expectations about what life will be like after having a baby, but here are some things you may not expect.
LOVE ISN’T ALWAYS INSTANT. Some mothers fall in love with their new bub instantly, and for some it takes a little longer. It doesn’t matter whether you’re one of the former or the latter, as long as everyone is happy and healthy.
YOUR HOME WILL NEVER BE THE SAME AGAIN. Whether you’re a neat freak or you’re usually happy to sit on the couch next to Mount Washmore, one thing is for certain. Your home will NEVER be the same again. From nappies and wipes right through to homework and LEGO, your life has officially been thrown upside down. And it’s SO worth it.
NAPPIES, NAPPIES, NAPPIES! Whatever your expectations are on the number of nappies you will need, DOUBLE IT. Babies have three jobs: eat, poop and sleep. Find a reliable nappy brand and stock up when on special!
YOU WILL SAY THINGS YOU NEVER EXPECTED. Phrases such as “Do NOT touch that poo!” and “Where did this sultana come from?” will become the norm. Expect the unexpected!
CONFLICTING ADVICE AND OPINIONS. One thing that many new parents are surprised about is the sheer number of varying opinions on all matters to do with raising kids. Whether it’s about co-sleeping, how you feed your baby or how you spend your child-free time, be prepared for a vast array of points of view and people willing to voice them. It’s not all bad though as long as you learn to absorb only what works for you and graciously ignore the rest.
THE SHEER EMOTIONS ONE LITTLE BUNDLE CAN EVOKE. It doesn’t matter how much you expect you will love your baby, the intensity of your emotions will blow you away and you will soon realise that you cannot possibly love another being as much as you love your baby.
MILK COMES OUT OF MANY TINY HOLES. When imagining breastfeeding for the first time, many expectant mothers picture the milk to come out in a single stream. It can be surprising to see it actually sprays out like a shower head and it’s pretty amazing!
THE AFTER EFFECTS OF BIRTH. Yes, there are certain expectations about bodily fluids following childbirth, but some women report that they were not prepared for just how long post natal bleeding (Lochia) can continue for. After-birth pains are also rarely discussed, leaving women surprised at the way their body responds once their baby is in their arms.
MATERNAL HORMONES. No matter how well you prepare for the surge of hormones after the birth of a baby, they can really knock you down. Many women report spending a whole day crying over nothing at all. Those pesky hormones are not to be underestimated.
BABIES HAVE A SIXTH SENSE. Have you ever noticed that your baby wakes up just as you sit down for a cup of tea? Or they’re happily playing on the floor but the second you sit on the toilet they’re crying for attention? That’s because babies have a sixth sense for these things. It’s lucky they’re just so darn cute!
INCREASED EMPATHY AND EMOTIONS. Remember the day when you could watch the news without crying? Becoming a mother amplifies your ability to relate to news stories and increases your emotional responses. Suddenly you’re crying about a sick kid on TV or sobbing yourself to sleep when you read about a fatal car accident involving children. Having babies gives those emotions a really big workout.
SOURCE: http://www.kidspot.com.au
