As a new mom, I really wanted to know what I didn’t know: how to be successful. I wanted someone to clue me in to the secret of being a great mom. Here’s the thing: there is no secret that everyone else knows. Motherhood is not for the faint of heart—and even if someone tells you about motherhood, you won’t comprehend it until you are in it for real. That said, there are many things no one tells you about and here are 10 worth getting the heads-up on.
This swing is a mini-miracle. It will allow you a moment, or a few, to shower!
You start singing and changing the lyrics to fit your child. For instance, I sang You Are My Sunshine—never sang it before, but there I was singing it to my kids on the regular.
You stand, but you’re moving constantly. You just stand there, swaying. And even if you aren’t holding your baby, you still catch yourself swaying!
You need to schedule naps. My son never napped—unless he was in a car or sometimes a baby carriage. As a new mom, I didn’t know you’re supposed to put your kid on a strict schedule. So I learned, and believe me when my second came along I put her down every day to nap. And she did. Trust me when I say a napping child is really important for all of you
Your home is not your own any more. There will be blankets and pacifiers everywhere. Leave them because you will always need them.
If you can only get three things, here they are: the swing, bouncy seat, and an exersaucer. They become your best friends. That is how you can eat or cook or take a shower. Really it’s the only way any of that happens.
Breastfeeding can be tough. It’s easy for some, hard for others. It takes patience, quiet, and a few weeks to really get the hang of it. That said, if you are in pain, getting infections or it’s just not working for you, that is OK. Your child will be fine with formula, truly. Let it go.
Motherhood is an amazing bond. Even if you never spoke to strangers before, you will now. Motherhood is the best kind of "cult".
You will hate the noisy, plastic toys--and your siblings will buy a million of them, just to see you cry.
“Daddy” is a good look on your husband. While you’ll still get annoyed by your husband when you see him go into Daddy mode -- giving a bath, singing a lullaby, reading to her -- you’ll think he’s amazing.
It can be isolating and exhausting. Join a playgroup, get a sitter, and go outside every day. The playgroup is a lifesaver and often those friendships last a lifetime. A sitter is so important once in a while—even just to go to the grocery store alone. Not joking on that; I was ecstatic to go to buy anything by myself. And when you are home alone with your baby, and it feels overwhelming, step outside with them. Fresh air helps everything.
Here’s the most important nugget you need to know: Motherhood is more than worth every ounce of energy you give it. And you give a lot. Forever. And you’d never ever change it for the world.