#MommyTalks – 15 Truths From A First-Time Mom

Nov 26
NabanitaDhar

 


Google.

 

Whenever we are in need of information on anything under the sun, the first thing that comes to our mind is Google. True, isn’t it?

 

Naturally, thus there was a sudden deluge of advice on what to Google, all of it directed my way when told I was pregnant. From websites to pages to browse through, I was counselled at length on searches to help me with a well-informed pregnancy and later on, delivery. 

The need to google, in fact, is not only emphasised as a means to guiding someone else but a tried and tested means of making oneself aware as well. I remember observing a pregnant colleague of mine investing time going through every nook and cranny of the internet, searching anything and everything related to pregnancy, childbirth and babies.

So, you see how Googling and pregnancy generally go hand in hand?

 

But, did I do the same too?

 

Well, me being me, which is everything lazy, never really scouted the internet in much the same manner. I’m not saying that is a good thing though because being informed is always better than not being informed at all. I just thought that placing myself at the hands of my Gynecologist was what I was most comfortable with. Moreover, S took upon himself the Googling and Baby Center part of the bargain for the both of us, so I was anyways spared the guilt.

I did the being pregnant part, S took care of the information gathering end and we were sorted.

 

As you would have guessed by now, I dove in head first into the unknown realms of pregnancy and motherhood. Yes, totally unprepared. And today 13 odd days into the latter, I’m learning and discovering at each step, really.

 

I won’t say I have figured out what being a mother entails because it has hardly been a few days in this new role. Also, you never can do that, can you? But there are new bits and pieces that I’m learning about myself and about being a mother in the process. It’s all very new for now. I feel as though I’m writing an exam without having prepared for it. But that is also the beauty of it, isn’t it?

Just saying, 

I have a daughter, or

My daughter.

out loud seems so strange, for now. And, well, I can’t express what I feel. At least, not yet.

 

I’m also consciously trying not to make motherhood the only overpowering aspect of my life. I just want to make sure I carry on doing everything that I was doing before she arrived. Only experienced mothers can tell me though if that’s even a realistic expectation or not.

 

Today, however, I’m here to give you an insight into a few truths about being a first-time mother, a new mother. 

Remember, it’s all about my own experience so far and it’s not even been a month so don’t take it as the holy grail, alright?

15 Truths From A First Time Mom

  • You become an alarm clock on a two or three hourly snoozes. Yes, feeds do that to you.
  • You seem to be on auto-feed control. Your body reacts letting you know that it’s time to feed the munchkin. It’s not pretty or comfortable, though.
  • You end up crying, feeling emotions you can’t quite describe.
  • If you love sleeping 8 to 10 hours at a stretch, then you can forget that. Well, at least in the beginning.
  • Your sleep is divided into naps all through the day.
  • Cleaning poop and pee suddenly don’t seem such a bad thing after all. Yes, for some strange and twisted reason.
  • Your only scent is that of milk, poop or pee. Or, better yet the mixture of the three. No Gucci or Roberto Cavalli.
  • Yummy Mummy is a term you start seeing as an oxymoron.
  • You realise Maternity Leave is anything but leave.
  • Activities like reading a book or writing are only possible when your baby is asleep or quietly satiated on your lap.
  • Packing which was earlier an activity limited during vacations or trips becomes something you need to do each time you go out.
  • You bombard your friends with anecdotes about your baby, even if they are not interested.
  • Watching a 45-minute long serial takes over 4 to 5 hours. In fact, at times is spread over days.
  • Most visited sites change from Facebook or Twitter to Firstcry and the likes.
  • Eating out seems to be nowhere in the horizon.

 

 

Well, those are all I have discovered for now. I don’t know what the future holds and how this journey is even going to be. But I do know I’m going to share a lot of it with you, here.

Tell me what were your #NewMom or #NewDad Discoveries?

49 thoughts on “#MommyTalks – 15 Truths From A First-Time Mom”

  1. Take it as it comes .. sleep when you can, eat when you can. After few weeks/months, things will get back to routine.. Till then, enjoy the moments.

  2. I agree with your discoveries, Naba. Motherhood is a whole new realm. In fact, I feel the new mom term is applicable to me even after almost 6 years of my kid's birth. Every day there will be such new discoveries which are, well, new to me, the 6 year old mommy. 🙂

  4. unfortunately no one tells you the difficult part of parenting esp for first timers .. This time will pass real fast by the time Myra turns 40 day old, you would feel more in control.. Don't be too harsh on yourself!! And trust me even now somedays I need google even though mine has turned 5 recently..

  6. Your post brings a smile to my face. I remember one distinct feeling I had was of being a cow. 😀 Reading and writing — really amazed that you can do that. All I do in every spare minute I got was rest or sleep.

  8. 🙂 The trick is to nap every time your baby naps. Don't gasp – it is possible. Took me months and months to learn it though. About the packing, haha! I had a diaper bag in my tote for 6 months into my job – until someone asked me and we had a good laugh. I mean, son was in playschool and out of diapers. Some habits will just stick you know. As for the "fragrance" I remember even rigorously washed clothes would someone seem to smell the same – and the consoling factor is how much your baby loves your smell, and doesn't mind at all. Oh boy, wait till summer hits. 😀

    Hugs Naba. You'll enjoy these memories as they get made. And I really admire you for continuing to blog through all this. But then you're amazing! Yummy Mummy totally applies to you.

  10. How true..I guess we never can learn all there is to learn about being mothers..everyday is a new lesson 🙂

  11. haha doodharu gai! I didn't know the meaning but now that I know, I agree completely…a doodharu gai with no control on the milk flow!

  12. hehe thanks Sangeeta for the supportive and kind words…I'm trying to go through the motions, enjoy every bit of it which ofcourse is not completely possible but just trying to get the hang of it all..Hopefully I will soon..

  13. hehe yes I feel like a cow too Rachna..my sister teases me all the time..
    I'm trying to read and write to keep me sane, let's see how long I can do that 🙂

  14. Oh I doubt it's so easy..I guess we just do it, not really sure about the easy part at all 🙂

    Thanks for the wishes

  15. Hugs right back at you Vidya..I'm trying to look at the positives, taking inspiration from you and then her face always manages to calm me down amidst the chaos…Trying to keep blogging so that my sanity is intact, not sure how long I can continue though..:)

  16. It's been so long but your post revived many memories for me. Congratulations dear, a baby girl is a beautiful blessing. I am amazed that you are able to blog and tweet along with all that's going on. Have fun, enjoy the journey. Time flies.

  17. Hahha.. ask me.. went through all of it.
    I had become toilet seat for Bluey for sometime. he decided to poop on me whenever I made him sit on my lap. I am like a 24×7 CCTV on him. but these are the part and parcel of the game! All the best with your Angel. What did you name her?

  19. Congrats on your motherhood, Nabanita. I like that you don't want to make motherhood the only thing in your life. When I discuss this to any of my friends who are young mothers, I am the one who faces the end of the barrel 😉

  20. Congrats on your motherhood, Nabanita. I like that you don't want to make motherhood the only thing in your life. When I discuss this to any of my friends who are young mothers, I am the one who faces the end of the barrel 😉

  21. Motherhood is wonderful, and funny and crazy, amazing and wild- you put it nicely in your words, and take me back to my own motherhood times… sending best thoughts and big hugs

  23. Motherhood, as I have heard, and any one can assume, is amazing. Being a doctor, I have been in and out labour rooms and the holding the baby in our hands itself feels satiating. Congratulations:)

  25. Congratulations new Mummy. Believe me the information never ends, Google can also confound and confuse, go by your own instinct and just enjoy the baby! She has enriched your life and blessed you with her presence. I am sure all of you will have a great time getting to know each other. Good luck and keep smiling through the sleepless nights, the hurried meals, the pee and the poo, the unsolicited advice, the silly questions ( why is the baby crying? ) and the hugs and kisses, the soft baby bottoms, their coos and gurgles , the deep trusting eyes and the soft hands that reach out to you.

  26. Thanks so much Alka..I'm just trying to hold on to blogging as a means to calm myself through this change ..Hope I can continue doing this 🙂

  27. Thanks Tina..I see your Instagram and FB posts and know how wonderfully you are doing..
    We have named her Myra..
    Thanks for the wishes 🙂

  35. My comment disappeared so all I'll say is that even now when the kids are 9+ I find myself running to google. I won't share my 'discoveries' – all I'll say is take as much help as you possibly can – outsource EVERYTHING possible – except the baby tasks. Save those up for yourself – the feeding and bathing and massaging and putting her to sleep … and now I'm beginning to miss all of that. Rest as much as you can and have fun.

  36. My grandmother told me it was an never ending job, she bailed my mom out during my second delivery because my mom didn't leave from work. Now my mom has shifted base to Hyderabad because I can't leave the older one at goa.

  37. Don't stress over being able to nor not able to do anything, Naba. No matter how you look at it, Mommyhood is hectic 🙂 So either way, you're a winner!

  38. That's a sweet post. Most of the new Mums resort to not pursuing what they liked before becoming a Mum. I am so glad you are writing. Feels so good and something that other to-be Mums can learn from you. Hugs to you and Little M 🙂

  39. Haha.. Many many Congratulations to you Naba for being the new mommy on blogosphere..

    and the list that you mentioned, is seriously funny.. I have a friend of mine, who recently gave birth to a baby girl and I bet, it was all something I could relate to when I was talking to her..

    Looking forward to hear more from you..

    Have a great time with baby Naba 🙂
    Oh! By the way, what do you call your little angel? Finalized any name yet?

    Cheers

  40. Noted Tulika …:)
    I'm trying to learn and get the hang of things ..hopefully soon I'll be able to gain some confidence in this department

  42. Thanks so much Parul…just trying to maintain a semblance of familiarity in the routine 🙂 hugs right back to you

  44. I completely agree with you !! You will be able to go out for dinner once the baby is about 5-6 months old and is getting curious abt ppl and places .

  48. Congratulations Nabanita. I wrote a post on similar lines too. Being new to mommy hood is a roller coaster ride – pee, poop, spit up included. 🙂

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