Books, blogs, birthing classes, podcasts, doctors, midwives, OBs, friends, friends of friends, Mums, other Mums, Grandma’s, Aunties, in-laws, neighbours, influencers and the lady at the bus stop.
There are so many different resources and facts, so much advice, opinions and tales that are thrown at you during pregnancy. It can be so overwhelming trying to digest how your world is about to change, and decipher what to trust and what not to. For my partner and I, learning and deciding how to parent happened subconsciously - I found myself collating different parts of knowledge and resources that made sense to me. I am also so lucky to have a partner that I am on the same page with, who is so present and we have THE most supportive and loving family in the world.
With that said, here are the five things that I DIDN’T know before coming a Mum. Similar to how in school I learnt all about triangles, but never learnt to do my taxes…
*Please note, this is just my experience, in no way do I wish to enforce my opinions upon anyone.
- Like, ANYTHING to do with birth…
In the movies, their water breaks in the supermarket, they go straight to hospital and the baby is born (with the exception of Rachel from Friends - she was in labour forever!) That couldn’t be further from the truth. Obviously, I was more than aware that labour can be long and gruelling, however I didn’t realize how little I knew about the process. (I guess I didn’t retain as much of Year 10 biology as I thought – sorry Mr Andrews!) We decided to do a birthing class that was run through our hospital and it was the best thing we could have done. According to the video we watched, unless you’re having any concerns, you are supposed to head to the hospital once your contractions are five minutes apart and last for a minute. WHO KNEW!?
2. The laundry is endless – but YOU will never have clean clothes.
So I knew there was going to be washing. But I didn’t realize it would be EVERYDAY. Sheets, towels, little tiny singlets and onsies, not to mention our own laundry. The strange thing is, I can never seem to find a clean t-shirt of my own. A year down the line, and nothing has changed. It’s lucky he’s so cute…
3. You have an excuse to get out of ANYTHING.
Not that I’ve done this at all…….. But… Oh I’m so sorry, the baby didn’t sleep at ALL last night and we’re exhausted, I won’t be able to make it. Oh sorry, the baby just did a poo explosion all over me, I won’t be able to make it. Oh sorry, the baby has their monthly checkup, I won’t be able to make it. They are your ‘get out of jail free’ card - pass go and collect $200, thank you!
4. The little things really ARE the BIG things.
Taking a shower and washing your hair. Drinking your coffee while it’s still hot. Putting on mascara. Wearing anything other than active wear. Date nights.
The first smile. The first time they roll over, sit, crawl. The first laugh. Your priorities change immensely and your sole purpose is to make them happy. In those early months, they don’t need all the bells and whistles. (Jett’s favourite ‘toys’ to play are a green Pringles can and door stops). All they really need is your love and undivided attention.
5. They become your biggest motivation.
Everything I now do, I do for you. I want the absolute best in life for you and I want you to be proud of me. I want you to bring your friends over to a beautiful home. I want you to have the best education where the possibilities are limitless. I want you to find your passion, whatever that may be. I promise to support every decision you make and help you to realise your dreams.
I have learnt so much from my little boy. I have learnt resilience; he gets knocked down and he gets up again. And again. And again. And again. I have learnt patience. Although the days are a little repetitive, watching him learn and take in the world is so fascinating. At some point, life just becomes second nature so to watch someone discover it all for the first time is a really beautiful thing. I have learnt a new love.