I think some people have the attitude when they are getting pregnant, that a baby doesn’t have to change your life. I think this is funny now that I am a Mom with two kids. But, I’m sure I was a little naive too. I remember right before my first was born, and there was only about a week until my due date and I had a little break down. I remember crying and crying to my husband that it was never going to be “just us” again.
I hear people say things like, “A baby doesn’t have to change your life”. “You can still have it all”, or maybe the couples are trying to convince themselves that they can still continue on with life as normal after baby arrives. I guess there is that rare family that is wealthier and have the financial means to hire a baby nurse, and a nanny, and a personal shopper, then yes, maybe life won’t change for them. But, in my opinion, a baby is supposed to change your life, and it definitely will.
Here are some things that will definitely change:
*Sleep. I list this first because it is the most obvious thing that changes. I feel like I haven’t slept good in about 5 years. Between newborns, nursing, toddlers that have bad dreams, and illness, there is always something to keep the parents awake. I hear when you have teenagers, you still have sleepless night, just in a different sort of way.
*Priorities. When you have a baby, your priorities have to change. You are no longer thinking just about two adults. You are thinking about an innocent, perfectly helpless human being that has to learn….well, everything. That is your responsibility. So, with that added responsibility, you will have to readjust your priorities. Baby comes first. Especially because the baby is usually the one that cries the loudest!
*Time. You never have enough time again. You will be dying for some alone time and some time with your significant other. It doesn’t happen overnight, but eventually you get into a routine, and you find ways to spend time together again.
*Your capacity to love. You never realize how much you will love that baby until you see him or her for the first time. I remember thinking I wanted to go back to work at 12 weeks. I saw that baby and thought, forget it! Some people don’t have that luxury, and that’s OK. But, working Moms love their babies just as much as non-working moms. Your capacity to love multiplies beyond belief. You will never be the same again.
Becoming a parent is a wonderful thing. It is beautiful, satisfying, frustrating, and amazing all at the same time. But, believe me, it does change your life. There is no doubt about it.
Related Articles:
Chocolate During Pregnancy May Make for Happy Baby
Don’t Lose Yourself When Baby Arrives
Reasons to Fire Your Doctor During Pregnancy
What Medications are Safe During Pregnancy?