10 Things To Keep in Mind Before You Become a Mother

This is not meant to undermine the efforts of dedicated fathers who genuinely care. In fact, both parents contribute significantly to creating harmonious households that enrich our communities.

As young women mature, they often dream of becoming mothers, eagerly anticipating the joys of motherhood. However, I'd like to propose that motherhood is a complex blend of both hardships and pleasures.

Nonetheless, if you have the support of a loving and understanding husband, it's worth mentioning that your journey through motherhood may be less daunting.

Yet, there are crucial insights you should be aware of if you wish to make your motherhood experience truly delightful. In this piece, I will share these important insights with you.

# A different perception of vacation

You'll find that your perspective on vacations will undergo a swift transformation, especially in the initial stages of motherhood when your children are still young.

During this time, you may only reminisce about the carefree moments you enjoyed with friends and family before you embraced the role of a mother. However, this shouldn't deter you from embracing motherhood, as it should actually motivate you to do so sooner rather than later. The earlier you become a mother, the greater the likelihood of resuming a vibrant life with your husband.

# You will gain and lose friends

Changes may become necessary, and the status quo may shift.

You might find that some friendships naturally fade away, and this isn't a result of pride or ego but rather a natural progression. Alternatively, they may evolve into more distant friendships. Simultaneously, you will also forge new connections, whether it's with healthcare professionals during prenatal, natal, or postnatal stages, or with fellow young mothers.

# You will find motherhood exciting

Your son, who initially seemed less academically inclined, could surprisingly emerge as the class leader. Similarly, your daughter Rose may eventually excel as the next hackathon champion, even if her coding skills were lacking during her high school years.

This highlights how life unfolds in phases, emphasizing the importance of making the most out of each phase without regrets.

# You will encounter mothers-in-Law

As you step into the role of a mother, prepare yourself for your relationship with your mother-in-law. Dealing with mothers-in-law can be both exciting and challenging at times.

The dynamics largely hinge on the mutual effort between you and your in-laws, how committed you are to making things work, and your willingness to understand each other in order to create a joyful and harmonious home. The mother-in-law desires to be close to her son and grandchildren, while you, as the mother, want to nurture your marriage and care for your children.

Does this seem like a potential conflict? Not necessarily!

As they say, your attitude plays a pivotal role. Be ready to exercise wisdom in managing your household in this aspect.

# The duty of breastfeeding

You'll engage in a significant amount of breastfeeding.

Are you aware that the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends exclusive breastfeeding as the sole source of nourishment for a baby during the first six months of their life? Yes, the first six months for a new mother.

Believe it or not, there will be moments when your baby will wake you up in the middle of the night for a feeding. It's quite amusing how these adorable infants can sleep peacefully throughout the day and then become wide awake during the night.

In public, they may cry loudly to express their hunger, prompting you to breastfeed. Are you still concerned about breastfeeding in public? Occasionally, they might even nibble you with their emerging teeth. It's all part of the experience! To manage this, it's essential to develop strategic sleeping patterns.

# Your abdomen may never recover

Even if you opt to have only one child, your abdominal area may never fully regain its pre-pregnancy appearance.

The nine-month journey of carrying a baby can leave lasting changes, and no matter how much you exercise or attempt to lose weight, reclaiming that flat belly from before motherhood might be elusive. However, it's important to note that, in the grand scheme of things, this concern may become less significant to you.

# You will desire a more befitting car

When you embark on journeys from your home to other places, you'll appreciate a practical car. A vehicle that can comfortably accommodate a toddler or accommodate a baby would be highly desirable, and you would prefer to have such a car.

If you can afford the expenses associated with purchasing such a car, that would be ideal! However, if you cannot, you might find yourself wishing that you could.

Some cars are especially practical, offering ample space for active kids who love to play around. If your children are as lively as characters like Tom and Jerry, you'll probably regret not having such a car for their sake.

All of this underscores the importance of being diligent in finding a vehicle that suits your child or children, depending on your circumstances. But even if you don't have the financial means, you can still make it work.

# You have to give your pets a second place

Many of us have an affection for pets, whether it's dogs, cats, doves, fish, or other animals. Quite a few of us enjoy having pets in our lives.

This is truly heartwarming.

It's also worth noting that some individuals develop such a deep attachment to their pets that they seem to prioritize them over their own children or spouses. If you don't want to be counted among these extreme cases but still desire to raise wonderful human children, like yourself, then be ready to extend your affection to your pets alongside your family.

# Diapers overturn

It becomes a revelation, making you contemplate how often you'll need to go through this routine. Your white garments will have to take a backseat, just because of this. I recall that it wasn't until Charles reached the age of about three that I could confidently wear my white clothes again.

You see, wearing white had always been my personal fashion preference, but I had to set it aside for a while.

Another observation you'll make is that there are no universally fitting diapers. They come in different sizes, as you'll soon realize, and you'll need to switch to larger ones every few months.

# Sing and dance

I wasn't particularly inclined toward singing and dancing before. However, when Charles turned two years old, I enthusiastically embraced singing and dancing. Music holds a special fascination for children. It's not just about the tunes they hear on the radio or TV; they have a natural inclination to hear you produce meaningful and beautiful sounds for them.

They derive immense joy from your singing, and it becomes even more delightful when you dance along. They now also appreciate it when you take the extra step of teaching them poems and songs.

You'll witness these positive reactions from all of them. This is an activity that you'll quickly adapt to and, in fact, come to enjoy. It's bound to be a source of joy and laughter. Looking back, I think it's the one aspect of parenting that genuinely brought me great joy during my early years as a parent.