Motherhood- Expectations Vs Reality
This is going to be interesting to know for mums about what our expectations are in contrast with what's the reality. What we think we would do and what we end up doing as mums. Strange but it's all real.
Adjusting to life with a new baby can be challenging and it takes time. If a partner’s expectation is way too different than reality then certainly it's going to be tough.
But being a mother we always try to meet what is expected out of us no matter how difficult it is at least we all give our best shorts and leave the rest to little munchkins.
Some days will be great, some bad and there will be terrible days too. So embrace the challenge of new parenthood. The adventurous ride awaits you.
Let's see, what we think we
would do and exactly what we end up doing in the journey of motherhood.
Here are some main aspects of our life showcasing expectations vs the reality of being a mother:
1. Breastfeeding
Expectation:
Breastfeeding is a common and natural thing so what’s the fuss about it. It’s the baby who needs to draw out milk not me!!! It's not a big deal.
Vs.
Reality:
When
I first started breastfeeding, it almost felt like my baby is biting on them, my
nipples were sore. Also, I never heard about Engorged breasts up until a few days
of breastfeeding. How do few women breastfeed for more than a year? Breastfeeding may be natural but it is not easy.
Not my cup of tea!!
2. Relationship
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love relation : Photo credit |
Expectation:
Hubby and I will have an even strong
relationship. With the baby, we still can go out, travel, eat out and nothing
can change the way we are with each other ever. We will always have time for
each other no matter what……
Vs.
Reality:
I don’t have time. I need to catch some sleep. Hey, hubby listen “It's not that easy to go out just like this, I need to put a lot of stuff in the baby bag”. Are we running out of nappies? Is the pram ready? Is everything sterilized? Let's pack some extra formula milk. Have you set up an appointment for the regular health check-up for our little one??
3. Parenting
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Parenting is a lot of hard work Standsome: Photo Credit |
Expectation:
I can be the supermom. I have been
always good with kids you know. I can maintain my career, manage my house, and
raise a kid. I don’t need much help.
Vs
Reality:
Oh, God. I need my power nap. It's so tiring. They cry, puke, pee, and keep you awake at night. Being a mom is damn hard work.
4. Getting back to shape
Expectation:
I am going to do a lot of yoga, maintain
a strict diet, and drink lots of fluids. Yes, this is the mantra and just like
that, I will get back to shape within a few months.
Vs
Reality:
Oh my word!!! I can't look at my loose
and hanging skin of my tummy area with stretch marks on it. I have got stitches
down there, I am breastfeeding most of the time in a day. When on earth do I get
time for exercise. I rather take a nap and have a nice chocolate dessert at
night to uplift my mood a little bit…..
5. Setting bedtime Rules
Expectation:
I am going to get up early, take shower,
make breakfast, get the kids ready on time, run errands, finish my office work
on time, clean up make a nice dinner on time, and no matter what put them in bed by
9 pm. Rules are rules.
Vs
Reality:
Bedtime routine is boring. I think the
little one is not that sleepy. Let the little one spend some more time with dad.
He can go to bed maybe after some time. Now she is refusing to go to bed and
fighting sleep. I guess the bedtime is sliding towards 11-12pm.
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| Bedtime Photo by |
6. Traveling with a baby
Expectation:
Reality:
The fact is a little bit, different buddies! It is not that easy at times traveling with a baby. Most of the time you are going to be concern about feeding, sleep and if you are carrying all the essentials or not.
Moreover, if they have started crawling or standing with support, they won't care to sit at a place and try to explore all the places they can and irritate fellow passengers.
7. Photo session
Expectation:
I will click some really cute pictures of his/her quickly and send them across to family and friends who eagerly wait to see her photos and enjoy them.
Reality:
8. Workout
Expectation:
Reality:
To be honest with you, I would love to shed some extra kilos but I have got no time and energy to go to the gym. I can manage to go for a stroll with the baby for now.
9. Self-care
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Don't feel guilty! |
Expectation:
I have a responsibility now and I understand that I need to take more care of myself because get careless about my health or fall sick, ultimately my baby is going to have a tough time. Therefore, I will have to consider self-care.
Reality:
10. Weekends
Reality:
Can't get up, let me stay a little bit longer in bed at least on weekends. We can make a plan to go out next weekend maybe...
These are few examples of being a mother - expectation vs reality which highlights the reality of motherhood or mom life which most of you can relate with.
Must read:
My Post-baby body reality | What happens to our body after childbirth
Relationship problems after having a baby? Know how to overcome them
13 Major "Changes" you experience as a new parent
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