If you are about to have a baby you need to realize your life is going to dramatically change, and this change is a permanent one. Adapting to being a parent is sometimes difficult but it is a step you will need to take, despite what you may tell yourself about change. The best time to have a baby is a difficult decision and in all honesty, there is no perfect time. Even being financially set is not a guarantee; parenting is still a serious journey. At the end of the day, you are the only person who can decide if it your time to step into motherhood, and when you are ready then the time is right.
One of the most rewarding jobs you will ever hold is that of a mother, your life will be filled with emotions you can only dream about now. Not only will you feel like you have purpose you will feel strong protective urges and a pure love like no other. At this point, you might believe that pregnancy and delivery are the tough part but truthfully, the hard stuff is yet to come. Once the baby arrives, you will have to become accustomed to another person in your life while you try to overcome weariness and the unknown.
Regardless of how calm you are before children, a newborn baby can rattle you. The first few weeks of life will consist of round the clock feeding, diapers, crying and burping. If you begin to wonder what you are doing with a child, no one will blame you! It will help if you are extremely organized and willing to ask for help. This is not a sign that you cannot handle things, but that you are in control and know your limits. Talk to family and friends about taking the baby for a few hours, they will be glad to help in most cases.
If you want to stay sane during motherhood, it is important to take some time for yourself, which is counterintuitive for most new mothers who want to spend every waking moment with their child. Even a few minutes alone each day can recharge your batteries and protect your sanity. Your body and mind are going through tremendous change right now so be prepared. Getting your nails or hair done is very therapeutic! Don't forget about the other relationships in your life when you become a new mother, your partner, family and friends may feel the strain as well. Remember these are still important people in your life, even though you have chosen to have a baby.
You surely want everything to fall into place and be the best parent on the planet. Sadly, this is never the case, but you must not feel like a failure when something goes wrong. You will be feeling new emotions and struggling to learn new skills, so be patient with yourself. Having children really upsets the apple cart of your life. When you are required to care for another individual every day, all day without a break it is exhausting, heart breaking and even emotional. Add to that the fact that this is a fully dependent infant whose only communication is in the form of crying and screaming and it can become overwhelming.
Household chores, routine and errands will often have to wait as you adjust to parenthood. However, just remember every time you wonder why you chose to have a baby you will experience thousands of moments that answer the question. There is that moment when they first meet your eyes or hold out their little arms for you and express unconditional love up to and including the moment they have their own children. You are now and forever will be their mother, just take it one day at a time and you will be a wonderful parent.
Lisa Mullins is an extremely busy mother and writer committed to helping women learn about alternative ways to get pregnant and have happy, healthy children. For more information, please go to www.squidoo.com/iwantababy.
