Expectations VS reality postpartum

What happens when we are pregnant? We are filled with joy, exited for this new journey, desperate for the month to pass until we can finally hold our baby in our arms.

We have apps and books, we have people telling us wonderful stories and horror stories.

We go from checkups to baby showers.

.

We are so focused on birth, the “pain”

But what happens when our baby’s are there?

.

The trough is; it is EXHAUSTING!!

.

Right after birth is finished the journey begins, no time to recover, right into sleepless nights. Hormones all over the place and a bunch of people surrounding us with their best intentions.

.

We had such an illusion of the wonderfulness of the baby bliss and all of a sudden nothing is the way we expected it.

.

We have this new born baby depended on us.

Especially if we haven’t been in contact with other mums before hand or junger siblings we find us in a place we have never been before.

Constantly doubting if the baby is fed well, if the baby is in pain, if the baby is sleeping enough or to little, if it’s cold or to warm…

.

Meanwhile having no time to take good care of our selfs. Just taking a simple shower once a day seems like a day to day challenge.

.

Breastfeeding seems like the only thing we are doing, but still wondering if we have an enough milk. Some with sore nipples or open wounds.

.

No idea to what day or time it is.

.

Are you alone in this? No you are not!!

.

The first days/weeks are terribly wonderful. It’s a roller coaster of emotions.

.

But hang in there, this time is so short and soon you will look back on it and remember how strong you grow from it. It will give you confidence as a mother and as a person.

.

And also you will eventually send out pictures of your beautiful family, where everything seems perfect. You will have yourself back, you will hold your baby in your arm, you will go for a walk and sit in a caffe, breastfeed your child like you have never done anything different. You will find your own rhythm.

.

And when you see a new mum walk past you with that look of “how the hell does she do it” you will take her in your arms and tell her that also she will get there.