10 Things You Wish You Knew When You Became a Parent

Parenthood is a rollercoaster, so we might as well just buckle up and enjoy the ride- hanging on for the good, the bad, and the ugly (spit-up on your shirt at a meeting, anyone?). Take every day as it comes and appreciate the little things. You might even want to use a motherhood photographer El Dorado Hills or a similar photographer in your area to capture the special moments. Special moments are always fleeting, so grab them when you can! Whether you’re a parent-to-be or a seasoned pro, everyone can appreciate these 10 Things You Wish You Knew When You Became a Parent- and chances are, you have a few you would add!

Their clothes won’t be clean for long

Spit up, blowouts, you name it- All of those adorable, tiny baby clothes may be folded neatly and looking pristine now, but once your Mini arrives, they will never be the same.

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You can say goodbye to showering

We’re all looking back fondly on the time when we had more than ten minutes to shower in peace- if we get to shower at all. Your baby will become attached to you for feedings, bouncing, shushing, and the like, so bathing will soon become a luxury.

You will love them so much it hurts

Like, physically hurt. When you look at the precious little being you actually created, you will realize you’ve never known a love like this. You might also feel compelled to photograph them at all times of the day so that you don’t miss out on any special moments. Many parents also tend to hire photographers to capture significant occasions such as baptism or even a babymoon. If you’re looking for a photographer and don’t know where to find one, search online using keywords like “Portland baby photography” or anywhere near your home.

That mesh hospital underwear is EVERYTHING

It’s like a new mom’s little secret. The disposable underwear they dole out at the hospital will become your new BFF and you’ll probably steal some extra pairs to take home. In fact, Jemima Kirke 100% did.

You cannot always “sleep when the baby sleeps”

That phrase will ring in your ears, but when they actually fall asleep, you will have a laundry list of other things to do and always want to bypass that chance to snag a nap. So, the most important thing to remember is that, when you do get the chance to rest your head, make the most of it. Even if it means that your partner gets up to do the night feeds and all the other jobs you need to do, any sleep that you get will be valuable to surviving parenthood. Just like you would consider trying something like this breeze recreational cannabis company and benefiting from the cannabis to help you sleep before you had a baby, you need to restructure your routine now. It will be hard at the beginning but when you have sufficient sleep, it will definitely be worth it.

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Other parents will feel compelled to comment- on everything

On every topic, at every stage, other parents will chime in with their two cents. The best course of action? Put on your mom blinders and follow your own path. Only you know what is best for your baby!

Your body may not “bounce back”

Not all new moms can expect to leave the hospital at their pre-pregnancy weight. In fact, you may still look six months pregnant. Just remember, you grew a baby for nine months- give yourself at least that for the weight to leave.

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Your daily uniform will be athleisure- or just pajamas

Embrace the leggings, just embrace them. Or size up for the postpartum stage if you need to put on “real pants.” I’ve just purchased a couple of high quality tracksuits for me and my husband as a treat for our hard work. It’s important that we’re comfy now we have a baby and sportswear has become our thing. Comfort is key and I don’t miss wearing jeans at all!

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Separation anxiety is REAL

When the time comes to leave your baby for a few hours (even if it’s just for date night!), it will feel like climbing Everest. Because you will need them as much as they need you.

They will be fine- And so will you

It’s a common feeling amongst all new parents that you might “break” your baby in some way, that you’re not doing something the “right” way. But when we interviewed mom of two Busy Philipps for our summer issue, she had the best advice as to what she’d tell her new parent self- “Chill out. She’s going to be fine and so will you.”


You’ll also want to read these 13 Relatable Mom Struggles You Know All Too Well or the One Thing Everyone Should Know About Babywearing.