2 Months Postpartum, here’s what I’ve learned
Wow, it’s already been two months since my son was born. The past two months have been one of the craziest / most tiring months of my life. It is true when people say “Nothing will ever prepare you to become a parent” and I feel that quote to my CORE. This season has challenged me in ways that I’ve never thought I would experience. It’s made me have a different outlook on life, time, and family. Here are some things I’ve been learning through this life transition.
1. Expect the unexpected
I never really knew what to expect for labor and delivery. I watched a ton of videos that painted an image of what giving birth would be like and so I expected mine would be the same. Let’s just say… it was far from what I envisioned (that story I’ll save for another time). I realized that no matter what you do, or how many articles/videos you read or watch, you will never know what will happen. Your experience will be completely different from someone else's, therefore, be prepared to ride the wave of the unknown, which is easier said than done ><.
2. It takes a village, take all the help you can get
After giving birth, there was little to nothing I could do but simply heal. Simple tasks like taking a shower, holding my baby, etc. were extremely difficult. If it were not for my family, my husband, and my community, I don’t think I would have been able to endure these grueling 2 months. Raising a child requires a lot, and I mean A LOT of help. Take as much support as you can get and remember to thank those that are there for you during this season.
3. You MUST take care of yourself
I thought my mom was crazy when she told me to rest in bed and do nothing for a month. Even after my surgery, I wanted to hit the ground running for this new chapter of life. I soon realized how naive I was when I realized how little my body could take. I felt like my body had shattered into a million pieces and it was working vigorously to piece it all back together again.
The one advice I would tell those who are pregnant or going through postpartum is this, you absolutely MUST take care of yourself. I realized that I was doing a disservice to my husband and family by trying to take on more than I could handle without giving my body proper rest. Now, healing is my top priority.
4. Moms do not get enough credit
If you watched “When Life Gives You Tangerines,” you’ll probably remember the scene where the main character’s daughter gives birth and the first thing she thinks about is her mom, I thought the same. As I transitioned to becoming a mom myself, it made me realize everything my mom had sacrificed for me and my family. It made me emotional and extremely apologetic to her thinking about how often I took her for granted. Mom, if you’re reading this, I love you and I wouldn’t be here without you.
Husbands, please appreciate your wives and take care of them during this vulnerable/transitional time. They should be your number one priority and they need your help the most. Hear them out emotionally, support them physically, and understand that they may seem like they’re fine on the outside, but they’re still extremely fragile and need your love and care now more than ever. Carrying a baby for 9 months then having your entire body change within a day and then having the responsibility to take care of a child while recovering from intense physiological/emotional changes should not be taken lightly. Appreciate your mom, appreciate your wife, it goes a long way.
5. Take it day by day
All things take time, being a parent is the same. Yesterday will not be the same as today so lower your expectations and look at tomorrow with a fresh start. Doing so will help you be less disappointed in yourself and less frustrated with difficult outcomes that are bound to show up.
Hope this was helpful to some parents out there. Let me know if you related to any of the learnings above. Till next time!
