What Your OB Doesn't Tell You

After 12 weeks on Maternity Leave, I've had a LOT of time to think about general things that I wish someone had told me and that I had to learn on my own.

#1 - ENJOY EVERY MINUTE
I remember during my pregnancy, in the first trimester I was throwing up and by month 7, I had a baby's head in my pelvis and I couldn't walk without pain. It did get better. I remember I got to my 2nd trimester and poof - the morning sickness was gone. I gave birth and the pain in my pelvis did go away. Plus the 1st month of no sleep and anxiety made the pelvic pain look like nothing. So hindsight is 20/20. Even enjoy those 3AM feedings, because before you know it.

#2 - IT GETS EASIER EACH DAY
In the beginning, it sucks not knowing how to do anything. Before you know it, you'll be an ace at feeding, changing diapers, giving baths, and clipping nails. The only advice I have here is don't be upset if you mess up something. Babies are more resilient then you think. Also, don't criticize your hubby when he does something. The criticisms will only make him not want to help. Who cares if you change a diaper one way and he does it another? At the end of the day, as long as the baby is safe, that's all that matter.

#3 - DON'T BE HARD ON YOURSELF
Nothing about my pregnancy, labor, or raising this baby has gone to the ideal plan I had in my head. For a long time, I continued to harbor guilt and sadness for "failing." The thing is, all control gets thrown out the window and you just have to accept it. Keep an open mind and just go with the flow. If you believe in God, then here is the right time to go ahead and say everything happens for the best.

#4 - HAPPY MOM, HAPPY BABY
Along with #3 above, some of that guilt I had was turning into resentment and a lack of enjoyment with my life. My daughter's pediatrician said there is no right or wrong, you do what works for you and as long as you are a happy mommy, then you will have a happy baby. It's not worth worrying about what others say or recommend, just do what works for you and you can't go wrong.

#5 - YOUR WORLD WILL CHANGE (REALLY CHANGE)
Your life is going to change and the people in it will too. The biggest realization will be who you truly care about and who cares about you. Majority of my friends were incredible and there for me after I had Binah. Then there were the people who I thought were friends, but were very insensitive. Having a baby is the biggest thing that will happen to you. Just remember that every minute you are with other people it means it is precious time away from your darling baby. You will quickly figure out who is worth that time and who isn't and then move on!