The moment you break the news of being pregnant, free advice starts flowing from all

directions, even from the people who haven't given birth before! A lot of times you only

get to hear the good things and that classic phrase "life changes after a baby"
But there is so much more I wish I had known before I held my baby for the first time. When I found out I was pregnant (after I got over the initial excitement) I started

reading, researching, investigating and preparing myself for every possibility that I

could fathom. I realized there is so much that I did not know about being pregnant, giving birth, babies and being a mother.
This is my small attempt at putting together the ten things that I wish I knew before

becoming a mother.
1. Be shameless:

When you reach the delivery room what you will notice is that there are so many nurses, doctors, sometimes wardboys as well, moving around in the room. Most likely you will be all opened up and there will be people looking down at you, the last thing you can be worried about is how you look. So just be shameless and let the doctors do what they have to do- Get the baby out!!
2. Work Those Arms:

While I was pregnant, I did my usual stretches and walks so that I could have a normal delivery. What I wasn't entirely prepared for was the weight of the baby, I would be holding almost 24 x 7. Of course, you will develop those mommy biceps soon enough, but I wish I had worked on my arms a bit to make them stronger. Work on your back too, while you are at it.
3. Feed, Feed, Feed:

Your little one is going to be hungry all the time. Don't get crazy or lock yourself in your bedroom while breastfeeding. Keep books/mobile/tablet handy to read, browse or connect. Go sit out on the couch or comfortable chair in the living room if there is privacy. This will keep you sane, entertained and happy. Also, your baby will be comfortable feeding in different positions. My advice would be to feed from both sides every time. Trust me, you will feel lighter.
4. Don't Keep It Too Quiet When Your Baby Sleeps:

When you manage to put your baby down to sleep during daytime, don't keep your surroundings quite. Let the usual noises go on-usual talks, music playing in the

background, washing machine spinning, traffic noise, etc. Your baby is used to all

these noises while in the womb so let it be same. Just make sure the noises should not

be too high.
5. Bring Out The Hand Sanitizer:

If you have family, friends, neighbors coming in to see your baby often, hand them the

hand sanitizer shamelessly before they come close to touch your baby. They are

definitely going to hold your angel and it's quite alright even if they get offended

about you are indicating that their hands may not be clean. Motherhood and

mannerisms need not coexist!
6. Listen, Smile and Forget:

You will continue to receive advice for every little thing that your baby goes through -

from pooping, to burping, to tummy pain, to superstitious beliefs and so on. All I did

was Listen, Smile and Forget. Go with your mommy instincts, even though it's going to

be wrong 7 out of 10 times. In the wrong time, go with Daddy instincts.
7. Sleep like a baby is totally myth:

You are going to sleep mostly 6-7 hours every night or sometimes about 2-4 hours at night only, if you are lucky. This fact is not to scare you, but just to prepare you.
8. Go easy on Baby stuff:

All you initially need are diapers, wipes, baby clothes, caps, socks, mittens, napkins, swaddle, towels, bottles, rattles, nail clipper, bathing seat/tub, bady wash, body lotion, crib and car seat. Don't overload your wardrobe with clothes. Your baby will outgrow them faster than you imagine. Things like stroller, baby carrier, high chair, baby bouncer, walker, playmats, toys, teether, etc. can come once your baby hits a 3- month mark.
9. Postpartum Depression:

All your day hours are going to be spent- feeding your baby, burping him, cleaning dirty diapers or putting him back to sleep. And if you do not have help around it may be tough on you. There is huge chance you could get upset especially when you see people around you having fun, partying. Always remind yourself you have a lovely baby in your arms and she needs you the most not physically but emotionally too. So stay focused, happy and enjoy every moment of motherhood.
10. Treat yourself:

You are allowed to take a break once in a while even it's for just 30 minutes. Do whatever that you so badly need. If the mommy is happy, everyone is happy.
Remember that it's a joyous journey discovering new things and it's absolutely fine to be surprised by your motherhood experiences. So happy motherhood!!!
Do share your experiences with us. Leave a comment.
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