6 lies that every new mummy gets to hear

You’ve just come back from the hospital with the new love of your life and everything is falling back into place again. It’s a wonderful feeling, being a mother, no matter if it’s the first, second, third or even the fourth time. Everything is good. Your family goes to the ends of the earth to pamper you and you just can’t get enough of it.

Being a new mom is a slightly different story though. Even though you get the same amount of pampering, it’s quite natural to feel a bit lost at times. On top of it, people around you don’t spare any chance at giving free advice; it is as if they somehow sense that you won’t protest the incoming shower of information they spray on you. 

While most of them generally have your best interests at heart, you can’t help but wonder whether all of that information actually is true. So, to quell any doubts you’ve ever had (or might have in the future), we breakdown 6 common lies that everybody tells new moms.

1. “You should sleep when your baby sleeps”

This is probably the most common piece of advice that is given to new moms. While it may work for some moms, for most moms, your baby’s nap time is generally spent showering, getting pending work done, catching up with friends or taking a breath of fresh air. Although it may seem like really useful advice, it doesn’t always work out for everybody.

2. “Breastfeeding doesn’t hurt if you know how to do it”

The funny thing is that a lot of child care experts hold this opinion, saying that breastfeeding shouldn’t hurt if you follow all the right steps. The truth is, no matter how good you get at breastfeeding, having a baby suck on your breasts every few hours will lead to sores, cuts, blisters and stings. It is only normal. The only good thing is that this advice actually holds some ground after about 6 weeks, when the pain subsides a bit.

So, the next time somebody tells you this, look them in the eye and ask them to try it for themselves. We promise you that their expression will make the pain a little more bearable. 

3. “Your whole life will change”

We have to say that there is some truth to this. Having a baby is definitely a life-changing experience. However, this doesn’t mean that you won’t be able to do the things that you used to do before your pregnancy. Most people would have told you during your pregnancy that after the baby comes, you wouldn’t be able to travel as much or hang out with your friends as often. While this may be true in the beginning, you can definitely ignore this piece of advice and move on.

4. “Enjoy it while it lasts. This time will go by really fast”

People who say this generally have a faint, understanding smile on their face while saying it. This is one lie that will always haunt you. It will be on your mind while you’re struggling to change diapers, and it will be on your mind as you see your child take their first step.

In the second case, it’ll be on your mind because you’ll feel as if it was just yesterday that you came back from the maternity hospital. In the first case, it’ll be because time passes really slowly amidst all the craziness.

5. “The first few months are the best”

Sure, but they’re also the hardest. You’re still getting a hang of how to take care of your baby. Breastfeeding is still painful, you’re prone to postpartum depression and your body is still recovering from the pregnancy.

It is not everybody’s cup of tea, to be honest. We understand that holding your baby’s little fingers in your hands is a beautiful feeling. It is definitely an understatement that the first few months are the best.

6.“You will forget everything once the baby comes”

This one is a favourite of moms who have gone through the miraculous experience of childbirth before. They say that you’ll forget all the labour pains that you go through once the baby arrives. We understand that looking at your newborn’s face can make you forget all your worries, but the process of childbirth is something that one cannot forget easily. People who assure you with this generally mean it with your best interests at heart, with the intention to motivate you when the going gets tough. But this does not mean that you’ll conveniently forget the past once the baby arrives. Postpartum recovery is a long and strenuous process, which constantly reminds you of your labours.