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As I drove home from work during my pregnancy with my first child, I was hit with a wave of anxiety. My partner and I had decided that I would be a stay-at-home mom, and I couldn’t help but wonder how I would manage household chores with a newborn. The thought of showering or cooking meals felt overwhelming, and I had no idea how I would handle it all.
This was nearly two decades ago, well before social media became a source of parenting advice. I relied solely on my mother and her experiences since I was the first among my friends to welcome a baby. She reassured me that my baby would sleep for long stretches, allowing me to catch up on chores. Relieved, I thought my new routine would be manageable since I wouldn’t be working long hours or commuting anymore.
However, the reality hit hard on our first night home. Our baby cried non-stop, and I was struggling to nurse him while dealing with the physical discomfort of breastfeeding. My plans for an early morning clean-up and baking treats for visitors went out the window. As dawn broke and my baby finally fell asleep, I found myself resenting the idea of guests. I craved solitude and needed a break rather than company.
Yet, believing I had to make the most of my child’s nap time, I pushed myself to tackle the dishes and tidy up the chaos created by bringing a newborn home. Almost two decades later, I still reflect on that time with frustration. I often felt drained when visitors arrived, leading me to retreat to my room instead of engaging with friends and family.
It took me nearly a year to realize that caring for myself was equally important—if not more so—than keeping a spotless home. The truth is, when you’re a new mother, your priorities shift dramatically. Women are often praised for maintaining their routines effortlessly, but it shouldn’t be this way. Your primary responsibility is to take care of yourself and your baby.
Don’t pressure yourself to scrub floors or respond to messages while your baby sleeps. If you neglect self-care, it can lead to burnout, anxiety, and feelings of inadequacy. This is a monumental life transition, and it’s essential to embrace it without guilt.
Establishing a new routine means focusing on your well-being. When I had my subsequent children, I set boundaries with visitors and prioritized rest. I learned to enjoy my downtime, whether that meant napping or binge-watching shows. In the long run, keeping up with chores won’t matter as much as your mental and physical health.
If you find comfort in getting a few things done while your baby sleeps, that’s great! Just remember, you don’t have to keep everything in order all the time. Your well-being is what truly counts.
For additional insights on navigating this exciting yet challenging time, check out this blog post or Cleveland Clinic’s excellent resource on pregnancy. If you’re considering home insemination, Make A Mom offers authoritative products and information.
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In summary, new mothers should prioritize their own health and well-being over domestic duties. The transition into motherhood is significant, and it’s natural to feel overwhelmed. Embrace this time without the pressure to maintain a perfect home. Focus on nurturing yourself and your baby.
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