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Myths and realities of early motherhood

Parenting
 Motherhood might not be easy but it is rewarding (Photo: Shutterstock)

Early motherhood comes with its package of expectations. There are things you may have heard when pregnant and once the baby comes, they certainly fail to be applicable, let alone being realistic. Here are some of the most common myths. 

Breastfeeding is natural and easy 

We all see the nice pictures taken of a mother breastfeeding her child, milk flowing and the child glowing. What you should know is that, first, it isn't as easy as portrayed in the pictures. It could take some days for the milk to come down, you may have challenges getting your baby latched on well or you may lack the amount of milk. For this you may need to boost your supply by using lactactation cookies or teas. Breastfeeding is also exhausting especially when you feed on demand for the first six months. This means you'll have to eat more and round the clock. For some mothers, your breasts may get engorged or develop mastitis which is a painful experience, limiting your love for the breastfeeding. Overrall, it's not as easy as it's painted to be. 

The relationship with your partner will thrive 

A newborn can be a wedge between you two. Yes, for men who aren't psychologically prepared, it may make them feel distant as if your attention as a mother are on your children only. For some, the arguments increase because a child brings more financial obligations as well as household chores commitments. It is also reported that, many men cheat on their spouses during this period when the woman is recovering from birth since they are incapable of satisfying them sexualy. As a result, you should know that it's not all bloom for relationships in early motherhood. 

You won't miss your pre-motherhood days 

The amount of work a newborn comes with is so huge that you'll sometimes ask yourself whether you needed another full time job in the name of a baby. During the initial months, you'll actually be sleep deprived and will need to take care of the unending demands of the newborn. What you should know is that, you'll want to turn back time somedays and get back to being without parental responsibilities. Your previous life is more free in comparison to motherhood and those days when you wish you weren't a parent definitely come knocking. 

Bonding with your baby happens instantly

Some mothers experience baby blues and an extention of postpartum depression. During baby blues, you get to cry excessively, may not want to see the baby and is a whole wave of emotion after birth. Bonding with your baby may therefore need alot of support for your and encouragement lest you think you're going crazy. It's not always love at first sight as many commercials put it. 

'Bad mothers' are the ones who complain when it's hard 

The truth of this is that, you'll have days when you'll want to scream your lungs out. When the housechores are not complete, the child is crying, needs diaper changes every hour and you are so sleep deprived, you'll want to wish you weren't a mother. This isn't to mean that you're a bad mother, only that you have bad days when the starts fail to align themselves in your favor. 

Parenting books have got all the information 

Regardless of the amount of parenting books that you get to read, nothing fully prepares you than the experience first hand about parenting. Your child is unique and will go through unique challenges or milestones which may not be similar to what you may have read. Even as you're encouraged to be informed, you should know that your baby can surprise you anytime. 

Would you rather have more money or more free time?

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