I had such a romantic view of how everything was going to happen, but reality was a real wake-up call! lol I knew nothing about taking care of a baby, so I had to learn as I went. At the maternity hospital, everything is very calm and, even though it’s all new, you get plenty of help so you feel safe. There’s a nurse on duty at all times and they know all about baby care, including for bath time. But what happens when you get home?
It feels like everything turns upside down! Where did that calm baby from the hospital go? It’s time to put your motherly instincts to work, folks! I know what I’m talking about—after all, I’m a mom of three! Each one of them reacted differently when coming home; my oldest daughter was very calm, even though she had to stay in the hospital for the first few days, she was really peaceful, but then the colic started!! With my middle child, it was more stressful because my oldest was already there and jealousy was in the air! Plus, there was the suspicion that he might have allergies, since he always had a blocked nose even at the hospital. With my youngest, let’s just say things were calmer—I was a third-time mom, so baby care this time was much smoother, you could say. The only problem was being alone in the room after a C-section and with her in tow…
As people say: the first child is made of crystal, the second of rubber, and the third of iron! Hahaha, of course it’s not exactly like that, but when it comes to experience, it makes sense. When you’re a first-time mom, everything seems overwhelming, with the second you know how to handle things, and with the third, whatever the problem, you take it in stride! I learned baby care the hard way with my first daughter; I lived far from both my mother and my mother-in-law, and whenever there was a problem I’d run to the pediatrician (I don’t know how he put up with me). I spent most of my time awake, and when she slept I rushed to do chores, and the result? There came a time when I just couldn’t stand up anymore!
With my son, sleep was a mix of juggling and magic tricks, and with the youngest now? Believe it or not, it was the calmest arrival possible. My older kids helped take care of their little sister, and my mom took turns with me caring for the baby so I could at least get some rest. But I know not everyone has that privilege, just as I didn’t the first time around, and the secret? Sleep when your baby is sleeping! That’s the only way to handle the demands of caring for a small baby! Savor every moment with your baby, enjoy every second, because they grow up much faster than we wish and the memories of baby care leave you longing for those days….
Good luck and lots of health!
