21 Thoughts That Are Completely Normal After Becoming a Parent

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Having a baby is an extraordinary experience, one that shakes your world in ways you cannot anticipate. Before your little one arrives, you may have enjoyed a semblance of normalcy, engaging in polite conversation and navigating life with relative ease. However, post-baby, everything changes. You’re in for a ride that lasts at least the next 18 years, so brace yourself.

As a new parent, you will have a myriad of thoughts—some rational, others perhaps irrational, and a few best kept to yourself. The good news is that all of these thoughts are perfectly valid, provided you continue to nurture your child. Here are 21 thoughts that are okay to have:

  1. It’s perfectly acceptable to think your baby isn’t the cutest thing ever.
  2. Nap time is undeniably the best part of your day.
  3. You might feel that a third glass of wine is more vital to your well-being than your baby’s breast milk.
  4. You may find yourself reflecting on how much you owe your own parent a heartfelt apology.
  5. Reaching your pre-pregnancy weight should come with a sash denoting your achievement.
  6. In a moment of desperation at the store, you might seriously consider the benefits of formula while holding a crying newborn.
  7. You might believe that all males should experience simulated labor as a rite of passage.
  8. Carrying a baby for months earns you the right to frequently discuss the effects on your body.
  9. Sometimes it feels like your baby is intentionally being difficult, regardless of what the pediatrician claims.
  10. You may have the awareness that you’re introducing your child to your opinions and biases, but that’s okay because they’ll figure it all out eventually.
  11. It’s normal to long for the days when parenting is “normal,” only to panic when you realize this chaotic period is the new normal.
  12. You might cringe at how you previously judged parents with crying babies in public.
  13. It’s not uncommon to feel a sense of superiority over younger parents with perfect bodies—yet still harbor resentment toward them.
  14. You might think your infant will survive another hour (or three) in a dirty diaper.
  15. It feels a bit odd to handle someone else’s private parts so frequently.
  16. You may believe your friends with children are parenting incorrectly, but it’s best to keep that to yourself.
  17. Strangers giving you disapproving looks when your baby is crying or dressed inappropriately? They might just be ignorant.
  18. It’s entirely reasonable to think your partner is being foolish at times.
  19. You might come to accept that maybe you’re the one in the wrong, but you’d never actually admit it.
  20. You may realize you underestimated the challenges of parenting.
  21. Your feelings about wanting more children may fluctuate daily, from wanting one to considering nine more.

The beauty of thoughts is that they don’t translate into action. Embracing parenthood comes with significant changes, both physically and mentally. If you ever voice one of those unfiltered thoughts, you can always attribute it to hormonal fluctuations. And if you’re concerned about becoming an unfeeling person, remember that it’s all part of the sleep-deprived journey of parenting. One day, you’ll reclaim your sense of self—though it may take a couple of decades.

For more insights on fertility and parenting resources, check out this article on fertility boosters or learn more about home insemination kits. If you’re interested in exploring options like IVF, this resource from Mayo Clinic is an excellent starting point.

In summary, it’s completely normal to have a range of feelings and thoughts after welcoming a new baby into your life. Accepting and acknowledging these thoughts can help ease the transition into parenthood and foster a more honest dialogue about the challenges and joys of raising children.

Keyphrase: Thoughts after having a baby

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