When I was expecting, I envisioned the early days of motherhood filled with serene moments—idealized labor, effortless breastfeeding, and a flat belly post-baby. However, the reality of motherhood is anything but tidy and predictable. Here are the choices I made during my first year as a mother that I refuse to apologize for (and you shouldn’t either).
1. Choosing a C-Section
There’s a lot of misinformation surrounding C-sections, especially the idea that they are often chosen for convenience. Trust me, that was not the case for me. My baby was in a Frank breech position, which meant his head was wedged under my ribcage and his feet were crammed into the other side. By the end of my pregnancy, even a gentle movement felt unbearable. Despite my pleas for an earlier C-section, I had to wait until 39 weeks, and when my water broke unexpectedly at 38 weeks, I was just relieved to be done with the ordeal.
As I was wheeled into the operating room, it hit me hard that I was undergoing major surgery. There was nothing glamorous about the experience: I was prepped by a stranger, given a spinal block that carried its own risks, and underwent a procedure that felt as invasive as it was. My scar is a constant reminder of that experience, and while the delivery was far from what I had imagined, I wouldn’t change a thing. My son was born healthy, and I am proud of my C-section journey.
2. Opting for Formula Feeding
While there’s a significant focus on supporting breastfeeding, the same cannot be said for those who choose formula. Let me be clear: I wholeheartedly believe that fed is best—whether it’s breast milk, formula, or a combination of both. I personally faced medical issues that made breastfeeding impossible, but no one mentioned this possibility until I was already feeling defeated. Choosing to formula feed was liberating; it allowed my partner, Mike, to bond with our son during feedings, giving me time to heal. I have no regrets about this decision whatsoever, and I won’t apologize for it.
3. Letting Him Cry It Out
When our son turned 13 days old, we decided it was time for him to have his own space and moved him to his crib. We were eager to establish a routine, and we implemented a method known as “Sleepy Time Strategy” that included letting him cry for a few minutes. By 10 weeks, he was sleeping through the night. This approach has worked wonders for us, and while some may not agree, I stand by our decision.
4. My Partner’s Bath Time Routine
From day one, Mike took on the responsibility of bath time. I specifically asked him to prioritize this nightly ritual. While he may occasionally need to take work calls afterward, we made a pact that this time would be dedicated to bonding. People often remark how lucky I am, but to be honest, this arrangement benefits all of us. It gives Mike invaluable time with our child while allowing me to catch up on chores or simply unwind. I’m not sorry for creating this balance.
5. Traveling Without Our Child
Having a baby can shift the dynamics of a marriage dramatically. Leaving our son with his loving grandparents for a getaway has been a necessary breath of fresh air. Whenever we travel without him, we often receive judgmental looks, but it’s vital for us to reconnect as a couple. Our son learns about love and trust through these experiences, knowing that we will always return to him. We plan to continue this tradition for our marriage’s sake—and yes, I’m unapologetic about it.
I have no regrets about any of these decisions. Our family is thriving, and that’s what truly matters. For more insights on motherhood and boosting fertility, you can visit our other blog posts on fertility supplements and home insemination. If you’re looking for more information on pregnancy, check out this excellent resource.
Summary:
Motherhood is filled with tough choices, and I refuse to apologize for the paths I’ve chosen—whether it’s a C-section, formula feeding, letting my baby cry it out, designating bath time to my partner, or traveling without our child. These decisions have contributed to our family’s well-being, and I stand by them wholeheartedly.
Keyphrase: Motherhood Choices
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