Maternity leave is a cherished time. After navigating the demands of pregnancy while juggling a full-time job, you’ve rightfully earned those precious weeks to bond with your new baby. Congratulations! But let’s be honest: the journey into motherhood comes with its own set of challenges. As if adapting to life with a newborn isn’t enough, there’s also the pressure from friends and family who seem to think they have a say in your new life.
I felt overwhelmed during my pregnancy with unsolicited advice, intrusive questions, and even the occasional tummy rub from strangers. It’s a lot to handle, especially for a working mom. So, as I embraced my maternity leave, I realized there are certain things I will not apologize for. Here are my top three.
1. Hogging My Baby
I can’t believe some new moms are criticized for “hogging” their own babies. It’s absurd! A mother cannot hog her baby; the baby naturally belongs with her. During maternity leave, there’s no obligation to share that precious bundle of joy with anyone else.
I understand the excitement of family wanting to hold the baby, but don’t even think about stepping in front of me when I want to snuggle my little one. Maternity leave is a special time for both mom and baby, and they need that bond to flourish. Just ask my sister-in-law, who tried to guilt-trip me about spending too much time with my baby. I promptly reminded her that as the mother, I already won the baby-holding contest.
2. Enforcing a Courtesy Call
Welcoming a new baby is thrilling, but surprise visitors are usually not welcome. I made it clear to everyone that I need a quick 10-15 minute heads-up before any unannounced visits. If someone disregards this request? Sorry, but it’s a hard pass from me.
Even my own mom tries to break this rule with her “my phone died” excuse. Sorry, but if your phone is dead, time to charge it before you drop by! I have a loud dog and a baby who may or may not be napping or in need of a diaper change. A courtesy call ensures no one walks in on me during an awkward moment, like trying to soothe a crying baby or worse—getting back to intimacy with my partner. #callfirst
3. Not Treating My Baby Like a Toy
I get it—new outfits for the baby can be adorable. But I refuse to treat my child like a living doll, especially when those tiny outfits aren’t practical. The reality is that babies grow quickly, and they tend to have frequent “accidents.”
When family members come over and ask why my baby isn’t wearing that cute dress they bought, I gently remind them that my little one is more comfortable in something practical. Gifts like clothing are often not as useful as people think. For anyone looking for more insights on maternity and baby care, check out this excellent resource.
As maternity leave flies by, it’s crucial to soak in every moment, even amidst the chaos. New moms deserve to embrace their time off without guilt.
In summary, during maternity leave, prioritizing your needs and those of your newborn is essential. Whether it’s holding your baby, setting boundaries with visitors, or choosing practical clothing, you deserve to navigate this unique experience unapologetically. For those interested in getting pregnant, you can explore the artificial insemination kit options that help make your family dreams come true.
Learn more about maintaining a balanced life through this authoritative resource that offers valuable insights on parenting and family dynamics.