New Mommy Questions

1. What do you wish someone told you about pregnancy?

The gross stuff.  Can’t believe that I’m writing this here, but here goes…the hemorrhoids, the discharge, boobs changing, constant runny nose, etc, etc.

2.  What do you wish someone would have told you about Labor & Delivery?

It’s not so much the pain that you feel during contractions, it’s more just intense pressure.  SO MUCH PRESSURE.  I was expecting more of a sharp, shooting pain and that’s not what a contraction is.  And you will know you’re officially in the transition stage when you start screaming “I CAN’T DO THIS, I CAN’T DO THIS”.

3.  What did you feel when you delivered, emotionally and physically?

I felt relieved once I delivered – both emotionally and physically.  I was exhausted but the contractions were over and the pressure to push was finally gone.  I hurt but I knew the worst was done with.  I was definitely pretty out of it by that point – I thought I would have been more upset not to have Toby lay on my chest right away since the NICU doctors had to check his lungs and breathing first, but I needed a couple minutes to digest what just happened and come back to reality.  However once the nurse did bring him to me all nice and clean, I was crying happy tears to finally get the chance to bond with him:)

4.  How long after delivery did it take you to feel normal physically again?

I felt pretty good after 2 months, but back to normal after 4 months when all my jeans fit again, and some were fitting loose.  Some of my tops still don’t fit right in the chest, but that’s to be expected.

5.  What is the best thing about being a new mom?

Seeing him experience new things every day.  Just yesterday he was leaning way over trying to sit up by himself (basically doubling himself in half), and then this morning he was sitting up so much straighter and I could take my hands away from him for a good 15 seconds before he started wobbling.   It blew my mind how fast that happened and I saw a serious change literally overnight.

6.  What is the most unexpected thing about being a new mom?

The guilt…with every decision you make, there’s always something nagging you – “Could I have done this differently?  Could I have done this better?”

7.  Do you miss being pregnant? 

Yes.  A lot.  I loved being pregnant – I really felt the most beautiful I’ve ever felt during my entire life while I was pregnant.  Even when the weight started to creep back on and my face and arms got chubby again, I still felt pretty.  I love my maternity pictures because I think it shows how happy I was during that time.  I compare them to my engagement pictures and I just see how much more confident I am in the maternity photos.

8.  How many kids do you want?  How do you want them spaced out and why?

Two kids, probably 3-4 years apart.  I like the age range between me and my sister.  There was no competition in school and we both got to enjoy things on our own time.  I really don’t think I could handle two kids under 2. 

9.  Is it hard seeing how fast they grow and how do you handle it?

Yes, it’s hard but there’s always so much to look forward to.  It basically works that each month makes something easier but then something else gets more difficult.  So, like for instance, it’s easier now that Toby is more independent and interactive.  But it’s difficult that we have to plan our schedule around nap times as we can’t depend on him to fall asleep in his stroller anymore while we’re out and about.  It’s give and take…I miss the newborn snuggles so much but hearing Toby laugh out loud as I tickle his feet is just as good :)