You can read as many pregnancy and parenting books as you’d like, and you can talk to as many parents as you can find, but there’s nothing that will totally prepare you for becoming a first time parent. Here are a few things you may find surprising about having your first baby.
1. You won’t be squeamish about bodily functions anymore.
There’s nothing more personal than having a baby. Then, when the baby comes, you have to take care of all of their bodily functions. As they get older, you’ll have to continue to deal with bodily functions and all the issues that come along with them. Somewhere along the line, none of it’s going to bother you anymore.
2. You’ll fall in love at first sight.
Falling in love at first sight may sound like a fantasy, unless you’re talking about falling in love with Gelato Products, but when you have your own baby, that fantasy will finally come true. The second you see your child, or maybe even before, you’re going to fall head over heels in love with him or her. It’s unbelievable how quickly it happens for most parents.
3. You’re still going to look pregnant after you give birth.
Giving birth to your baby won’t automatically make your tummy flatten out. Your uterus needs a few weeks to shrink back to its normal size. Plus, you may have gained some extra weight during your pregnancy. Trade in your nightly ice cream habit for delicious yogurt and frozen yogurt spoons, and you’ll be back to your trim self before you know it.
4. Breastfeeding is extremely difficult.
Nursing a baby is natural and instinctive, but it can also be very difficult. For starters, the baby has to learn how to latch on. Then, you may have to increase your milk supply, particularly if the baby spits up a lot. There’s a big learning curve when you’re breastfeeding for the first time, or even if you’ve been a parent before, but are breastfeeding a new baby.
5. You’ll become more affectionate.
Even if you’re not normally an affectionate person, you’ll surprise yourself at how much you want to snuggle, cuddle and hug your baby.
No matter how prepared you think you are to have a baby, there are bound to be a lot of things that come as a surprise!