Before Lincoln turned our party of two into a family of three, I thought I knew what I was getting myself into. I’d been told about the 3am feedings and not showering until 2pm (or let’s be real – not at all) but no matter how many parents I talked to, nor how many books I read, I found out there were at least 10 things I never knew about having a newborn until I experienced them myself, which I will happily share with you! And don’t be scared. Wait ’til you get to number one. (Also those are Lincoln’s feet. I could just eat them up, I could.)
10. Get ready to do some laundry
Buy stock in P&G now because you will be doing a ton of laundry in the first couple of weeks. I repeat, a TON of laundry! From mattress pads and fitted crib sheets, to blankets, onsies, and changing table covers, I had no idea one little person could produce so much laundry. That being said, now that we’ve learned to ahem, aim it DOWN, our laundry has gone down significantly, but between the three of us I still do at least one load a day. (I use Dreft detergent and Purex no-dye, fragrance-free  softener.)
9. You will sweat at night. So much.
I thought the AC was busted the first night I woke up completely soaked in sweat after getting home from the hospital. Then I tore the covers off and realized the bedroom was cool and crisp as a cucumber. The same thing happened the next night…and the next night…until my friend finally asked me – have you had the night sweats yet? Um, YES! Why didn’t anyone tell me about night sweats?! So bizarre. Just plan on adding your PJs into your daily load of laundry.
8. Hormones are a bitch
There I said it. Of course I read all about Postpartum Depression and the baby blues before Lincoln came, but I was not at all prepared for how unbelievably crazy the sudden drop in hormones made me feel after he was born. I cried (read: lost it) when Ben nearly had to go out of town for 3 days when Lincoln was a week and half old. I cried while watching a news segment about premature babies. I cried when Ben suggested we upgrade our Costco membership (not kidding.) While I don’t think I had PPD or the baby blues, there is absolutely no denying that my emotions were out of control for at least a week post-birth. Thankfully I started feeling like my normal self after two (long) weeks!
7. Forgetfulness (especially at night!)
Blame the wacky sleep schedule, but nobody told me how forgetful I’d become post-baby! A few weekends ago Ben and I were driving out to a nearby lake to take a walk with Lincoln, and I forgot the stroller. Ben feeds Lincoln in the early morning, yet just last night I found myself feeding him when he walked in with the bottle. What?! Just make lists and forgive yourself when you feel like you should be committed.
6. Experiencing uncertainty
I have always been a quick decision maker. I hate dawdling and just want to make a choice and move on. Now that Lincoln is here I have become the most uncertain person about everything! I am so scared that I’ll make a decision that will negatively affect him. Hopefully this is a phase, but I kind of doubt it…
5. Learn to love cold food
A hot meal? What’s that? I’m only kind of kidding, but be prepared for your meals to be interrupted by diaper changes, nap rescues, nighttime fussiness…and laundry. It could take you awhile to get back to that yummy hot meal you planned on eating hours ago.
4. Girlfriends are gold
I never knew I’d rely so much on my girlfriends who are also moms for advice during the first uncertain couple of weeks after having a baby. Make sure you get those girls on speed dial!
3. Battling back pain
Do yourself a favor and schedule a massage for 2 or 3 weeks post-baby BEFORE you give birth. Between nursing and pumping (which kills your back,) hunching over the diaper changing table, and constantly stooping to coo at your sweet baby, your back will be taking a beating. Ben’s been great at giving me rubs, but I can’t wait to get a legit massage!
2. Online shopping is a gift
During those first weeks when it’s not always easy to get out of the house, online shopping will become your best friend. From swaddle blankets and a hands-free pumping bra, I have ordered a ton of stuff online lately and seriously, with shipping these days, I feel like my items have all arrived 2 days later no matter which shipping option I picked. Go Amazon.
1. It is ALL worth it!
It’s cliche, but so true. I’d eat cold hot dogs, walk as a hunch back, and do 100 loads of laundry a day just to have Lincoln in our lives. 1-9 is nothing compared to the unconditional love I feel every second I look into his face, and the joy his smile and funny faces bring to my heart. I sometimes think it will literally explode inside of my chest. Of course people told me this all throughout my pregnancy, but I couldn’t fathom this love existed until I actually experienced it myself. Motherhood is hard, but it rules!
So what say you, fellow parents? What surprised you about having a newborn baby?
Leigh J. 08.27.2013
I no longer can sleep through anything.. The AC cuts on.. my eyes open.. I randomly wake up to make sure my child is okay.. The slightest thing and I am awake.. She is 5 now… and mommy still does it. :) She knows I do it too; she has woken up a time or 2 before when I check on her and always tells me she is okay and to go back to bed.
Leah 08.27.2013
Thanks for sharing your experience. I totally relate. A year later and I am still an emotional mess, however, it gets easier. It’s amazing what we go through as new moms!
Belinda 08.27.2013
My 2 are ages 28 & 32 (eep!) but these bring back so many true memories. As I patiently wait for grandkids, I teared up when I read #1. Embrace every minute of it all! And in the end, know that we all goof up but when we sincerely apologize, your children will learn from it. Their love is as unconditional as yours, even when they’re teens! lol
Laura 08.27.2013
Your post is so true! Having a baby changes every part of you. Glad you are starting to feel more like yourself again. I had PPD with my first one. My second baby came ten years later with no PPD. Enjoy these early months.
Sarah 08.27.2013
Oh, the night sweats. They were horrible!
I’m curious if you are going to follow the recommended vaccination schedule or perhaps an alternate one?
Miranda 08.27.2013
I have 2 boys (12 & 7) and the feeling that the decisions you make will negatively affect them never goes away. No one can ever explain to another how much love and the overwhelming feeling you have to protect them. When God created us, he keep a place in our hearts that opens and never closes each time we have a new life blessed to us. My best advice is to use the baby washcloths as “pee guards”. Whenever I changed their diapers, I laid one over their privates. This cut down one being peed on and laundry.
Betsy 08.27.2013
thank you so much for sharing. So many people think talking about the difficult parts of parenting are taboo, but I know it’s appreciated. Your number 10 made me tear up, I can’t wait to experience it myself.
Linda 08.27.2013
The one thing I wasn’t prepared for was how completely exhausted I would be. Like you say, it is all worth it. Thanks for that wonderful picture and for sharing with us.
Katie 08.27.2013
Love this post….it brought back SO many memories from when Cruz was a newborn (seems like many moons ago, but has just been a short 21 mos.) From my experience the night sweats go away, but the baby brain stays for a long long time after…I still blame my forgetfulness on it! And I always felt I was doing everything wrong…or not like anyone else…and just came to realize I had to do what was right for US…it may not work for everyone else, but that’s because we are all different. Keep up the great work raising L the way YOU know best.
Kristen 08.27.2013
I don’t yet follow any parenting blogs since Im still single but will definitely be saving this list for reference. My friends are starting to have babies so Im excited to be there for support and learn a little along the way. Thanks for sharing, Ive enjoyed the food meets family style of your blog and love the subtle shift its taking as your life changes. It makes for a fun transition to follow along with since I know my life will make that same shift someday. :)
Beth 08.27.2013
I agree! I have a 24 mo old girl and 4 month old boy and my only addition…, it gets better everyday and these kids just keep amazing me everyday! Hard moments for sure, but so worth the journey!!
Trisha 08.27.2013
I am DOOMED. I have no children, yet I cry at all of the things you mentioned already. Oh, and Lincoln’s feet? Totally choked up. This is a pretty fantastic list, might just have to bookmark it for when my day comes!
Dyane P 08.27.2013
I am not a mom, and probably won’t be for a few more years. But this post almost made me cry and look forward to that time in my life even more. I loved your blog when it was just food, and I just might love it more now with the baby stories. Thank you for sharing.
Kristen 08.27.2013
I couldn’t agree more!
Nikki Schmaltz 08.27.2013
My kids are now 12 and 14, but I am still so stunned by what would happen to my boobs. My non existent, tiny, little boobs would soon look like spoons hanging off my chest. The droop, the sag. What? I thought that would happen much later in life and ONLY if I actually had anything to droop. Doesn’t matter. Kids suck the life right out of those babies. I also did not know how much I would totally hate my kids growing up and that worry would be such a part of my day. That a tear would form in the corner of my eye at the thought of them not being here everyday. That as much as I love a break from them my heart leaps for joy as soon as I see them again. They make my heart smile. I agree with number 1. The one thing people will tell you that you will never really believe until it’s too late is…..Enjoy it because before you know it they will be all grown up. Yeah…that part sucks and is soooo true.
Audrey 08.27.2013
It took my husband and I quite a while to get pregnant, so when our baby arrived, I wanted to be nothing but thankful and happy, buuut having a newborn is no joke. Loved your post! I can totally relate to your feelings! Sleep and hot meals return, I promise. :)
Sarah @ Making Thyme for Health 08.27.2013
I’ve heard the laundry complaint before but I had no clue in the other things. Night sweats? Ugh.
A hands free pumping bra sounds like a godsend.
I love how you ended this post. I can imagine that precious face of his is worth every second!
Bree 08.27.2013
I love seeing stuff like this because I’m expecting one in March!
I’d be curious to know your take on what the most valuable baby products are….
Eileen 08.27.2013
The night sweats & crazy dreams…For the first YEAR of my daughters life I had recurring nightmares that I was sleeping and that she was in bed with me and I rolled over on her. I would wake up in a cold sweat multiple times each night only to realize she was safe in her own crib. (we never co-slept, so hormones were to thank for that one) I had talked to other women who had experienced the exact same dream.
You may feel like you have no life outside of diapers, feedings, etc. and that can be overwhelming. Know this time will go by so fast in the grand scheme of things and the three of you will be out and about sooner than you know it. My daughter is 10 now and I vaguely remember all the colicky days/nights (3 months worth) but have vivid memories of all the good stuff. They way they look at you when nursing, the quirky things they did, that sweet baby smell. =) And you are so right, it is all worth it!!
Ranae 08.27.2013
What a sweet post and you hit the nail on the head! My daughter is 21 and my married son is 24 and every time I see them my heart is full! Motherhood is the best gift in the world but the hardest at the same time. The gift is that all of the emotions just intensify as they grow older as life happens at every stage. Cherish every moment no matter what and you can never say “I love you” enough! Lincoln is such a precious baby and I’d say his parents are doing a great job!
Lara 08.27.2013
The hormones were the worst! Crying for no reason at all.