Keep doing what you like and the baby goes along
Nobody does really warn you, right ? And even if they do, you don’t really get it until you live it yourself… This is what a friend of mine told me recently and damn she was right.
Getting used with the new life is not the easiest thing to do
I do not have postpartum depression, but I must admit that getting familiar with the new life is/was not the easiest thing for me. It is hard to be limited in my movements. This is what I was afraid of, that I will get frustrated if I cannot do everything I used to do before. I have good days with more understanding, and bad days when my patience is bounded.
Keep moving
I did find my medicine though: I keep moving. Walking and hiking (for now running is on hold) keep me physically and mentally healthy. It might be that household remains undone and I don’t like this all the time, but one should change priorities. And I chose to take care of me physically and psychically.
I consider that a mom should remain a woman first of all and should feel good in her own body. Only afterwards she can also be a good mother. I know we dedicate most of our time to the babies, but sometimes we can do good to both of us or to the entire family. And a hike or a walk is something that brings the joy and relaxation to everyone. Once you start doing this, you’ll notice how quickly the path will open up in front of you and the clouds will lift.
My thoughts after 5 weeks since Thomas is here
Wonder
I cannot really explain the feelings I had first time I heard him screaming once he reached the new world. First I couldn’t believe it, then I was relieved and last I was filled with joy and love. While holding him I was afraid to move, not to break something.
Shock
After the entire adrenaline from giving birth was gone and we were already at home, it was a big shock to realise that from now on nothing will be the same anymore. The little one is here to stay and be present everywhere and all the time.
Time
Getting accustomed with the new life requires time. I have at least a walk each day to be able to think at the new situation or to not think at all but rather let my mind fly somewhere else.
Sleepless nights
Nights are sleepless and this affects my concentration and mood. That is why a walk in the fresh air helps bringing back the balance. But the good news is that somehow the body gets used with the new rhythm and even after 3 h of sleep I am happy to go for a hike because for sure I will find my peace in the nature (if Thomas is not complaining :D)
Low expectations
The small one needs most of my time. I try to set up very low expectations of what I would be able to do during the day. But at least for 10 minutes I try to do something productive for myself. This will improve my mood.
Being a woman and a mom
Feeling good in my own body is very important. I don’t give up on being a woman and taking care of myself. If there is no much time for sport, a walk a day still keeps the body in shape and gives me the feeling I did something for myself.
Frustration and stress
I am frustrated sometimes and I admit it. When we go hiking I am still a bit stressed out because we never know how Thomas will react. But we do not stop doing what we like and with time it will get easier since we get more experience. We learn by doing and it can be challenging sometimes :)).
What is important
The time spent with Thomas is very precious. He is unbelievable sweet and tries to teach me/us what are the most important things in life and where to put the focus on: stay healthy both physically and mentally, be patient with each other and with ourselves and generate beautiful memories as a family. Hiking and walking are good for us and we should keep doing this. That is why, from now on, whenever the mountains call the three of us will be ready for a new adventure.
Keep doing what you like and the baby goes along
Just a tip from my side: keep doing what you like and the baby will go along. Even if in the beginning it might be challenging, we should not give up, but slightly adapt. Happy parents = happy baby, happy baby = happy parents. So true ! I felt this on my own and I observed the improvements.
A few pictures to motivate you
For now I post a few pictures as motivation. A blog post with a few easy hiking routes good to be done with babies will follow soon.
What about your experiences ?
What are your experiences ? How did you adapt to the new life ? Do you still do what you used to do before the baby came ? If yes, how did you adapt ? If no, why not ?
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