Transition - its the clinical word for change.
It's tough...just ask any woman in "the change", they'll tell you that transition is difficult.
I was talking to a friend the other day, who just recently became a new mom. We spoke about what a huge transition (there's that word again) it is when you have your first child. It is really difficult to go from all that freedom and selfishness, to having your life run by the cries and sleep schedule of a little tyrant. Not to mention being the on-call moo-cow that is in demand whenever and wherever. That may sound harsh but I'm not a HUGE fan of the newborn stage. They look cute and all, but I REALLY like to sleep.
We decided that it would be easier if people were honest about the down side of a new baby. You see people in public with their babies, they are all smiles as they show off their bundle of joy. When you ask how they are enjoying parenthood, and they talk about how cute and sweet the baby is (I did it too). But rarely do they mention the sleepless nights, the endless diapers, teething, lonliness, and the sensation of being totally overwhelmed.
My friend was hit with the same shock as I was when she entered motherhood. That sense of despair is multiplied when you look around and it seems that everyone else is enjoying motherhood, it must be just me.
I think many other cultures have the right idea putting new moms together so they can support each other during this difficult transition. It is hard. Everyone feels it, though people only show their vulnerable sides to varying degrees.
Maybe I'll write an "honest" (as I see it might be more appropriate) account of being a new mom. Chapter One will be entitled, "No you're not crazy, you just need some sleep".
So to anyone out there who is in this transition, hang-in there, it does get easier. And everyone else felt as crazy as you do right now.
And to anyone who has a friend in this delicate condition, go easy on them. The ability to make a co-herent sentence will return, and eventually they'll stop bursting into tearing at inopportune times. We hope.
Remember, its a transition.
-
It's tough...just ask any woman in "the change", they'll tell you that transition is difficult.
I was talking to a friend the other day, who just recently became a new mom. We spoke about what a huge transition (there's that word again) it is when you have your first child. It is really difficult to go from all that freedom and selfishness, to having your life run by the cries and sleep schedule of a little tyrant. Not to mention being the on-call moo-cow that is in demand whenever and wherever. That may sound harsh but I'm not a HUGE fan of the newborn stage. They look cute and all, but I REALLY like to sleep.
We decided that it would be easier if people were honest about the down side of a new baby. You see people in public with their babies, they are all smiles as they show off their bundle of joy. When you ask how they are enjoying parenthood, and they talk about how cute and sweet the baby is (I did it too). But rarely do they mention the sleepless nights, the endless diapers, teething, lonliness, and the sensation of being totally overwhelmed.
My friend was hit with the same shock as I was when she entered motherhood. That sense of despair is multiplied when you look around and it seems that everyone else is enjoying motherhood, it must be just me.
I think many other cultures have the right idea putting new moms together so they can support each other during this difficult transition. It is hard. Everyone feels it, though people only show their vulnerable sides to varying degrees.
Maybe I'll write an "honest" (as I see it might be more appropriate) account of being a new mom. Chapter One will be entitled, "No you're not crazy, you just need some sleep".
So to anyone out there who is in this transition, hang-in there, it does get easier. And everyone else felt as crazy as you do right now.
And to anyone who has a friend in this delicate condition, go easy on them. The ability to make a co-herent sentence will return, and eventually they'll stop bursting into tearing at inopportune times. We hope.
Remember, its a transition.
-
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