Now I know for a fact that no one will ever know what it truly feels like to be a mother until they become a mother themselves. My sister had two babies before me and I never knew what she was feeling as a new mother. Nor did I really bother to find out.
But now I know.
For the past 5 years, it's just been Sundar and me and our hectic work schedules and social life. If we just wanted to take a drive to Corner House for ice-cream, we could do it without even a second thought. If we wanted to just chill with friends, we could just call and land up at their place, have a drink or two, eat some junk food and be back home late. There's never been anything else or anyone else to worry about really.
But the minute Jaden was born all that changed.
Knowing I'm responsible (almost solely) for a young life, is quite daunting. That feeling coupled with little to no sleep, makes for a very emotional new mother. Adjusting to breast-feeding and basically 'slowing' down your overall pace, has been one of the hardest mental shifts I've had to make.
Initially, I would sing to Jaden when feeding him. Edelweiss was the preferred song. I don't know why. I think it helped soothe me more than him. But after a week or so, I realized Jaden didn't really enjoying being sung to or talked to while he was feeding. He preferred the quiet.
So no talking and no singing, what was I going to do while I fed him almost the entire day? And considering Jaden has been a daytime cat-napper from the get-go, it was a bit difficult for me during the first two weeks. But as time went by, I realized there were things I could do - like constantly checking Baby Centre for various things on my phone! Now, I think my grandmother and mother might say I was reading up a bit too much and then reading too much into every one of Jaden's day to day changes - but I must admit, the reading up helped me learn a lot about babies and new mothers. It really helped drive out some of the baby blues I was feeling during the first few days. I realized I wasn't alone. Millions of mums around the world feel the same way and it's perfectly normal.
By the middle of week two, things were getting better. I was learning more about Jaden and we were both getting to know each other. And finally I could feel the bond between us getting really strong. I loved my baby the day he was born, but I didn't know him. But as week three was approaching, I felt like we already knew each other so well. It felt as though he'd been in my life forever.
And then Jaden's first knowing smile was on April 9th - during week 3! It was the most amazing thing in the world and now I look forward to that smile every day. When I feel I haven't got my quota for the day, I feel a little sad actually. You have to see that smile to believe it.
It was only at this time that the 'joys' of motherhood (that everyone talks about) started to stare me in the face - quite literally!
But now I know.
For the past 5 years, it's just been Sundar and me and our hectic work schedules and social life. If we just wanted to take a drive to Corner House for ice-cream, we could do it without even a second thought. If we wanted to just chill with friends, we could just call and land up at their place, have a drink or two, eat some junk food and be back home late. There's never been anything else or anyone else to worry about really.
But the minute Jaden was born all that changed.
Knowing I'm responsible (almost solely) for a young life, is quite daunting. That feeling coupled with little to no sleep, makes for a very emotional new mother. Adjusting to breast-feeding and basically 'slowing' down your overall pace, has been one of the hardest mental shifts I've had to make.
Initially, I would sing to Jaden when feeding him. Edelweiss was the preferred song. I don't know why. I think it helped soothe me more than him. But after a week or so, I realized Jaden didn't really enjoying being sung to or talked to while he was feeding. He preferred the quiet.
So no talking and no singing, what was I going to do while I fed him almost the entire day? And considering Jaden has been a daytime cat-napper from the get-go, it was a bit difficult for me during the first two weeks. But as time went by, I realized there were things I could do - like constantly checking Baby Centre for various things on my phone! Now, I think my grandmother and mother might say I was reading up a bit too much and then reading too much into every one of Jaden's day to day changes - but I must admit, the reading up helped me learn a lot about babies and new mothers. It really helped drive out some of the baby blues I was feeling during the first few days. I realized I wasn't alone. Millions of mums around the world feel the same way and it's perfectly normal.
By the middle of week two, things were getting better. I was learning more about Jaden and we were both getting to know each other. And finally I could feel the bond between us getting really strong. I loved my baby the day he was born, but I didn't know him. But as week three was approaching, I felt like we already knew each other so well. It felt as though he'd been in my life forever.
And then Jaden's first knowing smile was on April 9th - during week 3! It was the most amazing thing in the world and now I look forward to that smile every day. When I feel I haven't got my quota for the day, I feel a little sad actually. You have to see that smile to believe it.
It was only at this time that the 'joys' of motherhood (that everyone talks about) started to stare me in the face - quite literally!
.JPG) |
| Look at that smile! |
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