You’ve read all the motherhood books and magazines you can lay your hands on, and listened to every last word of advice from relatives. But there’s nothing quite like experiencing the ups and downs of motherhood to wake you up to the real world. There’s more to being a mom than singing sweet lullabies and cooing a baby. We take a light-hearted look at ..truths no one ever told you about motherhood.
Your body is no longer yours
One of the highlights of being a new mom is the bonding that takes place when breastfeeding; there’s no better connection with your baby. But, there comes a time when enough is enough, and every woman wants her body back to herself. However, when the baby relies on the boob to fall asleep at night, what’s a mom meant to do? After two years of breastfeeding, Zanele had tried everything but with no success. She had even planned a three-day business trip combined with ‘drying up’ pills, but when she had a bad reaction to the pills and needed to urgently see a doctor the moment the flight landed in Jozi, that idea went out the window. Then someone gave her an awesome idea. When she got home from work that afternoon, she placed a Mickey Mouse plaster over each nipple, and fabricated a story about getting hurt at work which meant her boobies were sore. Much to her surprise, her son was overly sympathetic, checking on her boobies every now and then, and patting them gently (clever boy!). During the night, as usual, Zanele’s son climbed into her bed wanting her breasts for milk. \Remember mommy’s boobies are sore,’ was all Zanele had to say. He turned over and fell asleep. Within three nights, boobies were a thing of the past!
Enough is never enough
Be warned! Growth spurts are not for sissies. ‘I didn’t know what a growth spurt was until I found myself breastfeeding for almost one entire day! On, off, on, off, left, right, left, right. I was lucky if I had a five-minute break to go for a pee. Much to my husband’s dismay, when he got home from work I was still in my pyjamas and hadn’t brushed my teeth. Thank heavens there weren’t too many days like this, otherwise I would have been arrested for breeding a monster!’ says Pumi.
You’ll live on the floor
If someone had told me before I’d had my baby that I’d spend the first year on the floor, I would have laughed at them. But there I was again with my little seven-month- old Mbali on the floor playing with her. My knees were sore, my bottom numb. But, Mbali was happy she had a play companion – at her level.
Food mess is art
I’ve learnt with motherhood that everything happens in phases – like the dreaded ‘food-all-over-the-place’ phase. We always look forward to the baby starting on solids and when they eventually feed themselves – but be prepared for a redecorated home. Out with white walls, in with butternut- coloured abstract designs (at least they’re unique). Now I know why bath time is straight after feeding time!
Sleep will become foreign
Lastly, don’t ever underestimate sleep – or lack of it. While most people are snug in bed at night, you’re wide awake nursing your baby who hasn’t a clue if it’s day or night. And just in case you’re wondering, babies love playing in the middle of the night. So from one mom to another – don’t expect any late morning sleep-ins, or sleeping through the night – and you won’t be disappointed; just tired!
You might be exhausted and wonder if your life will ever be normal again; but, trust me, you will feel a satisfying and pleasurable happiness deep down inside that you’ve never felt before – and that’s when you realise motherhood is worth it.
Written by Lungile Khumalo
Also see: 4 remarkable women reflect on motherhood
