It’s no secret that I had a pretty difficult pregnancy. After three weeks in the hospital on bed rest and an emergency c-section, I didn’t really expect an easy transition to motherhood. I didn’t have that post-delivery moment so many other mothers talk about where they looked into their newborn’s eyes and it was love at first sight.
I don’t even remember what he looked like the day of his birth.
After about 10 seconds in my arms, Andrew was quickly moved to the NICU for monitoring. I remember James calling to me, “Are you ok? Do you want me to stay with you?” “Go with the baby” I yelled, praying that my little one would be alright.
Then, I was alone.
Well, I wasn’t technically alone. There were nurses cleaning me up and moving me to the postpartum ward. But I felt alone.
I was being treated with magnesium to combat my preeclampsia, so I could not go to the NICU to visit my son until more than 24 hours after his birth. And the first time I did was not the spectacular meeting of my dreams.
I had to fight with the NICU nurse to even get to hold him — we didn’t come during one of his designated “touch” times, and she told me I wasn’t allowed to hold him. Thankfully, my delivery nurse told her in no uncertain terms that I had not held my baby since he was born and I was not leaving until I got to hold him.
This was the first of many battles I’ve fought as a mother.
As a Dr. Smith’s Premium Parent, I was asked to share the thing that most surprised me about motherhood. As I thought about this more and more, I kept coming back to how often I’ve had to fight for what’s best for my son (and myself).
I never thought my first moment with him would be something I’d have to fight for.
I never imagined feeling guilty about calling the doctor when he was sick.
But here’s the thing I’ve come to realize: Every family/child/parent is different. What’s best for you may not be what’s best for me. And most others think they know what’s best for you and your child, and will try to impose that upon you. So, as a mother (or father), you have to go into battle, guns blazing, ready to fight for what’s best for your child.
YOU know them better than anyone else. So trust your gut, and fight for it.
I’ll tell anyone who asks that I think moms are Super Heroes.
- They have supernatural powers that help them understand what a crying baby needs. Isn’t it crazy how you just KNOW what your child wants?
- Their uniform is a comfy shirt and yoga pants, stained with mushed food and spit up. You know those days when you don’t get a chance to shower? Yeah. Those days.
- They can sense when their child is up to no good. A quiet toddler spells T-R-O-U-B-L-E.
- The tools of their trade remain the same: Some healthy snacks, juice, diapers, wipes and good diaper rash cream.
Yes, I said a good diaper rash cream.Â
Diaper rash creams are not all created equal. A good cream can be the difference between a fussy, crying baby and a calm one. I’d never tried Dr. Smith’s before, but after sampling some of their cream, it’s now a staple in my diaper bag.
It works quickly and clears up any sign of diaper rash. I also like that it doesn’t smell like medication.
If you’re looking for a new diaper cream to add to your Super Mom tool belt, Dr. Smith’s is now available nationwide at Walgreens! You can find the retailer nearest you at drsmiths.com.
To celebrate their nationwide launch, Dr. Smith’s is giving away a $50 Walgreens gift card!
What do you have in your Super Mom tool belt? Have you ever tried Dr. Smith’s diaper rash cream?
Number one must-have is wipes and an extra diaper!
This is so true! I keep extra wipes and a diaper in my purse, just in case!
I can’t live without wipes in my purse. Wipes and my I-phone and I can rule the world.
LOVE it! That’s all it takes!
I had an emergency C-section too, and I totally remember that alone feeling also. I wanted hubby to go with the baby – but it is a strange thing to be separated from them! Sorry you went through that! PS. The thing I have to have in my bag? A change of clothes. If i have them- they wont get used. If I dont? We’ll for sure need them;)
Isn’t that the rule, Shannon? We do the exact same thing. And sometimes, even if I bring an extra set, I need TWO. Sigh.
Wipes are a definite must have!
Totally!
wipes!
What surprised me most was that I thought babyhood would be the hardest part and that it would get easier as they grow up. Boy, was I wrong! It gets harder as they grow older, at least with my oldest child.
I am so feeling you on this Mary! It seems like it gets harder as the days go by… I never expected that. I thought it would get easier!
That they really mean that it takes a lot of work and you do have to have the energy. Your never sleep (or hardly if you do)
It is amazing how little sleep a person can operate on 😉
9 years after birthing my first child, I’m still amazed at how messy kids can be. They can buzz through a room and cause destruction in their wake in a matter of minutes!
Oh my gosh, I will clean the living room and it will be DESTROYED again in minutes. And I just have one!
The crazy hours having to get up and feed baby!
Well we personally don’t have a baby or kid right now. We lost ours, but I think I mostly hear about the hours your up at night and how many diapers babies go through!
How much your heart can grow immediately! And how little sleep you can function on!
When people tell you your life will change… listen to them.
How you could be so dead tired that you want to sleep but a smile from your little one makes you perk right up.
Not a momma yet, but expecting any day now! I am surprised at how downright EXHAUSTED I am!
I quickly learned that sleep is over rated and that there is no stronger love than a mothers love for her baby.
I’m surprised by how cute you think all the annoying things your kid does still are!
I was surprised by how much love and protectiveness I felt for another person
Aside from the wipes, which it seems we all agree on, the second most important thing I have on hand would have to be snacks. If this boy eats so much now at the age of four, I am seriously concerned for my food bill when he reaches his teens! I’d better start saving now 😛
I use the dr. smith small to go packets religiously. My nurse actually gave me a whole box and i love this cream for go away fast action for diaper rashes. I feel like the most surprising thing about parenting is that they always learn faster and more than you think they do and when you look around you are amazed at the new things they are doing
All the LOVE I feel for my little ones, it is never-ending!
All the LOVE I feel for my little ones, it is never-ending!
What Surprised Me The Most Is How Quickly The Babies Grow Up!
I know everyone says they grow so quickly and time flies, but holy moly…….I can’t believe how quickly everything passes! I need time to slow down!
I was so surprised by the sheer job I experienced during my daughter’s birth.
Thank you.
Oops that was supposed to be joy.
Hope was born, I felt like I was never going to be alone ♥
Hope grew within me, I felt like I was never going to be alone ♥
We are ttc, and I have learned so far that sometimes it takes time. It has been a while now.
Diana C
I am pregnant with my first right now and the thing that has surprised me most is how nice everyone is to me. So many more people talk to me, ask about my baby and tell me about their kids, give up their seats, and offer help or kind words.
my sister was surprised that baby #2 was harder than baby #1!
It always surprises me how many things I can squeeze into one day — there is so much to do when you have a baby,
Califkitties @ aol.com
how much I would need
How different 2 kids can be in personality
I never realized how much cleaning I’d be doing. It feels like it’s allllll day long!!