It’s happening again. You walked into Target to browse the baby section, and someone stopped you to tell you all of the things you have to “just wait” for. Whether it’s the sleepless nights, the difficult labor, or the terrible twos, there’s a long list of experiences new parents are often warned about. You may wish you could put a sign on your belly that says “No unsolicited negativity, please!”
Instead of adding to the fear-mongering, we want to empower you with all the hopeful experiences parenthood has to offer. Here are some of the best experiences you have to look forward to on your motherhood journey, from one mom to another.
1. “Just wait” until you feel your baby kick for the first time.
Pregnancy is a waiting game. You’re waiting to get in for that first ultrasound, waiting to find out the gender, waiting for your anatomy scan, and waiting to feel those first kicks. The first kicks are special; it feels like the first time your baby is acknowledging you. You’re all they know, but sometimes it feels like it’s just you that’s growing a bond to your baby. That is so far from the truth. The first kicks are your baby telling you, “Hi mama, I love you. I’ve been here the whole time. Thanks for being my home.” Each little kick from then on out is a precious reminder of the bond you’ll always share.
2. “Just wait” until you get to see the baby you’ve worked so hard to grow on an ultrasound.
The morning sickness, back pain, dizziness, and food aversions all fade away when you see your little gummy bear dancing around on the ultrasound screen. For the nurse or ultrasound tech, this is just another day on the job, but for you, this is your first glimpse into one of the sweetest loves you’ll ever know. That gummy bear was the second line on your pregnancy test; they were each symptom you felt and each change your body has gone through. They are everything, and you’ll wish you could stay in that ultrasound room forever.
3. “Just wait” until you buy your first baby-related item and imagine using it with them.
I’ve seen people joke online about “unlocking” another section at Target, and that couldn’t be truer. You unlock a whole new world of browsing and shopping, and this time, it’s even better. It’s not shopping for you, it’s shopping for someone you love more than life itself. When you purchase your first onesie or your first stuffed animal for them, your mind is flooded with images of your sweet baby with that item. That feeling never goes away. Anything you get for your baby, whether gifted, purchased, or handed down, you won’t be able to wait to see them with it. They are the best motivation to give them the best of everything.
4. “Just wait” until you give birth and realize you’re strong and more capable than you ever thought possible.
It is so normal to be afraid of giving birth, especially if you’re a first-time mom. All the media most of us have consumed for our whole lives paints birth as an excruciating, difficult experience. If you’re nervous about giving birth, we have a couple of episodes about the labor and delivery process linked in the show notes. Check those out! But one thing I can guarantee is that after it’s all said and done, you’ll realize you are stronger than you ever thought possible. You grew, nourished, and brought this baby into the world. You persevered through every contraction, every push, or through a major abdominal surgery, all for your baby. You showed the strongest form of love in giving yourself for someone else, and that is incredible.
The best is yet to come.
We hope this provides you with the encouragement you need to press on, even in the tough moments of motherhood. You’ve got this, and The Pregnancy Network is here to provide you with free resources and support.
For more hopeful takes on motherhood, listen to this month’s episode of Pregnancy Has Entered the Chat.
Chloe Belk
Chloe Belk is a Communications Coordinator at The Pregnancy Network.