Even before you step into parenthood, you will be surrounded with endless suggestions about what you should do and how you should raise your baby. Walking through high expectations is never easy, especially when you have a little one totally dependent on you. Along with other sources of emotional turmoil, a new mother is also expected to apologize for every change happening to her body that she has no control over. But it’s time to put a stop to that. Being a mom is not about being shy about your changing body. It’s time to embrace the changes, and give your body all the rest it deserves. Here are some of the things a mother should never apologize for. Sorry, not sorry!
1. When And How Your Baby Is Fed
Nobody has the authority to instruct you on how you feed your child. You don’t have to apologize to anyone who believes they are better qualified to understand your baby’s requirements than you. It is entirely up to you whether you decide to nurse or use formula instead. Also, you shouldn’t feel embarrassed to nurse your child in public.
2. Your Lack Of Financial Resources
It is possible to raise a child well without being a billionaire. However, if finances are tight, you could feel like you aren’t providing enough for your child. But all your child really needs is your care and affection. And if you have enough money to provide for their food and clothing, you don’t have to feel guilty for not buying them additional toys or lavish trips.
3. You Require Solitude
After giving birth, you could have pressure to be with the baby all the time. You could also feel guilty about needing some alone time. But that’s simply uncalled for. You need to be alone to refuel as we all need to occasionally take a little time for ourselves. It’s perfectly fine to take out me-time, even as a new mom.
4. Your Home Appears Untidy
If toys are scattered on the floor or there are unwashed dishes in the sink, you are not necessarily a disgusting person or a lazy mother. Don’t be hard on yourself if you don’t have the energy or time to clean up since taking care of your child is a full-time job. Also, your child will undoubtedly make a new mess, so frequent clean up is futile. Therefore, there is no need for you to apologize. Homes are for free expressions not good impressions!
5. Your Appearance
You can’t always expect to look like a celebrity, especially when you have a baby to take care of. Nobody has the right to remark on your look, regardless of whether the hair is unkempt or you wear the same old clothing everyday. Furthermore, you don’t necessarily need to “get your body back” and start losing weight right after giving birth. Instead, admire your body and the fact that you had a life growing in you for 9 months!
6. Your Breasts Leak
Your breasts may occasionally leak no matter how frequently you breastfeed or how many lactation pads you stuff in your bra. You have no control over it because it’s a natural process. Therefore, don’t make apologies if someone is uncomfortable seeing that.
7. Your Happiness Isn’t Constant
Being a parent may be mentally and physically taxing, and there may be times when you feel powerless and unsure of what to do. It is not possible to feel happy about motherhood all the time, and if you feel overwhelmed, it doesn’t mean you are a bad mother or that you need to apologize to your baby.
8. You Require Support
As a parent, it appears that you should be able to care for your children independently. So, if you seek someone for guidance or assistance, you could feel as though you are failing as a parent. However, there’s nothing wrong with that, and you’re not weak because of it. What is important is that you just want what is best for your child.
9. The Delivery Process
Only you know what’s best for you, where you’ll feel most at ease giving birth, and how. You’ll likely be surrounded by “experts” who may advise you that your choice is incorrect and that their method of childbirth is the only appropriate one. However, it is not up to them, and you are not required to explain your decision to anyone.
As a new mother, you are occupied to the brim trying to figure out how to take care of your child. Even when you are tired, sleep deprived, and lonely, you would rather watch your baby fall asleep than catch up with your friends. Even though your previous life seems like something you can’t connect to now, you don’t have to apologize for all the changes happening to you, for it’s only natural. Every person who has given birth has experienced similar things and no one should feel embarrassed or guilty about this. So, which of these things could you relate to the most? Let us know in the comments section!