Becoming a mom is one of life’s most amazing moments, but it’s also something a lot of women look at with different emotions. For some, it can be everything they ever wanted. For others, there’s a bit of anxiety and worry about what lies ahead. 

Did you know that moms are more likely to say that being a parent is harder than expected? According to Government Data and Pew Research, 66% of mothers felt this way and that says something about the responsibilities they shoulder. 

As you can imagine, there are a lot of aspects to being a mom that can surprise you. Well, information is power, and in this article, let us explore three topics that you should know going into motherhood. Let’s dive in. 

1. Breastfeeding Doesn’t Always Go Easy

When we think of breastfeeding, we tend to think of it as being rather straightforward. After all, doesn’t it come naturally to every mom? Not always. There are many things that can get in the way of healthy breastfeeding, and you need to be prepared for them. For instance, some infants have difficulty latching on. You could have difficulty generating enough milk. You might experience discomfort when breastfeeding. 

You also have to deal with the choice of breastfeeding versus bottle feeding. You will probably spend a good amount of time reading up on the pros and cons. That said, if there’s one tip that we have for you, it’s to invest in a good breast pump. One of the best companies to order a breast pump from is Byram Healthcare. So keep your eyes open for one the next time you are shopping.

The reason that we recommend a pump is that it makes life a hell of a lot easier for you. Your flow of breast milk won’t always be regular, and it helps a lot to pump and store milk to use later. 

2. Get Ready for Advice Fatigue

When you become a mom, family and friends can quickly turn into a never-ending source of advice. There’s always something that they need to pass their opinion and suggestions on. Whether it be the way you feed your infant or the kinds of toys you buy, well-meaning advice can quickly turn annoying and exhausting. 

This wouldn’t be so much of a problem if it was just an annoyance that you had to deal with. The problem is that there will actually be great advice, but there’s so much of it from different people that you can’t make up your mind. 

If you are ever in this situation, the best option would be to trust your instincts. You have heard and read all the different opinions and suggestions. Now, it’s you who gets to choose how to raise your baby. No one else. Sure, some people will get offended when you ignore their advice, but that’s not your problem. 

This is your child, not theirs, and you and your partner are the only ones who get to make the decisions. 

3. The Identity Shift Can Be Tough Initially

On a more personal level, becoming a mom doesn’t only represent a new point in your life, it also brings a new identity with it. Until now, the only person you were responsible for was yourself. Sure, if you have sick or elderly family members, you might have taken care of them. 

However, having a child of your own is a completely new experience. You are both morally and legally responsible for the new life that you have brought into this world. It’s exciting but at the same time scary. You battle feelings of insecurity and worry about whether you have what it takes to be a good parent.

You might wonder if being a mom means everything will change, and in some ways, it will. You start to think not just for yourself but also for your children. You start to interact and view the world through a different lens, one that will take some getting used to. 

During this identity shift, it’s normal to feel overwhelmed, afraid, and even depressed. Don’t feel guilty about these emotions. You are going through one of the biggest changes in your life, and it would be surprising if everything continued as normal. 

Embrace these changes and lean on your partner during this phase. 

Your trusted friends and family can also prove to be a great support, and you might also find their advice actually helpful here. 

In conclusion, becoming a mom is not something any article on the internet can prepare you for. Even if you were to read all the literature about motherhood, the emotions and circumstances are unique and different for every mom. 

Remember that parenting is a two-person job, so you don’t have to be a superhero. Keep communicating with your husband and receiving their support so you don’t burn yourself out. Don’t worry, though. With time, it really does get easier!