First I would like to apologise for not being very active lately. I now have so many new priorities and responsibilities that it takes some time getting used to all of it. And also to be completely honest, I just took this time to savour all the beautiful moments with my baby. It is such a precious time, and I am really enjoying it. 🙂

The first two weeks with my baby were not easy as I was getting used to all my new tasks, as well as opening time getting to know her. These 10 things are mostly related to that period of time when everything was new and me and my baby were in the process of figuring it all out. Now that she is 6 weeks old things are much easier, we have created a routine around her cues and everything is much more predictable and straight-forward. I have gotten to know her, and she has gotten to know me. Paying attention to her cues has proven to be the best way to have a happy baby, as well as having more time for myself as planning is now much easier.

I hope those of you that don’t have any babies yet will still find this post interesting, and those of you who do have a little bundle of joy (or more!) in their life will be able to relate to me. 🙂

1. You can be much more effective within 10 minutes free time

I used to think that my morning routine of 40 minutes was a relatively quick one. Now I can manage to take a shower, get dressed and put some make-up on within 10 minutes. This is a real achievement for me! 😉 Whenever baby naps I can clean up, do laundry and squeeze many other tasks within a short amount of time, that previously I wouldn’t even consider possible.

2. A 1 hour yoga session will be stretched throughout the entire day 

Or any other workout for that matter. Whenever I start my yoga practice I have to stop 10-15 minutes later because baby’s hungry or needs a diaper change. I then come back to it an hour later, managing to do another 10-15 minutes… and so it goes. Having a full hour just to yourself simply becomes a luxury. Now that my baby is six weeks old we have more of a routine so I do have 2-3 hours for myself in the morning while she’s still sleeping, but I’m not gonna kid you, the first weeks were not as chilled.

3. Your attention span when talking to other people will be drastically reduced 

First I want to apologise to all my friends and family for not really listening when they were talking to me. It is not that I am not interested, it’s just that my mind is in a whole other place. It’s like you are wired to constantly be alert to respond to your baby’s needs. So I have noticed that I don’t listen much, and I’m not even that chatty myself. Not because I don’t care, but simply because I’m thinking about my baby and ok maybe also cause I’m a bit tired too.

4. You’ll master the art of doing stuff with only one hand

I don’t think I have ever used my left hand as much as now. You simply become a pro at it. I can do so much now while baby’s in my arm and I’m not gonna lie, I’m kind of proud of this new skill.

5. You will find you finish your meal way faster than before 

I used to be a slow eater (emphasis on used). If you would see me now at the table you would think I haven’t had a meal for days… For me this is just a way now to make sure I finish my food, because you never now when the baby will need your attention again. Add to that the fact that breastfeeding makes one ravenous for food. So I eat fast and efficiently. No joking around here.

6. All your clothes will be stained

Yep, it’s embarrassing but it happens all the time. You will either be covered with spit up or your boobs will leak at the most inappropriate time. Hallelujah for nursing pads and burp cloths!

7. You’ll realise you still can function with much less hours of zzz 

The first few weeks with a newborn are no joke. You will be dreaming for a straight 8 hour sleep. Sorry, but it just won’t happen that quickly. That said you will also find out that you can still function just as good even with much less sleep that you were used to. Don’t worry though, it is just a phase and it will pass soon.

8. Your priorities will drastically change 

Becoming a mother is probably the most humbling experience ever! You realise it is not all about you anymore. In fact, you wouldn’t even want it to be all about you. All you care about is that little baby you are holding in your arms. So your day will revolve about meeting your baby’s needs and their needs will become your number one priority. And no, it is not a chore. It is one of the best and most fulfilling things I have ever done!

9. You’ll appreciate and love your partner even more than before

I couldn’t imagine being able to do it all without my husband. Having someone in your life who is hands-on and cares about that little being just as much as you, makes you appreciate and love them even more. And is there anything sexier than your partner caring and bonding with your baby? I don’t think so!
Getting help is so important not just for the baby, but for you as well. While my husband is with the baby I can have some time for myself and do whatever I feel like.  He would also prepare food and help in the house. It is so important to involve your partner in the care of the baby so they don’t feel left out. My husband is doing the night routine of Raya and puts her to bed. He has quality time bonding with her, while I have, well, time for myself! Perfect win-win situation!

10. You’ll realise there is nothing more gratifying that makes your heart burst than the smile of your baby

This is just the best, BEST feeling on earth! Even on those hard days when you are exhausted and yet feel like you haven’t managed to finish half of the things you planned, when you baby smiles at you the world just stops and nothing else matters. Everything becomes beautiful, you are filled with love and so much adoration for that precious little face that shows you that you are doing a good job! I think only people having a baby can relate with me. Before I had my baby I certainly didn’t think of this as such a big of a deal. Oh how things just change for the better!

You have a new role now – you are a MOTHER 

The most important change in your life is obviously the fact that now you are a mother. And your life changes forever. You are now taking care of a new life that you have carried and nurtured for nine months. Being a mom is my biggest pride and it has enriched my life, my view on things and my appreciation for myself and my body in so many ways. Being a mom is truly the best feeling on earth!

I would love to hear about the changes you went through once you had your baby! And if you would like me to write more about how I transitioned from this period to much easier, calm and straight-forward days please let me know in the comments. 🙂