You will hear this a lot, and sometimes it feels like an insult, but "it will get easier" not "easy" but "easier."
Or what I prefer and tell myself:- "'It will change soon,"
- "This won't last forever," and
- "Just keep going."
It really will change soon, and when it does it really will seem easier (if only for a day or two, which is what you will need), and you really will start to enjoy motherhood with a new baby.
So, Self & Mommy with a New Baby-
While you listen to your newborn cry and you feel frustrated and helpless, know that this will not go on forever. It will get easier. You will make micro, baby steps of progress daily and it will get easier (if only for a day or two).
When you are exhausted and just want to scream, give the baby a kiss, put the baby in their bed, and scream, cry, and yell. And know that this doesn't make you a bad parent. Every day seems like the longest day yet, but because hope keeps you going, know that soon it will seem easier (or at least change and give you a temporary break on insanity).
When you see your baby smile at you for the first time, cherish it, take a picture and know that all your hard work is appreciated by this tiny human, and know it is getting microscopically easier (finally, yes).When you have a moment to love your baby and not feel like its maid, hold your baby tight and know it is getting easier.
When you get 30 additional minutes of sleep, know your hard work is paying off and it is getting easier.
When you can cuddle with your sleeping baby, do so, and know because of your love, it will get easier.
When you're blue, depressed, anxious, and feel miserable, know that your baby would say thank you if he could. Find the next opportunity to hug your baby, and know one day it will get easier (and you will start to enjoy being his mom).
When you feel alone, abandoned, and unappreciated, you're right it's not right that society abandons new moms and their babies, but know your baby needs and loves you. And know that soon it will feel like you can breath again.
When your baby has gained weight, pat yourself on the back, congratulate yourself on your hard work, and know it will get easier.When your baby reaches one month and can now sleep 3-4 hours in their own bed, praise yourself and know it will get easier.
When your baby is 2 months old, and begins to see, recognize, and follow your movement, recognize this as a sign of love and appreciation, and know it is slightly easier than 8 weeks ago and it will slowly get easier.
When your baby is 3 months and wants to only be cuddled by you, know you are the most important person in this baby's life and he is thanking you. It will soon seem like it is getting easier.
When your baby is 4 months old, and begins to have a sleeping pattern, talks and smiles at you often, and doesn't want to be held by anyone but you, know you are appreciated. It is now starting to slowly get easier.
And tomorrow when you are again exhausted, covered in puke, pee, and unmentionables, want to give up and walk away, and can't take much more, know that this is not forever. It may never get easy, but things will change, and this part will seem easier. You won't be stuck in this insanity forever. If this period in your baby's growth is wearing you thin, know that a new growth period will be here soon. It may never get easier, but it will change, become more rewarding, you will feel more appreciated, and you will start to enjoy being his mom.When you feel like all hope is lost,and you want to strangle the next person that tells you, "it will get easier," embrace any moment of enjoyment you can. Document your milestones and cherish them. It may never get easy, but things will change soon, and occasionally one aspect will seem easier, if only for a moment. I promise.
Love,
Yourself
