When looking at polls, the hardest transition in parenting based on number of kids was exactly what I experienced. The answer might surprise some. Those without children might hypothesize that the higher the number, the tougher the transition. However, the polls from both Mothering and Baby Center show that the hardest transition is going from no kids to one child.
I have partnered with Luvs at Sam’s Club to talk about this beautiful and yet sometimes challenging season of life. We want you to know that you are not alone. This is such a precious time with your new baby. You want to provide them with the best care, and the love you experience is a new kind of love that brings a greater depth to the word. Yet, becoming a new mom or dad is like going through metamorphosis. The results are going to be amazing, but the process can be demanding.
The Hardest Transition in Parenting Based on Number of Kids
Why is 0-1 the hardest transition? You have been blessed with this beautiful new life. There are firsts around every corner, providing excitement and anticipation. You can sit and just stare at this baby. That first smile, giggle, eye contact, or finger grasp has everyone captivated. Yet, the polls show that this transition is taxing.
I have a number of reasons why I believe the first baby is the most challenging.
You Have No Clue What You Are Doing
This parenting gig is all new. Why is the baby crying? What does he or she need? Searching Google only leads you into a cloud of despair because you second guess yourself all the time. Am I feeding enough? Why won’t this baby sleep? Should I go get her when she fusses or let her cry it out? Are these symptoms I’m seeing something I should be concerned about?
From picking out the right kind of diapers to sleep struggles to potential challenges with feeding, it is all new. You don’t quite trust your instincts, and yet that is often exactly what you so often need to do. Put down those “How to Raise the Perfect Infant” books and trust yourself. That is hard to do, and we want so desperately to do it right. Second guessing yourself is exhausting.
To the new mom and the new dad reading this: You’ll figure this out. Each baby is unique. You are not alone in this transition. Begin to trust yourself as you learn the individual needs of your child.
You Are Re-Defining Yourself
There is a new baby in your arms. You are now a mom. You are now a dad. Whoa! That’s kind of a big deal. You are about to wear mom jeans and use dad words like, “Stop lollygagging!”
For me, I was independent and carefree. Loving to travel, be involved in any fun new adventure or go out to dinner or a show with friends or my spouse was my life. When I first had a baby I felt grounded. It appeared as though my wings had been clipped. Suddenly I had someone dependent on me, and quite frankly, I was selfish. I wanted me-time, but this baby needed me – for food, for comfort and for never-ending care.
I needed to go through a transformation, and just as a rock turns into a diamond, it takes a lot of pressure to recreate yourself under this new title. Again, it is a wonderful transition, but it brings its own set of stresses.
If you are struggling in the re-defining process, know that this is natural. Trust that what is being born in you is something amazing. I know this change is hard, but it is oh so beautiful.
You Are Depleted
Pouring into a new baby is exhausting. The lack of sleep alone can wear you down. Add to that trying to figure out how to be a great spouse and a great parent at the same time can be taxing. If you are a mom, the hormone changes, birth process and potential of postpartum issues pay a toll. Your body has changed, and your life has changed.
Suddenly, it’s harder to find time for self-care. How can I possibly find time to exercise? Eating right feels like it takes a lot of energy and brain power. Sleepless nights are just part of the routine.
You definitely put too much pressure on yourself to do it all well. The laundry seems never ending, the dishes are piling up and making a decent meal for yourself and your spouse feels impossible. It is hard enough producing milk to feed a baby 7-9 meals a day. Because you are depleted, there is often an overwhelming sense that you are not good enough – that you are not doing your job well enough.
Don’t buy into these lies you tell yourself. This is a time to relax your expectations for the house. Napping when your child naps is absolutely encouraged. You’ll have plenty of time later to get on top of things or even transition to the point where you realize it is OK to not always be on top of everything. Give yourself grace.
The Hardest Transition in Parenting Based on Number of Kids
Part of writing this article is to acknowledge what you are feeling as a new mom. You are not the only one who has felt the stress of moving from zero children to one child. Be encouraged. It’s tough! Beautiful! Amazing! Fantastic! Miraculous – but tough.
Luvs and Sam’s Club want to make this transition easier for you. You have enough to worry about, so let Luvs take the guess work out of diaper changing. Luvs diapers offer quality leak protection for less. They are designed to lock away wetness (even overnight) and keep your baby’s precious skin dry.
Shop at samsclub.com or the Sam’s Club app for a limited time and get an additional $3 off AND free shipping when you buy any Luvs diapers. This means high-quality Luvs diapers are as low as $.11 each for a five-week supply. Savings are automatically calculated at samsclub.com or in the app (not available in-club).
Here’s how to purchase:
- Go to the Luvs product page and order your diapers for delivery straight to your door.
- Click “Save Time With Subscriptions” and select a frequency for delivery at checkout, and you’ll soon find your favorite Luvs diapers arriving on your doorstep just in time.
- Download the Sam’s Club mobile app:
Once you get it all set up, you have purchasing and worrying about diaper choice off your list. What a great help in this time of great change.
To the new moms and dads:
I encourage you to embrace season of evolution for your family. You will be navigating new waters together, and it won’t always be easy. As a mom who now has three all in elementary school, I can tell you that this transformation you are experiencing yields great results. I have shared how when I became a mom I felt lost. This is beginning of a road full of transitions. There will be times where the path feels full of obstacles to navigate. There will also be times of ease, joy and fun. Embrace it all. Life’s ups and downs is what makes the journey interesting and full of depth. Enjoy the ride.
This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Luvs at Sam’s Club. The opinions and text are all mine.
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