Baby everyday life – 9 things nobody talks about
No question, a baby turns your daily routine upside down: suddenly, this little being is there, wrapping you around their finger from the very first minute, and you love them unconditionally. But what else changes once your little explorer is born? We have summarized some of the truths about everyday life with a baby that most parents know, but are rarely discussed.
1. Breastfeeding must be learned
Although breastfeeding is the most natural thing in the world and can be beautiful, it doesn't always go as smoothly as you might wish. Especially in the beginning, many new mothers face breastfeeding problems, but even during the course of breastfeeding, there can be times of difficulty, so to speak. But don't worry: most problems can be resolved with a little patience and support from your midwife. You can find out which breastfeeding issues can occur and what you can do about them in our article "".
2. No one can prepare you for sleep deprivation
You think you can handle sleepless nights? Chances are good that you will be proven wrong. Sleep deprivation with a baby is for many new parents the biggest adjustment after birth and can be quite challenging for quite a few. No wonder, because newborns have no sense of day and night yet and want to be fed every few hours or demand your affection. And even as they grow older, few babies and toddlers actually sleep through the night. Some tips on how to get through the day despite tiredness can be found in the article “ “.
Another comforting thought: You are not alone - sleep deprivation and Co. are probably all too familiar to most new parents. This is also true for mother of two Gilda, who regularly shares honest insights into her family life at . Her secret weapon and tip for other moms and dads: humor.
Every day, as soon as our son opens his eyes, we know: here we go again! We would never choose a life without children again, and yet: without humor, we wouldn't survive all of this.
3. You have a constant companion
During pregnancy, you got used to the feeling of always having your baby with you in your belly. But even after birth, it basically continues like that. Whether you're showering, on the toilet, eating, or sleeping: your baby demands a lot of attention and physical contact in the first few months and is present in almost every situation. It is completely natural to occasionally long for some time alone. The absurd thing: when you're out without your little explorer, you miss them so much after no more than two hours.
4. Strangers give you well-meaning advice
Maybe it already happened to you during pregnancy that your environment kept giving you tips—whether asked for or not—with your growing belly. ;) And even now, as you go out with your little explorer, strangers suddenly turn into supposed baby experts and give well-meaning advice on carrying, feeding, or baby sleep. Even if they mean well, these tips can be quite confusing. Therefore: set your boundaries and listen to your gut feeling. You know your baby best and know what is good for them. Tips from real experts like LILLYDOO midwife Sissi or pediatrician Ariane can be found in the . Once registered, you will receive exciting information every two weeks tailored to the age of your little explorer in your inbox.
5. Most of the trendy baby accessories you don't need
Before the birth, you probably thought about the perfect initial equipment for your little explorer and let your nesting instinct run free. Along with the numerous gifts for the birth, the nursery is now full of accessories, toys, and baby clothes. But only in everyday life do you realize what your baby really needs, and especially in the first few weeks, it's not that much. Most of the adorable tiny clothes turn out to be impractical, and your favorite will spend hours playing with the packaging rather than the on the changing table. ;)
6. Your pelvic floor appreciates attention
Your baby has been in the world for a while now, and you notice that your pelvic floor is no longer quite the same after pregnancy and childbirth? This is completely normal, as the muscle network has been heavily strained during this time and, after sufficient rest period following birth, targeted training is needed to regain its former strength. This is important to prevent long-term consequences such as incontinence, back pain, or uterine prolapse. How you can specifically approach postpartum recovery and what to keep in mind is explained in the article "."
7. Your maternal instinct (or paternal instinct) takes over
Since you became a mom or dad, you finally understand what the famous protective instinct is all about. At the slightest noise from the crib, you are awake to check if your child is okay, you keep a constant eye on them from the corner of your eye, and you would protect them with your life. So much can be said: even as your child gets older, this will not change.
8. 90% of everyday baby care consists of routine
9. You didn't know that you could be so proud
You never thought you'd belong to the parents whose phone storage is filled to the brim with and who show them to everyone who asks (or doesn't ask ;)). Now the time has come, and you don't find it at all embarrassing. After all, your baby is not only the cutest of all, but you could also burst with pride when it lifts its head for the first time, turns for the first time, or takes its first steps, and you'd love to share your joy with the whole world.
Everyday life with a baby is by no means always easy and presents many unforeseen challenges. Nevertheless, there are just as many beautiful moments that make up for sleep deprivation, breastfeeding problems, and lack of privacy. And if you ever find yourself overwhelmed, comfort yourself with the phrase that has probably helped many parents through the exhausting baby routine: This too shall pass!