While your body goes through a series of incredible changes during pregnancy, these quickly filter into every aspect of your life when your precious bundle of joy arrives into the world.
You start to look at the world in a whole new way, appreciating the beauty in the little things – and, of course, developing that protective ‘mama bear’ approach to your daily life.
Yes, motherhood has a transformative power over our lives. And while looking after a tiny little person can bring sleepless nights and even a few wrinkles, we can all agree that there is no greater feeling in the world than special moments spent with your tot.
Here are seven things that happen when you become a mum.
1. There will be sleepless nights
There’s no point lying; there will be quite a few sleepless, or nearly sleepless nights – they’re just part and parcel of being a parent. But there is one major difference here: unlike other nights before becoming a mum, this time around, the lack of sleep is worth it in order to make sure your little one is OK. You will also look back on these early bonding moments with great fondness.
2. You’ll start ‘accessorising’ your clothes with milk stains
Ever wonder why every mum you meet has a massive stock of baby wipes with them as they head out for the day? Well, once the milk and spit-up stains start to become a permanent fixture on your clothes, you’ll understand why! Incredibly, though, you’ll also realise that you no longer care – they’re like badges of honour among mums, and no one will even notice!
3. Baby talk becomes your first language
We are encouraged by experts to speak to our babies from as early as when they are inside the womb, and there’s something about talking to our tiny tots that brings out our own ‘inner baby’. Before we know it, we’re cooing and oohing into the buggy; tasty food becomes ‘yum-yums’, and your partner’s name becomes permanently replaced with ‘Dada’.
4. Your changing bag is your new must-have accessory
Remember those cute little cross-body bags you always loved to throw on before heading out the door? They’re pretty much redundant now, aren’t they? We thought so! This is because any expedition outside of the house requires a well-stocked changing bag, containing everything from nappies, to lotion and wet wipes. These days, you’re prepared for every eventuality – and you wouldn’t have it any other way.
5. You develop an immunity to poop and vomit
Remember all those things that once made you go, ‘Yuck!’? Once you’ve changed a week’s worth of nappies, and managed to get your little one’s feeding regime down, you won’t even bat an eyelid at a little poop and vomit! You’ll also find yourself studying them (sorry, but it’s true!), to make sure your bundle of joy is A-OK.
6. Coffee will become your best friend
When you have reached a level of exhaustion where you don’t know how you’re going to function throughout the rest of the day, what do you do? Pour yourself a cup of coffee, of course! Even if you have never particularly liked the taste of the stuff, believe us when we say that, after a while, that won’t even matter. Coffee is ‘mummy fuel’!
7. You develop a brand new sense of purpose
You’re a mum, with a beautiful little baby to love and care for – just let that sink in. While you are also a friend, daughter, sister, partner, and so much more; you have just become the most important person in this little one’s life. They depend on you for everything, from cuddles to food and love, and this brings a wonderful new sense of purpose to your life. You are so lucky!
