Chapter 1: The Early Days of Motherhood

This entry will be brief as my baby is peacefully sleeping on my chest, and I aim to seize at least 30 minutes of rest while he’s nestled in his bassinet.

As I reach the one-month mark in my journey of motherhood, I have come to realize an essential truth: adjusting your expectations during significant life changes is crucial for your mental well-being.

Around three weeks postpartum, I found myself starting to demand more from myself.

“I can take the dog for a walk!”

“I’ll prepare dinner tonight!”

“I’m going to meticulously document my birth experience!”

While I have successfully accomplished the first two tasks multiple times, the third remains unfinished.

Additionally, I have a pile of laundry waiting to be folded, floors that need attention, and various articles I am eager to write.

Yet, what I truly desire above all else is to connect with my son during his brief moments of alertness.

I want to share laughter with my partner over our inside jokes as we navigate another sleepy day together.

I wish to nurse my baby with confidence whenever he shows signs of hunger or needs comfort.

And goodness, I’ve never felt so hungry and thirsty! Prioritizing my nourishment and hydration is also essential.

Everything else is a bonus.

Embracing this mindset has provided me with immense tranquility as I transition into week five of my postpartum experience (are we not tired of the term “journey”?).

I have consciously chosen to lower my expectations.

The self-care plan my therapist guided me in developing includes journaling, EFT tapping, and perhaps enjoying a solo walk in the sunshine.

I’ve managed to journal twice, including one particularly emotional poem during a moment of hormonal imbalance.

For now, my only self-care goal is to shower once a day.

By limiting my expectations to this singular act, I’ve discovered how to truly appreciate it.

The shower has become my sanctuary. It’s where I can cry, massage my tender breasts, listen to podcasts, and let the warm water soothe my weary shoulders. It’s a moment to honor the body that I have come to cherish deeply.

Had I set the expectation to journal, meditate, and engage in various other activities, I might have viewed my shower as just another chore amidst my perceived failures to find time for those tasks.

Because I now only expect to shower, it has transformed into a fulfilling experience. Stepping out of my steaming oasis of self-care, I realized that there is grace in simplifying my expectations.

If you are navigating a significant life transition, such as caring for a newborn, remember that you are already accomplishing monumental work. Allow yourself the grace to ease off in other areas of your life.

This video, titled "5 Ways To Practice Self Care Through Big Life Transitions," explores strategies to prioritize self-care during significant changes, emphasizing the importance of maintaining mental health.

In the second video, "How to Cope with Life Transitions: 5 Things That Help," the speaker shares practical tips on managing the emotional and mental challenges that come with significant life changes.