Mother’s Day is just around the corner and while everyone is thinking about what to give, I decided to give a gift in advance. I want to offer in my humble opinion, some advice for those women who are not mothers yet, but that the idea has already crossed their minds. Yes. To you women who have that maternal instinct even though you deny it, some of course have it more hidden than others. You, who look suspiciously at us moms when we walk into a restaurant loaded like a Christmas tree, with the diaper bag in one arm and the baby in the other (and sometimes even more other things) while you are ask for the check, drink as fast as you can what is left of your wine, and run out in terror as if you had just seen the devil himself in diapers. You, who make fun of us moms when you see us out there in sweatshirt and pants, when we haven’t been able even to take a shower and our hair looks more like a bird’s nest while you think “Oh no. When I will be a mom I will NEVER going to look like that “(please insert my sarcastic laugh HERE). Well. To you who are left out in Mother’s Day I will give a gift. Read carefully these tips, and moms please tell me if this is not true. And if you think of another you are welcome to post it here:
1. Stay up all night as much as you want, but sleep whenever you can. Not going to bed early before being a mom is a choice. After, it is an obligation. So do it, enjoy long nights of partying, staying up until dawn doing nothing or doing what you want. But yes, when you can sleep, sleep and sleep a little more. Get plenty of sleep, and sleep until late. Even if you don’t want to, sleep.
2. Exercise. This more than an advice, take it as a command. Do not complain so much of that love handles or muffin top that according to you are not going away with anything. Take advantage that your body still has not passed the rigors of pregnancy, let alone giving birth. If you want to look like a celebrity after giving birth, when the women seem to have adopted their children instead because their bodies have not a single sign of this procedure, then exercise. A lot.
3. Beware the myths of motherhood. Most likely you have heard or believe in things such as: “The contractions are like cramps but stronger” (please re-insert my sarcastic laugh HERE), “Before being a mom you have to be prepared” or “Both my husband and I are going to distribute the functions of the house and the baby “(not just re-insert my sarcastic laugh HERE, also add a loud laugh spitting some liquid). My advice. Disregard all the above if someone dares to repeat them to you. Contractions are nothing like cramps, nothing can prepare you to be a mom, and for husbands their notion of caring for the baby is to leave him or her in the crib while they are watching TV or their computer. Or maybe you are lucky, who knows? But do not panic. You will bear all this at the time and with great skill.
4. Stay all day in bed doing nothing. Moreover, disconnect the phone, rent movies, read any chick lit book, generally be as lazy as you can, even if is just for one day.
5. Go to the movies. Maybe you didn’t like to go to movies as often but for some strange reason that should be studied scientifically, when you are a mom you are going to miss it, or at least having the chance. I am not saying you are not going back to a movie theater ever again because you will, but it becomes complicated.
6. Enjoy your travels. Especially if you are going by plane. Ask the flight attendant to sit you as far as possible from a child. Sleep on the plane, watch movies even if they cost you $6 and have a drink if you wish. And wherever you go simply enjoy and indulge!
7. Enjoy the silence and solitude. Trust me. Do not think I’m boring or a hermit, but there will come a time after being a mom that a day of silence and solitude is a treasure.
8. Do not complain so much about your mother. As women we spent our childhood and adolescence fighting with our moms. And even some in adulthood continue to do so. It is a constant struggle and a natural one. But it is also necessary because our mothers eventually become our friends and allies. And you will understand this much more when you become a mom. In fact, is not until that moment when you get to value and really appreciate what our mothers have done for us. Let them critique and ask weird questions, try to make your mom happy… not only because she gave you life but also, because she has spent years just thinking about you and your happiness, doing things you cannot imagine just to make sure you are well and have the life you have.
9. Do not panic. Everything I have said here is not intended to alarm you. One thing am sure of is that motherhood is a blessing, and you will know at that time what I mean. I assure you that you have never known true love until you have your own baby in your arms, as you can’t imagine the satisfaction of seeing another human being growing and totally depending on you. Being a mother is a joy, with its pros and cons like everything in life but a state that’s filled with joy and invaluable experiences in which absolutely everything is worthwhile.
Moms, what do you think? any other advice? And those who are not moms yet, what else would you like to know?
