PREGNANCY is not always roses and pink non-alcoholic champagne on ice, and I wish more women spoke about this more openly.
I’ve been following a lot of mom-fluencers on social media recently where I’ve learnt a great deal.
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Last week, one preggie fairy came forward and spoke about what an emotional roller coaster her pregnancy has been.
As I went through the comments, I read many similar experiences. Kudos to the woman for opening up and subsequently giving other moms-to-be the courage to do the same.
It got me thinking; we have to face facts. Pregnancy is a beautiful thing, but not everything about pregnancy is beautiful.
There are days when I struggle emotionally, and the waterworks just won’t switch off, that I actually feel like I’m just as good a crier as Brooke Logan Forrester from The Bold and the Beautiful soapie. Man, that woman could cry!
There are also days when I’m physically drained and don’t feel like doing anything but, as a working woman with the responsibility of also managing a household, and tens of millions of other things, the chances of doing sweet nothing are sometimes slim to none. Ya’ll know what I’m talking about, and it’s not just pregnant women who go through this.
What can I do about it? Not a darn thing! Blame it on the hormones.
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Then there are the postpartum emotions that send you on a whirlwind after the baby is born.
The new mom has to deal with that, plus daily tasks and taking care of a newborn.
If you’re Indian like me, prepare for a host of visitors who will come over to see the munchkin and sometimes expect tea and samoosas as well while you are sleep deprived and not only nursing a newborn but a C-section laceration or an episiotomy!
Not all women have a support system or a helper, so spare a thought before you rush over and invade this important bonding and resting time.
I swear it’s like a competition for my people.
My advice: If you are going over, offer help. Perhaps the new mom needs a meal cooked, errands run or someone to watch the baby for a few hours while she catches up on some Zzzzzzs. It could mean a lot to her and her mental health.
And while we’re on the topic of mental health, it is Women’s Month.
During this time, we tend to focus on gender-based violence – I’m not saying it’s not a pressing issue – but let’s also focus on our mental health.
Queens, let’s empathise with each other and raise each other up.
Then there’s a flip side. Once you have established somewhat of a routine and your cuts and tears are well mended, it tends to get a bit lonely, and you long for interaction with other adults or you might go crazy sitting at home making baby talk with your precious bundle.
Well, girlfriends, the new momma may not always be able to go out and meet you for a wild night of margaritas, but you can take your margaritas over to her place. Even if she’s not drinking, she’ll appreciate the company and girl talk.
I have only seven weeks left till I meet my pink bundle of joy. People ask me, “Are you ready?” My answer: “As ready as I can be.”
