When you find out that you’re expecting, you have expectations out how things are going to go. While some are somewhat far fetched -Why the bloody hell would you think that you become some sort of domestic goddess with dinner on the table every night, when you sure as hell weren’t one before you had your little bubble of terror- other expectations are far more likely, such as how long you’re going to breastfeed for or what type of nappies you plan on using. That when they don’t happen the way you expect them too, you can’t help but feel that you have failed as a parent.
For me the biggest expectation vs. reality of parenting was breastfeeding. My plan was to exclusively breastfeed and pump for the first 6 months and then wean him onto formula before I went back to work. What actually happened (due to a few unforeseen health issues when my little terror was first born) was that he was combination fed; And by the time he was 12 weeks (he’s now 20 weeks) was completely formula fed. Now I won’t lie, I did feel like a failure to begin with especially when we had to start combination feeding (seriously, I ugly cried, gotta love post pregnancy hormones). However the hormones have calmed down now and I’ve gained perspective. This was something out of my control and while I felt like sh*t at the time, looking back I can see that it was the right thing for both me and him. My little man hasn’t suffered because my expectation didn’t match reality, if anything he’s thrived and is such a happy little one.
And while this could of set me back, instead I decided to learn from the experience. I’ve learnt to roll with the punches and to try and not get too upset if everything doesn’t go to plan. To focus on the good and happy parts and not too obsess when everything goes tits up. Which is bound to happen, I mean I’m only 4 months in to this parenting gig. Oh god, someone send booze or chocolate or both.
Thanks for reading.
Jo xx
geeksandmamas.com 