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Being a mother is a mix of emotions. We often hear the words beautiful, miraculous, and magical attached to it. But there’s one word which at least some of us experience – terrifying. I can’t speak for every mother out there, but there were a few moments with my newborn that left me shaking in my boots. Motherhood was a completely new phase of my life. And nothing in my life has prepared me for it. I wasn’t someone who played with barbie dolls to practice my mommy skills or someone who always wanted kids. In fact, I had no idea how to be with little kids. But when I had a baby, a lot of things changed, including my perspective. But having a newborn can be terrifying. It’s all new, and you are thrown into it. It doesn’t matter if it’s your first time being a mom or the third, nobody tells you, “Take your time. You will get the hang of things in your second try.” Here are 8 first-time moments with my newborn that were terrifying:
1. The First Big-Voiced Cry
I still remember the first time she made a full-throated cry. It was raining and I was alone in the house as my husband was doing the night shift. I felt like something was terribly wrong, but I had no clue. I remember telling myself to do something, but I couldn’t move. I just stood holding my baby feeling terrified inside.
2. Our First Feeding Session
I’m referring to the time when the nurse stood on the corner watching closely to see if my baby is latching on properly. I felt like my fate as a mom was determined by the nurse that day. I became a bad mom from supermom in that one feeding session.
3. Trimming The Nails For The First Time
Trimming the nails is no biggie. At least that’s what I thought until I clipped my baby’s fingernails for the first time. She bled and tears of pain started rolling from her eyes. I felt terrible for causing her so much pain. Now Daddy has become the official nail trimmer in our house.
4. Giving The First Bath
After the nail trimming incident, I was terrified of bathing her for the first time. Water and soap, and slippery surfaces… A lot could have gone wrong. But thankfully, being extra careful came to my rescue that day.
5. Putting Her Into The Baby Carrier
This is definitely a 2-person job in my opinion. Putting my baby in the baby carrier always had me sweating rolls of nervousness.
6. Driving Alone With My Baby
It’s hard to focus on the road when you are constantly checking the rearview mirror. “Why isn’t she making any noise? Why is she crying so much? Should I stop and check on her?”
7. Our First Time Grocery Shopping
I remember standing in the queue with a cart full of groceries when my little one decided to break the walls of the supermarket with her loud cries. And I was in no position to hold her in my arms and sway her to calm the nerves. Why on Earth did I think it would be fun?
8. Finding Cheese In the Folds Of Skin
I was in the pediatrician’s office when I smelled something funny. I couldn’t figure out where it was coming from. But when I did, I was terrified and embarrassed. The thought of child protective services taking my baby away crossed my mind for a minute.
Have you too experienced any moments with your newborn that terrified you or still does? If yes, please share your experience in the comment section below. It would be nice to know it’s not just me who is the terrified mommy after all.
