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It’s a wonderful life

The positive, amazing and flat-out fantastic side-effects of motherhood

By
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Originally published in Today's Parent May 2011

I was privy to all sorts of facts about labour and impending motherhood while preggo with my first son. My mom, sisters and mama friends made sure of this, as did random strangers who felt compelled to inform me that A) sleep was a pleasant but distant memory, B) I’d opt for death over a drug-free birth if given the choice, and C) I’d feel forever changed about the new shape and location of my belly, bum and thighs. But talk of how wonderful being a parent can be? Cue the crickets.

I should clarify I’m not the type of girl who came into mamahood expecting angels to sing and trumpets to sound when my babies arrived. Just the opposite, actually. I anticipated being a mom would be emotionally challenging, physically draining and plain ol’ hard, which it is, of course, but I didn’t expect it would also be so ... fun. Joyous. Exciting. And excuse me while I take a detour to Cheesetown, but at times it’s even a bit magical.

My first glimpse of Disney-esque love came when my oldest son, Oliver, was eight weeks old. I’d been having a rough go at nursing and realized I’d unconsciously associated him with the pain and overall dislike I had for breastfeeding. When friends and family convinced me switching to formula didn’t make me the devil, everything changed. Feedings went from being the bane of my day to the highlight. I would sit in the rocking chair with my little porker, staring at his delicious cheeks while he downed the milk, and marvel that I’d been so blessed with a healthy and happy baby. I felt much of the same when sweet Charlie, my youngest son, made his appearance. Having been through such nursing turmoil with Oliver, I knew it was okay to turn to the bottle when I felt myself getting sucked into an emotional black hole. And once I did, it was like someone had flipped on the happy switch.

“Being a mom is such a personal experience. One woman’s favourite part of the job can easily be the most difficult aspect for someone else, but overall, it changes us in so many wonderful ways,” says Ann Douglas, parenting author and mom of four. “From learning more patience and understanding for your children and people in general, to forging a powerful bond between you and other mothers that otherwise may not have been there, there’s nothing else quite like it.”

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What do you think?

  • pedro (not verified) says ....

    These pictures are beutiufal. by far better than anne geddes. I am so very happy for you and scott. a baby is the most beutiufal thing i am glad that god has given you the opportunity to experience motherhood..

    • 5 May 2012