That subculture called Motherhood

Having a baby is like discovering a whole subculture I previously knew nothing about. It’s like the first time I went running on the Trinity Trails in Fort Worth at 6:00 a.m. on a Saturday morning, and I realized that there are TONS of fitness-crazed people out there running and cycling in the dark ON A SATURDAY MORNING.

They’re crazy. And I wish I had the will power to be one of them.

Having a baby is kind of like discovering that you’re the only person who didn’t know that folks exercise at the crack of dawn on a weekend. I’ve had so many people ask me what brand of stroller I have. (a BOB – which I didn’t realize was a big deal – so thankful for generous in-laws!) What brand of diaper do I prefer? (the free ones our friends have given us) Will I be breastfeeding? (yes) What kinds of bottles are you going to use? (oh crud, I only own one newborn bottle – must remember to buy some on Amazon ASAP) Will we be co-sleeping? (no) Will we have bumpers in our crib? (no) Will I be getting an epidural? (Heck YES)  Who’s my pediatrician? (actually, we’re going with my family doctor, who has treated babies for years)

And the one I hear the most – will we be immunizing?

YES. For many reasons, but this article captures one of the biggest reasons. It’s at least worth checking out.

As for the rest of this motherhood subculture – I freely admit that I have NO IDEA WHAT I’M DOING. None. Zip. I know next month I’ll find myself doing things I never expected I’d do (heck, I walked around in a urine-soaked shirt last weekend after my baby nephew, ahem, marked his territory on me – and I didn’t even mind because he’s so cute). All moms had to be newbies at some point, so go ahead and start praying for me now. You know I’m pretty clueless and need those prayers – and patience – more than most!

———————————–

PS–Don’t forget to go over and enter my contest to predict Baby Wrenn’s arrival date. Contest closes on Friday.

6 Comments

  1. If you were having a boy, you’d hear, “Are you going to circumcise?” I always wanted to say, “Ummm, how is my boy’s private parts your business?”

    Reply

    1. Seriously! I bet he’ll die of embarrassment in 12 years when he finds out that was a topic of discussion.

      Reply

  2. I am constantly amazed at the crazy mommy culture. Sadly it can go from kind inquiries to judgmental nonsense in such a short time… I was supposed to be induced (I was over a week past due, but ended up going into labor on my own that night anyway) and some acquaintances of mine FREAKED out. Saying that it wasn’t the “natural way”, and so on… needless to say I was irritated. I mean, I am a little bit granola and all, but I don’t question the man with the medical degree and DECADES of experience. I realized right then that people will have an opinion about everything you do, and it’s ok. Just like it is OK when I elect to completely ignore them 🙂

    Best of luck Bethe, I will be praying for y’all. If you ever need any support (judgement free zone here) you just let me know!

    Reply

    1. I’m with you, Ash. I am very anti-induction… Until my doc tells me that’s my best bet to having a healthy baby, then induce away. Same with a c-section. It’s good to know all your options but at the end of the day, I’m not the one who did 8 years of medical training.

      Thanks for your prayers!

      Reply

      1. Yeah, I tried to put off being induced as long as possible but when the doc said it needed to happen I didn’t argue. I ended up having an emergency c-section under general anesthesia (my least wanted outcome) but in the end, it is about a healthy baby and not what I want 🙂 Best wishes Bethe!

        Reply

        1. Poor thing! Although I just told my doc yesterday that in an emergency, general anesthesia is fine. I knew someone who refused it and she felt way too much.

          Reply

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

HTML tags are not allowed.

39,511 Spambots Blocked by Simple Comments