6 Maternity Leave Myths

I can’t believe it’s been a full month since I posted last. Where does the time go!? I don’t think I’ve ever gone this long without posting, but I’m happy to be back. Finding time to blog has been a struggle, but I’m trying to make it a priority when I can. I’ve had this post outlined for a couple weeks and I’ve been writing bits and pieces of it during pumping breaks. #multitask. 

My maternity leave ended this month and the transition back to work has been quite the adjustment. I’m still getting used to my new schedule and routine, but it’s not all that bad. In fact, I really love my new commute. Since I leave earlier than I used to, there’s not much traffic. Plus my new route takes me through Valley Forge Park, and that’s absolutely gorgeous. I’m also happy to work on new projects and see my co-workers.

Maternity leave taught me a lot of things – both about myself and my baby. Would I love being home? Would I lose some of my pre-baby friends? Would I have lots of down time to pick up a new hobby? I’m answering all those questions today. I had so many misconceptions about my “time off,” so let’s get right into it.

1. I’d have tons of free time to work on the blog.

I’m sure people thought I was the funniest woman on the planet when I told them that I had plans to blog a bunch during my maternity leave. Was I crazy? Some babies are easier than others, but Vienna definitely gives me a run for my money. She’s not an easy baby by any means! Since having her, I’ve learned what makes her happy {being held}, what pisses her off {being hungry}, and how to soothe her {walks in the stroller}. Learning about my baby took a lot of time and energy. No time for much else. Plus, all I wanted to do was play and snuggle with her, so blogging took a back seat for a while. I’m still trying to figure out a blogging schedule, but the days of blogging 4-5x a week are long gone. Things change. I’ll always blog, because I truly love it, but the frequency of posts is decreasing for now. Instagram Stories is an easier platform for this busy mama, so make sure you’re following me there. 

2. I’d love breastfeeding right away.

Although we all know that breast milk is the most natural food for your baby, the actual process of breastfeeding isn’t natural at all. Breastfeeding was one of the hardest things about postpartum. There’s no class or book that can prepare you well enough for what’s to come. At first, I hated breastfeeding Vienna. Downright despised it. She fed around the clock and always seemed to be hungry, even immediately after eating. I cringed every time she was due for a feed because it meant spending 20 minutes in absolute pain. {Yes, the pain eventually goes away.} Before I started pumping and Bryan could give her bottles, I was the only food source for her. When your baby is cluster feeding it’s freaking exhausting.

When Vienna continued to lose weight after coming home from the hospital, I knew something was wrong. I started seeing a lactation consultant who walked us through different nursing positions, gave me tips for upping my milk supply, and provided support and guidance when I needed it most. She was fantastic! {If you’re in Montgomery County, PA and want her contact info, send me an email!} During my visits with the LC, we did weighted feeds so I could measure on average how much Vienna was drinking. Well… she wasn’t getting much. I’ve got a lazy baby on my hands! My LC recommended that I start pumping around week two and to give Vienna an extra ounce or two of pumped milk in a bottle after each feed. So that’s what I did, and still do to this day. It’s double work, but I’m motivated to make breastfeeding work for our family. 

Aside from visits with the LC, I read a lot about breastfeeding {this book is my FAVORITE}, joined a few breastfeeding support groups on Facebook, and talked about the highs and lows with some of my friends. Now I can honestly say that I love nursing Vienna. Since I don’t see her during the work day, I look forward to our mornings and nights. It’s quiet, bonding time for us. 

3. I’d be back in my pre-pregnancy jeans by my 6 week dr appt.

This one makes me laugh big time. I’m still not back in my pre-pregnancy jeans and I’m almost 4 months postpartum. I might be almost back to my pre-baby weight, but some of my clothes still don’t fit comfortably. My body is just shaped a bit differently now and that’s OK. Plus, I swear my abs will never be what they used to be no matter how many crunches I do. Thank you c-section!

After having Vienna, I thought that I’d be really motivated to eat healthy and work out and be back in my pre-baby body stat. That couldn’t be farther from the truth. In those first few weeks and even now, I ate many meals one handed and they weren’t always the healthiest {aka vegan “chicken” nuggets}. Getting back to my pre-baby weight wasn’t a priority. I was focused on taking care of Vienna and just making it through the day.

I mentioned in a previous post that I started the BBG program. I’m sad to report that I stopped doing the workouts after week 4. I didn’t hate the program, in fact, I LOVED the workouts. In all honesty, Vienna was super fussy one day and I skipped my workout. Well, one missed day turned into two and before I knew it I fell off the workout wagon. I’m definitely interested in doing BBG again and am trying to fit it into my new schedule now that I’m back to work.

4. I’d nap when the baby napped.

I swear this whole “nap when baby naps” thing is a huge lie. During my maternity leave, I tried napping when Vienna finally fell asleep, but I’d get startled every time she made a noise. I realized that my body actually felt more groggy after a bunch of short naps throughout the day. There were days when I got lucky and could nap with her for over an hour, but those were few and far between. Most days, I would get things done around the house or eat a hot meal during her nap time.

5. I’d want to be a stay-at-home mom.

Spending time at home gave me the opportunity to do a lot of self-reflection. Aside from learning that I am the most impatient person on the planet, I also discovered that I don’t have it in me to be a stay-at-home mom. When I was growing up, I always thought that maybe one day I’d stay home just like my own mom. It seemed luxurious. I envisioned taking mid-day naps, working out whenever I felt like it, going for brunch with my girlfriends, and doing other leisurely things… all with a calm, well-behaved baby. HAHA. After 3 months at home, I knew that I could never do it. First off, there’s no way financially I could stay home. In order to continue living the lifestyle we have, I’d have to bring in some money. But that reason aside, I found that I desperately needed adult connection and a workplace setting. Not to discredit stay-at-home moms, because I swear they are superheroes… I just know that it’s not for me.

6. I’d lose a lot of friends.

This sounds unrealistic, but I thought that having a baby would distance myself from my friends without kids and I’d miss my pre-baby life. There are some friends that I don’t see as often as I used to because I’m busy raising my baby, and that’s okay. I’ve learned to prioritize my nights and weekends a lot more and really only spend time with people who also make me a priority in their lives.

I actually gained a lot of new friends since having Vienna. During my maternity leave, we went to a weekly tummy time group where I got to meet many other first time moms. It was so nice to talk with them about developmental milestones, favorite baby products, and current struggles. I looked forward to tummy time each week, and definitely miss it! I became friends with these moms on Facebook and love seeing their updates. I can’t wait to plan playdates once Vienna is a bit older. 

// If you’re a mama, what were some myths you debunked during your maternity leave?!