How becoming a mom changed all my plans…

Recently I was joking with a friend who is planning to start trying for a baby soon. I joked about the fact that my son is still sleeping in our bed at 6 months old, something I swore I’d never do. In fact the list of things I said I would or wouldn’t do (but have now completely changed my mind about) has grown considerably long.

For example I swore I would never nurse my baby to sleep, give him a pacifier, or any plastic toys. I was NOT going to co-sleep, and I was positive I wouldn’t give my baby anything but breastmilk until 12 months. It didn’t take long for me to learn that as much preparation as I had done, training for being a mom can only be done ON THE JOB.

I may only be a mom of 6 months, but I’ve learned a few things in my short career.

1) When you are pregnant, or planning to be pregnant, or thinking about your goals as a parent- read all the books, do all the research and make a plan BUT be ready to change that plan to meet the specific needs of your baby, and your family.

2) Do NOT allow yourself to feel guilty when your plans change. So what if you let your baby watch a little TV from time to time so you can go to the bathroom? Oh dear God, you fed your precious little one NON-organic baby food?! Gasp!! Yes try everything you can to be the best, most wholesome, crunchy mom you can be, but sometimes we just have to stay afloat! Do what you can to get through today and tomorrow you can give being a supermom another shot.

3) Don’t accept judgment from others for doing what you think is best. This is coming from a former Col. Judgy McJudgerton herself. Before I had a baby of my own I thought I knew what everyone should be doing with their kids and I enjoyed sharing my opinions with everyone. I apologize if you were ever personally on the other side of this. Now that I’m a mom I’ve learned that you never know someone else’s circumstances and personal journey might be. So let’s stick together moms! Don’t judge each other, and when someone else judges you just ignore it and be confident in your own choices. If you’re reading Homemaker Chic, then chances are you’re a bright, educated woman who does her research and wants to give her child all the best in life. You’re a good mom! Don’t let anyone (including well meaning family members or girls in your mom’s group) to bring you down!

Can I get an Amen?

So what about you? What are you doing differently as a mom that you never thought you’d do?