How to be prepared for motherhood

Last week, someone asked me how to be prepared before becoming a mother.

Darling, no matter how many books you read, no matter how many questions asked, NOTHING can prepare you for motherhood.

It's a steep learning curve from day 1. But I'd like to think that I'll be at the top of the mountain with a great view as I look back.

However, I do have a list of things for you to practice before becoming a mother. This is solely based on my own experience ok.

1. Have your partner be on the same page with you.

If you've decided to breastfeed, go attend a breastfeeding class with your partner. If you want to practice baby-led-weaning (BLW) when your baby starts eating solids, educate him on the benefits and why you choose this method. If you prefer attachment-parenting, let him know and tell him why. If you don't want to let baby have fast food until the age of 3, let him know and let him know why. He might agree, he might not. You can always meet in the middle. But ultimately, both of you must be on the same page so that he can be your pillar of support and be there to shield you when other judgmental comments come shooting your way.

2. Start saying what is exactly on your mind.

It was last year, when my company sign us up for counselling sessions. And through that, I learned that I will have nothing to lose if I voice out my opinion. There's usually 2 outcome: either my opinion will be taken into consideration or rejected. But even if it's rejected, I still have nothing to lose. So if you think that kids shouldn't snack before meal time, and you see your in-law handing a piece of biscuit to your kid right before meal time, stop it. If the elders want to have their grandkids sit on their lap instead of the car seat, tell them that it's dangerous and you can't afford to lose your children.

3. Don't judge other women.

Karma is a bitch and it bites back fiercely. Pre-kids, I used to think that putting on harness is like walking a dog in the mall. Now, I understand why some parents do so. Better be safe than sorry! I don't have a safety harness but I'm still strapping Emmett around me even though he can walk reeaaaallly well now. Until today, I still have strangers walk up to me and ask why am I carrying him in a carrier. He's better off walking and exploring on his own *rolls eyes till the back of my head* ARE YOU GONNA BE FARKING ACCOUNTABLE IF ANYTHING HAPPENS TO HIM!? I WANT TO ENJOY MY WINDOW SHOPPING WITHOUT HAVING TO CHASE AFTER A LET LOOSE MONKEY!

Ultimately, we must practice patience with ourselves and with the mothers in our lives as we turn into mothers.