I have survived my first year as a mom and I truly have loved it.  It is such a blessing for me to have shared this last year with my son.  Here are some of the things I have learned over the year and I thought I would share them with you.  I would also love to hear what you have learned since becoming a parent. Please do share your comments and help other new moms learn these things a little bit faster then when we did, or at least share in a good laugh.  Enjoy!

• Children are life’s best example that change is constant.  As soon as you think you have them figured out they go and mix it up on you.  I’ve often said to myself during the more difficult times ‘this too shall pass’, but I have also tried to cherish the good moments because I knew at some level our relationship was about to change.
• They make liars out of you! You go and brag about this really amazing thing that they have started doing and then when asked, they look at you like you are crazy.
• I now appreciate what sleep deprivation really is, and it is evident with the permanent dark circles under my eyes.
• I am a big fan of an early bed time.
• I am forced to set a good example as I am aware that he is watching my every move.  I choose healthier foods (as he always wants me to share), pick more suitable television channels, exercise more and speak more gently to my spouse.
• Beyond its health benefits, being skin-to-skin was such a bonding experience for me.  It was one of the strongest connections I have ever had with another human being.
• Looking back at all my challenges with breastfeeding, poor latch, nipple tenderness, poor milk supply, pumping and storing for my return to work, pumping at work in between patients, I am so proud that I have persevered.  It was hard work but worth all my efforts.
• I respect time, what I can accomplish now in one hour I couldn’t have accomplished in a whole week before becoming a mom.
• Sweet potatoes make anything taste good!
• I will do anything for a smile, make funny faces, silly dances… Anything. And I don’t care who is watching!
• Having a child has reminded me to laugh often, be lighthearted and curious about life.
• I didn’t think it was possible to go entire day before realizing you haven’t brushed your teeth.
• I enjoyed sharing the mat/paternity leave with my spouse. It was such an enriching and bonding experience for both of us.  It also gave us great perspective and respect for both roles as a working parent and as a stay at home parent.
• Finding the balance between work and home life is a constant battle that I think I will be juggling with as the years go by.  Its a constant growing experience for me, I will always try to do my best.
• I really relish and enjoy date nights although we usually spend some part of the night watching videos or looking at pictures of our baby.
• I learned to cook and I thought I would never learn…. 😉
• I believe in being a balanced mom, where I make myself a priority and I do my best not to feel guilty about that.  I know my son is getting a better me when I take care of myself.
• Knowing what I know now I wouldn’t have stressed so much about milk supply and trusted that my milk production was the perfect amount for my son.
• If you are willing to listen they will tell you how they are doing: monitor their cries, digestion, skin and behavior.  They speak to you if you are willing to listen.
• Messy and clutter are the new clean.
• Fisher price blue is the hottest colour this season.
• You get a lot of advice from all people telling you what they think is the best way to raise your child, what always felt best to me was to do my own research and use my own intuition to raise my baby.  Doing what’s best for my family has always been the right choice for me.
• It has taken a village to make this last year go smoothly and to all our family and friends, I am eternally grateful.
• The smell of pureed meats makes me nauseous but I do it because I love my child and I want to provide a healthy diet for him.  However, this is one thing I have not particularly enjoyed.
• Co-sleeping is one of the greatest things that our family still does and was not planning on doing long term.  A family bed has worked for us and made it incredibly easy for nighttime nursing.  We tried all different sleeping arrangements, but co-sleeping was the most comfortable for us.  We enjoy the night time cuddles, its a different type of quality time.
• I think cribs are only used to store clothes and hang things off of it.
• Working part time and having dad at home gave us the luxury of a lot of family time.  We are rich with memories, and for that I am so grateful.
• Having a child help themselves to their ‘milk supply’ is both hilarious and uncomfortable for all those present when it happens.  Even more so when they are skillful enough pull them out of your shirt so they can have an easy latch. They are so intelligent and direct, but I could do without the indecent exposure…
• My understanding of what unconditional love has deepened. <3

What was your favorite lesson learned from becoming a parent?

To all those moms who’s blouse is covered in spit- up, have bags under their eyes and are walking around with unbrushed teeth, we at DrMomND salute you! You are doing a wonderful job!

Happy Mother’s Day! 🙂

In great health & happiness,

Dr. Michelle

Dr. Michelle Peris is a Naturopathic Doctor whose goal is to inspire health through educating, motivating and empowering people.  She has a family based practice out of a clinic in Oakville, Ontario.

Contact Dr. Michelle today to book your 15 minute complimentary consult.