5 things that will change with the arrival of a newborn

Adding a new member to your family can be a wonderful thing, but with every addition comes a whole new world of change...

5 things that will change with the arrival of a newborn

I've come to believe that nothing truly prepares you for motherhood. When I was pregnant, people would ask me, "So are you ready?" After hearing this repeatedly, I developed a standard response: "We have everything we need, if that makes us ready."

Parents should be prepared for the arrival of their baby, but with preparations come expectations, and expectations are necessary when it comes to adjusting to life after a newborn.

Here are 5 things that will change with the arrival of a newborn:

#1 How you manage your time

Before baby: It was just the two of you. You only had to wait for each other to get dressed before heading out the door.

After baby: Not only do you have to get yourself ready, but you have to dress your baby, feed him, change his diaper (probably more than once during the whole ordeal), put him in the car seat, ensure he's properly seated, and ensure your spouse has packed all the baby items in the diaper bag. These things take time, and preparing 2 hours in advance would be best.

#2 Your multitasking skills

Before baby: Multitasking before having a baby was probably the easiest thing in the world. Cooking while watching TV, playing games on your phone while your other half nags at you, folding the laundry while having a conversation over the phone with your mum. Just to name a few.

After baby: You now have to master the art of holding your baby in one hand while you do your laundry, prepare his milk, vacuum the carpet and carry out a conversation with your gynae over the phone.

#3 What diapers mean to you

Before baby: Reading and going through a step-by-step process with your spouse to ensure you both know how to change a diaper.

After baby: Thinking you've got it all figured out, until the moment when your baby poops on the mat while you're reaching out to grab the wet wipes. Speed will help you, my friend, and as you start to get faster with each diaper change, you will not leave any opportunity for mat-pooping or other bodily surprises.

#4 How you control your emotions

Before baby: The only time you probably had your emotions all over the place was when your man ate the expensive chocolate you had hidden in the fridge.

After baby: When your baby cries, you cry. When he sleeps, you feel contented, but that happiness only lasts for about half an hour, as he wakes up crying, making you wish you had better control of your emotions. Then he makes you laugh and you feel a-okay, only to have it all taken away from you when he starts to get cranky and wails louder than you can hear your own thoughts. HELP!

#5 Your definition of love

Before baby: I love my husband, I love my kitchen, I love my mop, I love my super expensive Celine bag, and I love being a wife.

After baby: I love my baby the most. Husband? What husband?

How has your life changed since the welcoming of your newborn? Share with us in the comments below!