Why Caring for a Baby is Easier Than Ourselves

As a first-time mom to a nearly four-month-old, I know what you are thinking; taking care of a baby is hard. We attend to their every need. It’s a dance of love, sacrifice, and relentless dedication. We willingly put our needs aside for the tiny human we’ve brought into the world.

But beyond this selflessness lies a practicality that’s seldom acknowledged - caring for a baby can often be easier than caring for oneself. Caring for a baby might seem like an arduous task, but in its simplicity lies a respite, a break from the complexities of self-care.

Baby Care vs. Self-Care

Consider the act of applying lotion head to toe. It is a breeze on an infant compared to tending to the needs of a grown woman who is tired and coming to terms with her changed body. It’s not just about the physical ease; it’s about the emotional weight that’s lifted.

Babies don’t judge. They don’t criticize the stretch marks or the tired eyes. They simply bask in the warmth of their mother’s touch, blissfully unaware of the internal struggles she faces. My son doesn’t care that he has rough dry patches of skin. He’s happy I’m making eye contact as I rub moisturizer on him.

For many mothers, postpartum changes can be overwhelming. The mere thought of dressing up becomes daunting. I’m the first one to quickly get into my sweats after a shower. I hardly look in mirrors anymore. How can I be excited to put on an outfit when nothing fits? Dressing my baby in soft, cute clothes contrasts sharply with the complexities of trying to reconcile my pre-baby body with the one that exists now.

Feeding the Baby vs. Yourself

Feeding a baby, despite its challenges, holds an odd ease. It’s straightforward. Right now, it’s either breast or bottle. The baby drinks, and the world narrows down to this one intimate moment. The satisfaction derived from watching your baby fall asleep at your breast is immeasurable, a serenity unmatched by the hurried bites taken in the free time you might snatch for yourself.

Compare this with preparing a meal for oneself. The options are endless, and the time and energy spent on deciding, preparing, and cleaning up can be draining. Cleaning bottles might be one of the biggest hassles, but envision the pile of pots and pans after cooking an equally nutritious meal for an adult. The mess that follows a grown-up dinner far surpasses cleaning baby bottles. It’s a task that, though repetitive, pales in comparison to the multifaceted responsibilities of adult life.

Sleeping Baby vs. Sleepless Mommy

Sleep becomes one of the most profound sacrifices in the journey of motherhood. The well-intentioned advice, "Sleep when the baby sleeps," seems practical, but in reality, it often feels like an unattainable luxury. How can a mother sleep when, during those brief moments of respite, she is engaged in a myriad of tasks to ensure her baby's well-being?

Instead of resting, those stolen moments are dedicated to preparation. While my son dozes, I lay out the bath essentials, pump for the next bottle, or tackle not just the baby's laundry but occasionally my own. There’s a constant cycle of care, even when the baby sleeps.

And when the immediate needs of my child are met, I indulge in what little 'me time' I can grasp. I endlessly scrolling through Instagram, not just as a mindless distraction but as a lifeline to a community. I seek humor of relatable mom-related content, camaraderie in the shared experiences of other mothers, and solace to my exhausted soul. These virtual connections offer a sense of belonging, reminding me that I’m not alone in this demanding yet profoundly rewarding journey of motherhood. It's a brief escape into a world where others understand the sacrifices, the sleepless nights, and the boundless love that comes with being a mother.

The act of soothing your little one to sleep, watching their eyelids flutter closed, and feeling their soft breath against your skin, transcends the mundane rush of personal indulgence. In those moments, time seems to stand still. The tranquility of the room envelops you, and in the quiet, you find a profound sense of purpose.

In the relentless rhythm of baby cries and feedings, amidst the whirlwind of chores and preparations, mothers find strength. They endure sleepless nights not only out of necessity but out of love, a testament to the unyielding dedication that defines motherhood. In these sacrifices, they discover an unparalleled resilience, a depth of love that fuels their every action. Each sacrifice, whether it be a stolen moment for oneself or a few hours of precious sleep, becomes a testament to the extraordinary lengths a mother is willing to go for the well-being and happiness of her child.

Finding Balance Between the Woman and the Mother

In motherhood, success isn't measured by the number of tasks completed on a personal to-do list, but by the smile on your baby's face, the contented sigh as they drift off to sleep, and the warmth of their tiny fingers wrapped around your own. Bathing your little one, dressing them, feeding them, and comforting their cries constitute the milestones of a triumphant day.

Mothers, don’t be too hard on yourselves for choosing to attend to your babies' wants before tending to your personal needs. In those precious moments, as you cradle your baby close, you find a fulfillment that surpasses any other achievement. Bathing your baby becomes more than just a task; it’s a ritual of love, a gentle affirmation that you are there for them, attending to their every need with unwavering devotion.

In these acts of nurturing, mothers discover a joy that eclipses the fleeting moments of self-indulgence. It’s a reminder that in the seemingly mundane tasks of motherhood, there lies an extraordinary fulfillment, one that nurtures not just the baby, but also the soul of the mother.

In the end, it’s not just about the sacrifices mothers make but the small mercies they find in these sacrifices. In choosing to put their babies first, mothers find solace in the uncomplicated love they receive in return. The sacrifice, though profound, brings with it a sense of fulfillment, a reminder that in the act of nurturing, they too find nourishment for their weary souls.