Mommy, Get out!

When we took our baby home from the hospital, we were greeted at our home with family and friends. It was wonderful to have all the help.

My mother stayed with us for a week and a half to help me, while I was recovering from the birth of our child.

We had a lot of visitors come and go to our home to meet our baby boy for the first time.

As weeks went on, fewer people came, and my mom departed.

As she saw I was getting more strength to do things on my own. This was the first time I was a stay-at-home mom. As with my previous baby, who is 12 years old now, I ended up going back to work at 3 months.

With all the visitors gone, I was now able to truly bond with our little man. I fell in love instantly. I was so overwhelmed with joy, he was finally here!

We had been trying for a year and did not know if he was ever going to be born. But, here he was staring at me with those big brown eyes.

As time went by, I noticed all the days were sort of meshing together.

Having sleepless nights, diapers, and regular feedings, I was starting to feel like a mombie — a sleep deprived supermom who feeds on caffeine and survives on sticky kisses and a messy smile. Mombies are master multi-taskers and sucker-uppers.

I was feeling a disconnect from the rest of civilization.

I was seeking adult conversation.

Instead, my vocabulary consistent of myself ” gooing” and “gaahing” with baby. Coming up with made-up songs about poopy pants, to try to chill out the little tyke. Watching daytime television where there are woman fighting with each other about ” hot topics” with their viewpoints on life (which I might say is very interesting to watch, but way too much drama for my liking).

So when my husband came home, I just flooded him with everything I thought about that day. From what I was thinking about when I was brushing my teeth, to what thoughts I had about world peace and lotions.

Obviously, I needed to get out more!

So I thought about a group of adults that would understand my emotional rollercoasters, and my going to the bathroom with an audience. It was other moms! They would understand!

There had to be places in Kelowna where I could connect with other moms and babies.

So I looked online and saw many groups to join. To name a few:

There is, “Play group – Kelowna New parent.” It’s for parents with new babies who are feeling isolated or experiencing cabin fever, and who would like to meet with other parents in their neighbourhood.

Another group online is www.kelownanewparent.com.

This is more of a resource website, with information on where to go to for activities.

MOGA MOMs is a great group, another friend of mine is involved in this one, and she said it a great way to meet other mommies and get fit at the same time. Moms gotta take care of themselves too! Sometimes we forget that because we are so busy taking care of everyone else.

The Kelowna YMCA is another great place to go to meet new people.

I had my oldest in swimming lessons, and as I watched my son swim his heart out, I was able to connect with other parents. Of course, not to mention there are many classes to do there for moms and babies.

Even if you want to take a break from your beloved children, there are childminding there, so that you can have a little break to have some “ME” time!

I’m a bit of a social butterfly, and I have even started conversations in the baby section of stores with other mommies. I have actually started friendships that way!

Whatever you do, the main thing is to take care of yourself.

Take that advice when people say, “sleep when the baby sleeps.” Believe me, I need to take my own advice! Let your spouse, family, or friend hold the baby so you can take a break for you, too.

Get out of the house when you can, and get some fresh air. I never realised how much I took that for granted! Be around others, god knows you can’t do all this on your own.

It takes a village to raise a child, so take advantage of all the wonderful things you can do here in Kelowna.

I may see you around town with my baby!