I was talking recently with my SO about the experience of women and men in our respective countries. While some things are different between East and West, it is clear that most are essentially the same. For instance, as my SO highlighted, women experience various turning points in their lives. Both their bodies and mind change throughout beginning menstruation, pregnancy, childbirth, and menopause.

Along these lines, Instagram user zubora_tsuma seeks to share the benefit of her wisdom. On her account, she posts educational content aimed at new mothers and has gathered more than 124,000 followers.

Recently, she accomplished this with a 10-part post incorporating a Ghibli motif:

"(Learn what it feels like to be pregnant via Ghibli)"

  • Oh, my belly button definitely became an outie.
  • During morning sickness, I feel like trash.
  • Horribly constipated.
  • My body is too heavy, and it is hard work climbing stairs.
  • After morning sickness...(eating)
  • After the morning sickness, again...(eating)
  • My doctor tells me I’ve gained too much weight.

That's what it was like for me! What about everyone else?”

Her followers reacted:

  • “I laughed a lot at the one where the doctor says ‘you are too fat.’ ”
  • “I know exactly what you mean”
  • “The image for "You’re overweight" is too good! Lol! I'm always in this situation, not just during pregnancy.”

The content creator also posted about the birth of her baby:

Ideal: If you breastfeed once every three hours, you can sleep with your baby for about two and a half hours.
Reality: When you change diapers, breastfeed, and make milk, it takes over an hour of your spare time, and your baby never sleeps.

Despite the conventional wisdom that expecting mothers may hear, the reality doesn't seem to match. Indeed, it seems like you simply are not going to get any sleep.

Ideal: Gently watch over your baby and stare into her eyes while breastfeeding.
Reality: If you stare at your baby all the time, you will hurt your neck, and you will fall asleep. It’s practically impossible not to look at your phone while breastfeeding in the middle of the night.

Indeed, anyone awoken in the middle of the night is going to be drowsy. Especially new mothers…

Ideal: Babies drink breast milk well.
Reality: Babies don't drink well, and your breasts become irritated and uncomfortable. You may even experience severe pain.

While fathers certainly understand how tough caring for a baby can be, this is something that only mothers can really understand.

Ideal: Breast milk comes out as soon as you give birth.
Reality: Not a chance.

More than 4,000 people liked this post and reacted:

  • "I understand clearly! The only time I had to look at my phone was while breastfeeding."
  • “This is full of things you didn't know until you give birth.”
  • “Babies don’t sleep after breastfeeding. I would comfort my baby, then breastfeed again… It never ended.”
  • “I gave birth four days ago...I know exactly what you mean.”
  • “Just right now. I was about to doze off while breastfeeding in the middle of the night.”
  • “Oh yeah! I experienced all of this after giving birth. I wished someone had told me..!”
  • “I didn't want to look at my smartphone at night, but if I didn't look at it, I would fall asleep. It was very tough.”

It seems being a new mother is full of situations no one ever completely warns you about. According to zubor_tsuma, it seems like its best to forget about doing things perfectly and just do what you have to get by. All in all, an expecting parent should check this account before the due date.


By - Luke Mahoney.