To say that a woman feels completely fulfilled when she becomes a mother, is certainly a universal truth. This is a belief that is common to people of various economic strata and ethnic origin. There is no one who can dispute this fact. However, the period of pregnancy is certainly not a bed of roses. There are women who spend more time throwing up the little that they are able to eat instead of concentrating on what their roles are going to be once their babies are born. They go through their entire pregnancy, wondering what really made them say yes to motherhood, little knowing that it could be such a painful and tiring process.

All these pains and problems are quickly forgotten when the mother is presented with a small little bundle of joy that she has given life to. She realises that it is worth all the trouble she has endured for the last nine months. She forgets about the numerous times she wrinkled her nose at cooking smells, trying her best not to vomit the food that she tried her best to push down her throat. Here she is now, holding a new life, a life that she has created, of course with the all important help of her spouse or partner. Looking at the eyes that are barely open and cute little fingers that curl around her own, she wonders how this little marvel has emerged after his or her stay in her womb, virtually unscathed.

Now comes the difficult part – motherhood. Does the period of pregnancy, really prepare a woman for motherhood? Does it help her understand the responsibility that she now has in rearing a new life? Does she also get hold of the fact that this child will be entirely dependant on her and her spouse (if he is present) for love, care, food and every other unimaginable need? It is certainly a very great responsibility. All the joys of seeing your baby smile back at you with a toothless grin is sure to take a back seat when you realise the extent of your responsibilities.

Be that as it may, there is no doubt that motherhood is a period in a woman’s life that needs to be lived to the fullest. Though the responsibilities and duties might seem to loom large, it is necessary for a person to understand them and plan out activities in such a way that she is able to carry out her duties without much of a problem.

You might wonder whether the key to managing a baby is meticulous planning. Well the answer to this is both yes and no. Yes, because all activities need to be planned. Once you are aware of the biological rhythm of your child, you will be able to plan the rest of your work based on the waking and sleeping hours of your baby. Whatever you do to plan, please also be prepared for the unscheduled breaks in routine that happen when you have a baby around. When all is said and done, motherhood is certainly a pleasure, unmatched by anything else.

Tags: childcare, motherhood