When I fell pregnant with my first I was surprised the amount of people who jumped right in with the telling me how tired, how utterly exhausted my partner and I would be. How, you will do nothing other than parent and be tired. Over the table my partner and I would pass a quick glance to each other with a knowing look. We were surrounded by negativity. But what bothered me most of all was constantly being told I would have no time to read. Not only would I never find the time, but I wouldn’t even have the brain capacity to read. The words would just float around on the page until I gave up and let my head hit the pillow.
My daughter was born and yes I was tired. I had a tough delivery and she cried every minute they were awake. It was an overwhelming experience. But my daughter also slept (not at night) she would have long glorious naps as I snuggled her during the day and we either went for long walks or sat on the sofa with my book.
Yes of course what I had capacity for was totally different but being able to read was a priority for me. During long walks I could listen to Audible’s, in the car I could open my kindle app on my phone and on the sofa I could pick up my book.
Funnily the people who told me I wouldn’t have any time to read at all were suddenly telling me that I made maternity leave look like it was easy, being able to sit around and read all day. Little did they know the actual experience I was having. Funny how social media looks like that. Personally for me it is important to read, i was constantly encouraged by friends to have “me” time. Fill my own cup. People suggested for me to get my nails done, get my hair done. Go for a swim in the evening or for a massage. But for me filling my cup is with a literal tea or coffee in my hand enjoying a book.
For those who are about to embark on a parenting journey if reading is important to you, you will I can assure you find the time. Of course you might go long periods not picking up a book. Or what you have capacity for might change for a short while. You will have less time, you’re caring for a new being after all. But like everything when it comes to babies and toddlers. It’s just a season. It will change.
This is a post hopefully to give new or soon to be mothers a little bit of encouragement.
I'm currently pregnant with my first and this is SO refreshing to read. People are so overwhelming negative about how difficult parenthood is, that it makes me wonder why they chose that route to begin with. I understand there will be difficult moments, but it's nice to read from the perspective of people who are finding the joy and light and solace as well.
I still read 37 books the year I had my 2nd child. It's absolutely possible to find time for yourself. I always had my Kindle with me, especially during middle of the night nursing sessions. I listened to audiobooks on long walks. Both my kids were contact nappers and I took that time to read too.