Does EVERYONE struggle during early years??

[Libertypancake]

Hi All

We are due to start IVF next week and am (obviously nervous) but SO looking forward to hopefully having our own little baby.

I read loads of stuff about how difficult it is to have a baby, to be a parent. How much everyone struggles with the sleeplessness, the anxiety, the loss of your own identity.

I absolutely do not want to downplay any of this and it is not my intention to underestimate the effort that goes into raising a child.

But does anyone consider it the best time of their lives? My mum always said that when I was born she loved it. She thrived on motherhood and said she enjoyed every second.

Of course there are going to be two sides. But I was just hoping to hear the happy baby, parenting stories. Where people are loving life

I have a two year old and although there have been some head in hands times I wouldn't change anything. I have absolutely loved it and haven't laughed so much in my whole life - she's hilarious.

That being said, I'm still one and done 😂

Honestly? Your mum is setting seriously unrealistic expectations - or, she's forgotten how damn hard it can be. Babies are hard, hard work, especially if you're a FTM. The danger of only wanting to hear the good stuff is it doesn't prepare you for how challenging it is, too. Then, when you're up for the 20th time at 3 am with a screaming baby you'll be the one feeling like something is wrong with you for not loving it all. That's when it can take a massive toll on your mental health.

I'm a FTM to a 5 month old. The first few weeks he didn't stop screaming, it was hell. Much easier and lovelier now. Love him so much, but it's deffo not all sunshine and rainbows - there's lots of good days and plenty of bad ones too.