Hello! Welcome to my seventh attempt at the April AtoZ blogging challenge. My theme this year is Experiences of a first time grandmother! Some sweet, salty moments and learnings! My posts are totally based on what I felt (may even border on rants) and are not meant to be a guide.
Help!
In order to ensure to properly look after Mom and her newborn , Grandma has to be on her toes practically round the clock. And NO. I am not trying to glorify myself. Ask any grandma who has been in my position.
So I had to recruit reliable helpers. In Maharashtra, we have a practice of special helpers who come in to give a massage and bath to the newborn (a very difficult task). I was advised to check if this lady suffered from any skin ailments, other infections.. that was tough…..I relied on references and then hoped for the best!
Besides this, Grandma needs to have good advisors for customs that are usually followed with a new born baby. In my opinion, its a good idea to know what they are and then decide what to follow.
There is nothing wrong or demeaning in asking for help. It doesn’t lower self esteem or reduce a Grandma’s importance in any way. That is what I learnt..
What has been your experience? I am sure my thoughts may cause a deja vu to some of you especially someone who has hosted a new born. I would love to hear from you!
See you tomorrow folks!
Here are links to my previous AtoZ attempts.
2013 Mixed Bag
2014 Exercising For Fitness
2015 Gardens of Pune
2016 Herbs
2018 Contemporary A to Z
2019 Caring for the Caregiver
Lovely Arcana. Great theme and post.
Waiting, very impatiently to be a first time grandma, won’t happen before at least five years. Three-time mom, youngest, 19, all with steady partners, but no immediate plans for parenthood. Congratulations on becoming a Grand-mother: a mother who is now Grand with experience, hindsight and wisdom. A lot to share. Lucky daughter. Personally I cared for my first born, alone with my husband, as we lived far from both my mother and mother-in-laws, for a reason … However, my mother was precious to my children as toddlers and growing up , and they have a very special relationship with her. My mother-in-law not so much, as she rejected me at the onset, 35 years ago, and has never really accepted me for whom I am. My youngest son has a good relationship with her though. Grand-mothers are very important for the balanced development of every child. You keep traditions alive and offer a step-back respite, from the sometimes strict attitude a mother needs to have with her children. So your new responsibility should offer you all the help you can get. Hoorah for closely-knit communities. Personally, not lucky enough to have benefitted from my grand-mother’s care and I still feel the need.
Have an inspiring A to Z. Take care, stay safe.
@Susan B Thank you for sharing your thoughts.. Grandparents can teach a lot, including what not to do! Happy AtoZ to you too!
Looks like you're having a busy and lovely time!
I am so glad you wrote this post. It's so important to ask for help and even hire if required. Instead of mulling and moping about the 'sacrifices' one has to make as a grandmom. My Lord knows how much my mom complained in the 20 days that I lived with her after my first delivery. I just had to leave her place because of her constant negativity, complaining and crying about how much work she has to do with me and the newborn around. I am so glad your post will inspire grandmothers to take help and make life easier for everyone.
Please embed your Twitter handle in the sharing button – would love to share your posts with your handle in it.
@Ranjini Yes…I am so happy you could stop by! Happy Blogging!
@Mayura -That must have been tough.. It needs a heart to share such experiences but it helps others learn.. especially what not to do.. Thank you so much!
@Mayura.. Sigh.. embedding my twitter handle in the sharing button is what I have been unable to do.. I need to ask for tech help asap! 🙂