"Am I ready for this?"

"Am I ready for this?" If you're waiting to feel 100% perfectly prepared before considering the parenthood upgrade, spoiler alert: you'll be waiting forever.   The idea of achieving perfect readiness is one of the biggest myths out there. Many myths can cause anxiety and fear about having a baby. Chapter 8 addresses these myths, along with other worries that may hold you back from this important decision. This week let’s explore the first myth: You’re more prepared than you think.

I postponed having my first child until I finished my pediatric training because it required night shifts and long hours. When I felt ready, it took 5 years to get pregnant. When I finally became pregnant, I experienced a joy I had never felt before, which helped me cope with the hormonal changes and morning sickness (morning sickness which lasted all day). Was I truly prepared for parenthood? I thought my training would equip me, but I quickly discovered that I had to learn as I went. Parenting is the ultimate on-the-job training. Parenthood wasn't without its stumbles – none catastrophic, just the everyday learning curves. Those very experiences, the mistakes I navigated, became unexpected lessons that later equipped me to support other parents. Despite the inevitable challenges, my sons have grown into successful and responsible men. Perfection wasn't the goal; heartfelt effort was. Raising them has been the most profoundly rewarding journey of my life, eclipsing even my career achievements.