9 Things No One Told You About Motherhood (like LBL)

This post is sponsored by Poise.

We all know that babies are cute and squishy and we just want to snuggle them all day, right? These are the obvious things that we know about motherhood. I wanted to share some things that people don't actually tell those expecting mamas.

1. You'll probably change your mind about that minivan

I know, I know… we all say we're never going to be one of “those” moms, but the truth is – minivans just have so much space! You'll appreciate all that space when you're trying to snap that car seat into place, lugging around the sports gear, or carpooling extra friends around.

2. Breastfeeding is hard

So many women act like breastfeeding is just supposed to come naturally and it's all roses and rainbows. Truth? It's rough. There are times when it will completely stink and you'll want to throw in the towel (and the breast pads, the lanolin, and the pillows), but it's worth it! Don't be afraid to ask for help. Read our tips & tricks for new moms and our tips for soothing those sore nipples.

3. You'll be in the unspoken club

All those times you shot dirty looks at moms with screaming kids in the grocery store? Yeah, that's you now. You'll be shooting smiles and nods that say “you've got this, mom” to those moms now. We've all been there and can sympathize with those moms.

4. You'll hide from your kids

It sounds bad, but it's not that bad. Maybe you'll hide in the bathroom (or the tub with the shower curtain shut, no judgement here) or hang out in that nice roomy minivan a few extra minutes when you get to the grocery store just to seek a few minutes of refuge from the small mini-me army you created.

5. Light Bladder Leakage

No one probably told you that you'll have light bladder leakage, likely when you sneeze, laugh, jump, or do a million other things that moms do every day. 1 in 3 women experience LBL and Poise® gives you one less thing to worry about any time of day or night. Whether you prefer absorbent pads and liners, or Poise® Impressa® Bladder Supports, a non-absorbent solution that helps stop leaks before they start, Poise® has a wide variety of options for your LBL needs. I like the new Poise® Pads with ContourFIT*. They're designed with a wide front and back to provide you with the coverage and protection where you need it most, while the comfortable curves in the middle naturally conform to move with your body.

So, stop worrying about your LBL and stay in the moment! Grab this coupon and save yourself some money, too!

6. Your friends will change

You'll gravitate to those friends with kids and look to make new ones that have kids your kids can be friends with. Maintaining friendship with those on different paths can prove difficult. You'll be able to bond a bit more when you both have kids.

7. You'll become a photographer

Hate those moms that are constantly posting pics of their little ones? Take a breath. You'll join them. We're all super proud of our kiddos, so take those pics and share away without any guilt! Oh, and make sure you print a few out for grandmas – they'll always want pics!

8. It can be super lonely

If you're staying at home, there will likely be days when the kids and the hubby are the only people you'll see. It's rough and lonely. There are support groups online you can join, but there's nothing quite like that real people connection.

9. Mom Brain is real

They call it pregnancy brain while you're still expecting, but it turns into Mom brain and I'm convinced it's here to stay. There are words you just won't be able to find and things you'll just forget about entirely. Big words are overrated anyway.