You’ll Get Your Pre-Baby Body Back (Maybe an Even Better One!)
Putting on 25-35 pounds is tough, mentally and physically. Carrying that excess weight can put stress on your joints and back, and it can be frustrating to step on the scale post-delivery and see that it hasn’t moved much. Relax. The weight will come off — the first 10-15 pounds (baby weight and fluid) disappears at delivery, providing you with an instant boost. Give your body a chance to heal properly and you’ll be able to resume your workouts in 4-6 weeks (with your doctor’s OK.) Plus, once you’re running around after your toddler, you’ll burn even more calories.

Having a Baby Brings Out the Best in Your Relationship
Everything may seem harder when you first come home from the hospital with your amazing little bundle. But gazing down at your baby you will feel the most intense love of your life. And it doesn’t replace the love you feel for your husband; it enhances it and solidifies your union. This is a powerful love that you’ve never felt before. You’ll even find your other relationships improve because you simply no longer care about “the small stuff” that used to occupy your thoughts.

You’ll Cry More
It won’t just be those commercials showing malnourished children in Africa that do it: The night I came home from the hospital after giving birth, I cried during a documentary about the Enron scandal. You simply have no control over the wild ride your hormones take (a repeat performance of your first trimester) and they can trigger tears at the least suspected times. Luckily, this is temporary, and the people around you won’t be a bit surprised to see you well up at the sight of kittens or a re-run of “Will and Grace”.



You’ll Have to Give Up Some “Me Time”
For a while, at least, you’ll have to kiss goodbye that down time you used to enjoy as a single gal or a newlywed. You’ll take fewer naps (unless you can squeeze them in while the baby is napping; I never could although everyone will advise it.) No matter, though: You’ll be so happily busy taking care of baby, you won’t realize what you’ve been missing.

You’ll Chill Out and Slow Down
Despite the adrenaline-rush of new motherhood, your lifestyle will take a more mellow turn. You’ll find yourself reveling in the kindness of strangers (watch out for the “baby ticklers” who don’t always ask before reaching out to pinch your little one’s cheeks). You may not be offered a seat on the bus or subway like you were when you were pregnant (unless you’re traveling with baby strapped to your chest), but people will be generally helpful and you’ll be eternally grateful. Giving birth doesn’t instantly anoint you “Mother Teresa”, but you’ll develop patience to rival the saints.

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