When you first learn in the busy city of America that another piece of your heart is growing inside you then it feels like all the stars in the sky are coming to your house. This Mum-to-be experience is a strange magic wand which transforms an ordinary woman into a loving mother overnight.
In this exile of exile where your own mother and aunt are not by your side every small change becomes a big history for you. Your body suddenly feels heavy, your taste for food changes and an unknown thrill plays in your mind all these combine to make this royal experience of yours.
Ups and downs of the first three months , When the body speaks
American doctors call this first three months of pregnancy ‘First Trimester’. This time is the most delicate and thoughtful time because your body still cannot understand what is going on inside it. At the beginning of the mum-to-be experience, you will feel that even the smell of your favorite coffee or favorite pizza makes you vomit. Many consider this to be an illness But come on, this is not a bar, this is your body’s guard that is keeping you away from junk food.
In America’s busy life, you may be working in an office and suddenly you are getting sleepy this is completely normal. Your body is now working day and night to build your baby’s brain and heart. At this time, the biggest enemy in the experience of becoming a mother is fatigue it will feel like climbing a mountain. But remember, at the end of this fatigue, there is a glimpse of a smile. In a place like America, where there is a lot of work pressure your first job is to give your body a little rest and keep your mind calm. Bring positive thoughts into your mind you will see that these body problems will no longer seem like problems.
Hormonal games and mood swings
In this experience of becoming a mother, your mood will be like the clouds in the sky this is sunshine, this is rain. You will suddenly cry for trivial reasons and then suddenly laugh with great joy in American language, this is called ‘Mood Swing’. It is very important to be by your life partner’s side at this time make him understand that this is not your nature, this is the manipulation of your body’s hormones. These small insults and love will make your memories of becoming a mother sweet.
New food tastes and ‘craving’
Maybe you will want to eat ice cream in the middle of the night again, your tongue will water when you see sour pickles. Although there are all kinds of food in American supermarkets at this time, your heart really cries for local food. This sudden strong desire to eat something special this is an integral part of your Mum-to-be experience. Eat a little of what your body wants but remember that too much sugar or oil-fat should not harm your body.
America’s Advanced Health System and Preparation for Motherhood
Becoming a mother in America is a great blessing in one way because the medical system here is as clean and safe as water. The role of doctors in your Mum-to-be experience is very big. The first day you hear the baby’s heartbeat on the ultrasound screen that thumping sound will seem sweeter than all the melodies of your entire life. American doctors will explain to you every step of the way what to eat and how to walk.
Well, if you go for a checkup at any renowned hospital in Illinois or Chicago you will see how much care they take of you. Measuring your weight, testing your blood and checking the baby’s position – everything will be done perfectly. At this time, there is a kind of fear in the experience of motherhood that the baby is okay? This modern equipment in America will remove your fear. Take advantage of your own insurance and hospital and talk openly with the doctors Because your doctor is your biggest confidant abroad. This awareness will give you a kind of strength in your mind which will make your pregnancy more enjoyable.
Prenatal Class Experience
There are ‘Prenatal Classes’ in many places in America where new parents are trained. By going to these classes, you can get to know many new mothers listening to their experiences will also help you overcome your own fears. Changing the baby’s diaper, starting to bathe – everything is taught in a hands-on manner. Preparing to become a mother through this education this will increase your confidence a lot.
Those exciting days of checkups
Each checkup means getting news of your baby’s growth. When the doctor says that your baby has now grown like an orange or like an apple then it is difficult to express in words the thrill that arises in your mind. American doctors make your motherhood more vivid with these small analogies. File every ultrasound picture carefully because these will be the best memories of your baby’s first album.
Loneliness and saving mental strength in expatriates
The biggest enemy of expatriates in America is loneliness. In this beautiful time of becoming a mother, when your pregnant mother is not by your side then every moment feels very lonely. This Mum-to-be experience will give you joy as well as sometimes make you sad. But remember the new life you are about to give birth to is your greatest strength. Create your own little world in expatriate where only you and your unborn child will be.
Hobby of writing a diary or taking pictures
Every moment of being a mother is very precious. If you want, you can write a diary where you will write about the changes in your body and feelings. Or you can keep a picture of your stomach every week which will be a witness to your child’s growth. Many mothers in America are fond of taking this ‘Bump Photo’ which provides a lot of laughter and joy in later life.
Spiritual peace and trust in the Creator
No matter what religion you belong to Trusting in the Creator at this time will keep your mind very calm. Read your religious book or listen to a quiet tune which will bring a kind of holiness within you. This experience of becoming a mother is not just a physical one, it is a huge spiritual journey. When you pray for yourself and your child then you will see that all the worries of your mind have disappeared in an instant. In this mechanical life of America, faith has become your real peace.
First dance in the belly , A strange sensation is called ‘Quickening’
Modern doctors in America call the middle of pregnancy ‘Second Trimester’ this time is the most comfortable and joyful time for a mother. The nausea of the first stage and the fatigue of being on the floor all day long go away a lot during this time and a new strength returns to your body. But the biggest event happens around 18 to 20 weeks when you first realize that someone is swimming inside your belly. Bye go, that first gentle tap or flick like a fish’s tail that is your first direct conversation with your child.
In America, it is called ‘Quickening’ when you are sitting on the sofa in this lonely house in exile and suddenly feel a bubble rising in your stomach, tears of joy will come to the corners of your eyes. This Mum-to-be experience is so sacred that at that moment it feels like all the riches of the world are at your feet. You might suddenly say to your life partner Look, my baby seems to be moving! When she tries to feel that slight vibration with her hand on her belly then the bond between you two will become stronger. In the busy life of America, these small moments are the real wealth which make a real family in your lonely house. This dance will remind you every moment that you are no longer alone a huge responsibility has grown inside you.
Returning the taste of food and nutritional care
After the nausea of the first stage has passed, now all your food will seem like nectar especially when you are abroad, your mind goes crazy for our country’s bhara-rice or spicy and sour food. All kinds of fruits and vegetables are available in the American market At this time, doctors say to eat more calcium and iron-rich foods. These foods are very important for building the bones and blood of the baby along with your own body So do not neglect your diet in any way. Sometimes eating a little bit of your favorite food makes the experience of being a mother more sweet However, it is better to eat fried foods from outside with a little caution.
Dental care and bleeding gums
During pregnancy, the gums can often hurt or bleed Which is due to hormones. American dentists recommend special checkups at this time Because the health of the mother’s teeth affects the baby. Keeping your teeth and gums clean adds a new responsibility to the experience of motherhood something we often forget. Flossing regularly every day and using a good mouthwash will save you a lot of pain dealing with a sudden toothache in a foreign land is a very difficult task.
Baby Shower and the joy of eating Sadh Khawar in Bangladesh
One of the most beautiful events in the experience of becoming a mother is the ‘Baby Shower’ which we celebrate as ‘Sadh Khawar’ in our country. This festival is now celebrated with great pomp in the Bengali community of America when your close friends and acquaintances bring gifts for your unborn child. On this day, you will be the center of attention everyone will dress you up beautifully and serve all your favorite foods in front of you. Even if you do not have your own mother and sister in Bangladesh, the love of these close people will make you forget your loneliness for a moment.
Come on, this festival is not just about receiving gifts rather, it is a way to strengthen the hearts of the single expatriates. When everyone prays for the child and gives you courage then you will feel that fulfilling this big responsibility has become much easier for you. This can be organized in many beautiful venues in America or in the backyard of your own home where it is decorated with blue and pink balloons. This joy and laughter these memories will be written in gold letters in your motherhood diary. When you organize a ceremony by combining this American culture with your own traditions then you will see how magical life abroad can be. This festive day will bring a great peace to your mind which will also reduce your fear of delivery a lot.
Opening the baby’s name book and dreaming
The sweetest thing in the experience of becoming a mother is deciding on the baby’s name where in American life the name has to be a little beautiful and modern, you and your husband will spend hours and hours with the book named Milla. Having a meaningful name that can be easily called even in foreign lands this is a huge research work. You may think that if it is a boy, this name and if it is a girl, that name This is the real essence of motherhood. Finding a beautiful name for your baby is like winning a huge battle.
Decorating the house and creating a small world for your baby
In America, decorating a separate room or nursery is very popular you might put beautiful stickers on the walls of your baby’s room or decorate a small bed with a beautiful sheet. This is creating a whole world for a little person these activities will calm your restless mind. When you look at every toy or every piece of clothing, you will feel the existence of your baby which will make your expat life worthwhile. Through these small preparations, you start preparing yourself as a complete mother which will increase your confidence a lot.
Last minute wait , The huge burden on the body and the anxiety of the mind
After 28 weeks of pregnancy, the real battle begins at this time, your Mum-to-be experience will be like a little gasping and fidgeting. The baby’s kicks are no longer as light as before now it feels like someone is playing football inside your stomach. In this mechanical life of America, when you feel difficulty breathing while sitting alone on the sofa then remember that your little one is now completely ready to come into the world. Your legs may swell, your back may ache severely and your sleep will be completely forbidden due to the pain of going to the bathroom repeatedly at night.
Packing the hospital bag and preparing for the first battle
After 36 weeks of pregnancy, American mothers pack their ‘Hospital Bag’ and leave it near the door so that they can run away if the pain arises. Carefully fill this bag with the baby’s first clothes, soft blankets, and all the things you need for yourself. This is the job of packing the bag This is an exciting preparation in the experience of motherhood that prepares you mentally for delivery. Even though American hospitals have many facilities, keeping a blanket of love from your own country with you keeps your mind very calm these small bundles will give you the courage of a fighting soldier.
Fear of childbirth and prayer to God
In the last days, an unknown fear works in the mind that – will everything be okay? Will I be able to bear the pain of delivery? Although American doctors talk about ‘Epidural’ or painkillers even then a fear remains in the corner of the mind. At this time, your religious faith has become your greatest peace trusting in God, you entrust the burden of your mind to Him. This is a spiritual peace this will work like magic to control your blood pressure and keep you calm. In this lonely life of exile, prayer and faith in yourself will take you through that difficult path.
That historic moment in the hospital , The ultimate limit of labor and patience
When the first labor pains or labor pains begin then it will feel like the world has stopped. When you are admitted to the L&D (L&D) unit in an American hospital then the mechanical noise around you and the busyness of the nurses may make you a little nervous. But don’t go, every wave of that pain is taking you closer to your child this is the final step of the Mum-to-be experience. Your husband or partner will be by your side at this time and will hold your hand tightly which will give you strength like a mountain.
American doctors and nurses will encourage you a lot at this time they will tell you to breathe and be patient. Those few hours of struggle where you will give all the strength of life for a new life, there is no comparison to that moment in this world. When your chest wants to fight in pain Then remember that you are about to create a great creation. In this land of exile where you are fighting alone your courage will be an example for everyone. When the doctor says Push a little harder! then a primitive power will come out inside you that is the real power of being a mother. This fight is not only of the body, it is a great victory of your soul which will transform you from an ordinary woman into a heavenly mother.
The first cry of the baby and the heavenly melody
When all the pain is over and the sound of that thin voice crying suddenly reaches your ears then you will feel like the doors of heaven have opened and heaven is coming to your house. When you hear the sound of that one drop of crying, all the humiliation, all the pain and all the loneliness of your entire life will be washed away in an instant. When you hear that sound of crying while lying in that sparkling labor room in America Then you will feel like you are the richest and luckiest person in the world. There is no language for this cry But only a mother can understand the immense meaning hidden in it.
First touch on the chest (Skin-to-Skin)
When the doctor places the umbilical cord on that small, wet, soft lump on your chest then the skin-to-skin touch will give you a heavenly feeling. That strange, holy smell of the baby’s body that you have never felt before Your whole body will tremble with that smell. This first touch will let you know that this flesh-and-blood human being is the piece of your heart for which you have been waiting for 9 months. This American custom works like magic to strengthen the bond between mother and child which brings a meaning to your motherhood.
A New Life’s Song of Joy
The Meaning of Being a Mother and the Dream of the Future
After having a baby, when you hold her in your arms and look out the window of that American hospital at the sky outside then you will feel how beautiful the world is! Your Mum-to-be experience has now taken the form of ‘Motherhood’. Now you are no longer just for yourself now you are the shadow and illusion of a living life. In this busy life of exile, Thaika will now spend every day and night around that little angel her first laugh, her first words all will be a new chapter in your life.
Conclusion , An Endless Journey of Love
Bye, we are coming to the very end of our 4-step grand discussion. Becoming a mother is not a one-day job it is a lifelong responsibility and the name of immense love. From the very early signs of pregnancy 1 week, until you start feeling the baby in your arms, every moment is a page of history. You deserve a huge salute for the courage with which you have walked this path of motherhood in this American exile.
May this new guest of yours light up your home And may this experience of your motherhood be sweet. Believe in yourself Because there is no greater degree or honor in this world than being a mother. Stay healthy, stay happy and keep your little one with love. Victory will be yours!
