“The news came as a surprise!”
The news of pregnancy came as a surprise and in fact, Sneha was shooting back then. “3 years into marriage we were getting used to family and well-wishers asking us when they would get to see a mini-Sneha or mini-Prasanna. We were quite taken to the idea too but weren’t planning it to the T. When it happened I was actually still working on a movie. When we came to know, we were absolutely elated. Couldn’t have asked for anything more.”
“Surprisingly, I did not have any cravings.”
Late night ice creams, specific types of pickles, and many more wishes have been fulfilled when the to-be-mom asks for it. Sneha however, says she never had any cravings of any sort. “Even though I had a dozen people taking care of me, I actually did not have any demands. In fact, I was not even having any cravings. I did have a favourite though, compared to all the rest – Prasanna’s strawberry milkshake and mango milkshake. He would make it so often for me,it became his signature dish, sort of. The pampering of course is unparalleled to anything one can ever experience. Family, friends, just about everyone dropped by whenever I needed and I never had even a moment of down time. The only issue that bothered me a little was all the bloating. It takes time for the body to coordinate with the new weight.”
“Funnily, the first thing I asked for was water!”
When time came for Vihaan to see the world, Sneha wanted a normal delivery as against a caesarean. Enduring the pain for long hours, she had been at the hospital for almost half a day trying a natural birth. “I think I was in labour pains for almost 12 hours. I so badly wanted to do this my way I just couldn’t give up. Finally when I could take it no more, Prasanna who was present there and I decided to go for a C. Unfortunately I have a sensitive back and the epidural administration was not easy. After a lot of discomfort when they finally had the needle in and the operation was done, I could not wake up for one and a half days. The minute I came to my senses and woke up, the first thing I asked for is a glass of water! I still get teased that I didn’t ask to see my baby. Well, after a procedure like that, who can blame me? Now, I cannot part even for a minute from my boy.”
“Motherhood is a learning process every day.”
One could get all the help they ever needed but being a mother for the first time is no walk in the park. Sneha says, “Motherhood is everything to me. It was surreal – the whole experience from the hospital to home. I have another life in my hands now. I was clueless when I was pregnant, but I have come to realize what a big job it is. Sometimes it is tiring, sometimes it is so much fun, but overall it is so rewarding. Waking up, eating, sleeping and walking with your child every part of the way is a totally amazing experience. But it is all a learning process. I know I am responsible for one more person that is my husband, who is but a child as well. The response just kicks into action immediately and there is fear every minute. I have learned to understand the things my son loves in life and he has learned the good and bad of life. It is scary but it is oh so wonderful!”
“If I could do it all again, I would do it even better.”
The entire experience was scary at first, but pleasant later. It has opened up a whole new side of Sneha that she never knew existed. “If I could go back in time and give myself some advice, I would probably tell myself to be more relaxed and enjoy the moment. The first time there is fear, doubt and confusion as well, but I have so much more clarity now and I am enjoying, watching the growth of my child. Now I can tell a new mother what to expect and even give some advice. “
