15 Reasons Moms of Newborns Aren't Answering Your Calls (Or Texts)

In theory, the concept of a new mom not being able to answer your phone calls and/or texts right away should be self-explanatory... but for some reason, it isn’t. I get it: newborns sleep a lot. But there’s a lot more to the newborn puzzle than just them sleeping. And in fact, I found that the people who I have the most challenges with are people who have actually had newborns themselves — ahem, especially to a certain mother-in-law in my life — not my friends who are single without children. They get it. 

So if you are the mom of a newborn and feel like every single time you come up for air, "certain people" in your life are complaining that they can’t get in touch with you (over and over again), then this one is for you. 

1. I’m pumping, breastfeeding, bottle feeding
2. I had a total of 5 minutes to feed myself, and that’s the first time all day – so that’s more important than you’re call. 
3. My newborn has colic and has been screaming her head off all day. So basically, I didn’t even know you called. 

4.  My phone is on silent… because I have a sleeping baby that I don’t want to somehow wake up. (Duh.)

5. I was taking a shower – my first one all week.
6. I’m working. Because I need to pay for things.
7.  I fell asleep, because I was up all night with my newborn.
8.  I only have two hands and they are both busy right now.

9. I just got caught in a diaper explosion and need to focus on cleaning poop from my child, her clothes and every crevice of the baby swing where the crime scene is.

10. My partner is home from work and on parent duty while I binge watch my favorite show, get a manicure, get a haircut (insert whatever makes you happy here) and I haven’t had a second without a baby in my arms to do so for weeks. Me time for the win!
11. I’m cleaning. And my house needs this done more than I need to answer your call. Mostly because I don’t know when I’ll get around to is again and we haven’t changed our sheets in three weeks. 
12. I’m pushing a stroller.

13. I’m on the other line. Yes, that happens sometimes.

14. I’m using the bathroom. I need to do that too sometimes, too.
15. Laundry.

Overall, friends, family, colleagues — whomever, if you have someone in your life that has a baby or is juggling a lot at home and you need to get in touch: leave a text or a voicemail and patiently wait for when they have a chance to call you back. And for all parents and in-laws out there: keep in mind that there is another partner/spouse who you can contact, too.