Monday, April 24, 2017

A Message for New Moms: You've Got This

You have brought home your tiny baby.  You may have had a smooth delivery, or you may have had a tense, anxiety filled experience - but either way - you survived and now days, weeks, maybe months later you are at home with this sweet little bundle.  It is the middle of the night - or wait - is it early in the morning?  You're not really sure anymore because all the hours and days seem to be melting together.  You are scrolling through social media and seeing dozens of pictures of people you know, and some you don't, looking perfect.  Smiling.  Happy.  Beautiful.  Holding their well-dressed babies full of joy.  Suddenly, you feel more than tired - you feel.....inadequate.  Your house isn't clean enough.  Your baby isn't sleeping "enough".  You are not cooking enough.  You love your baby but you are not happy enough.  You have't lost enough weight.  You don't know what you are doing - well-intentioned but unsolicited parenting advice is making you feel like you are not good enough.  Listen to me sisters: You've got this.

When the baby won't stop crying and all you can do is tell him you love him give him a snuggle - you've got this.

When you shed a tear because you are overwhelmed by the awesome task you have been given - you've got this.

When you decide to order a pizza because you just didn't get a chance to cook the dinner you wanted tonight - you've got this.

When the laundry is piling up because your baby needed you more than housework - you've got this.

When you feel like you will have a handful of squishy skin around your waistline forever (you won't) - you've got this.

Parenting is so hard.  It is the hardest thing you will ever do.  People will tell you "this goes by so fast", "this too shall pass", "this is a phase" - and it will not make you feel any better (even if they are telling you the truth - and they are).  Remind yourself: Today is one day.  I will love myself and my baby today.  I will not be ashamed to ask for help if I need it.  Tomorrow will be a new day.  

You've got this.

There is no perfect mom.  We are all making mistakes and learning as we go.  No author of any book or theory has ever raised (or met for that matter) your child.  You will find your way and it will not be anyone else's way, and that is OK.  

A Message for New Moms:  Your baby loves you.  Your baby needs you now and forever.  You are strong.  You are a warrior.  

You've got this.

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