3 Things I Would Tell Myself As a New Mom
There are always things we wish we could tell our younger selves right? I feel that motherhood is no different. I hesitate to say that I’d change anything though, because who we are today is shaped by the decisions we make. So maybe we’ll just say these are the things I’d like to tell first time moms! I digress.
Trust Your Intuition.
You’ve carried this baby with you for 9 months. No one knows them quite like you do. Yes it’s good to listen to the advise of people you (and I cannot stress this enough) trust. However, everyone has a different opinion. Trust your gut, I believe that this is a God given thing. You will know what is best for your baby!
It’s Ok To Ask For Help
If you are like me, this is tough. I am willing to help those that I love in a heartbeat! But when it’s me needing help, oh no! I don’t want to be a burden on anyone. I can manage on my own. No need to ask anyone else. When you’re surrounded by people who love you, your needs aren’t seen as a burden. If you aren’t in a spot where you’ve found your village, a Postpartum Doula could be a wonderful thing for you! Our whole job is to support you! I can guarantee we are more than willing to help you any way we can.
You Are Free To Not Enjoy Every Moment
I heard it, you will hear it, mothers have heard it for a long time. The phrase that almost every elderly little lady will tell you is, “Enjoy every minute! It goes by so fast.” I know they mean well, I really do. But I inwardly cringe every time I hear it. There were days when I heard this and I was bleeding, my breast were so sore, I was exhausted from feeding my baby 10 times during the night, I hadn’t showered in days, I had been peed, pooped and spit up on. And I wondered, “I’m supposed to savor every moment of this?” There are mountain top moments, don’t get me wrong! I would do it all over again if needs be. I did do it again, 3 more times haha! That precious babe is more than worth every hard moment. Can we please stop telling mothers this though please? We’re already overburdened and we know how fast the days are passing by. I’ll tell you what I’ve started telling new moms instead. “You’re doing such a great job! I know you’ve probably heard, ‘enjoy every moment’ but I know I didn’t find that helpful. You’re free to enjoy the wonderful moments while also knowing that the hard parts are just for a season. Enjoying every moment is not realistic, nor does it make you a better mom. You’re doing great!”
