Parenting From The Heart

by Melissa Matters

I became a mother for the first time, just a few days before Mother’s Day.  It has been almost three and a half years since I’ve had a newborn.  However, when I see a mom with a new baby, it all comes rushing back to me.This is for the new mom:

I see you, you with your little bundle and heavy eyelids.

You’re tired, your stitches are sore, and you feel….. different.

The last few days have been like nothing you’ve ever experienced.

You brought life into the world. Sweet chubby cheeks, tiny toes, soft skin, all of it. The baby smell, both good and bad, has permeated your household.

I know last night you probably almost nodded off while feeding your precious babe.

As you sit in the bed, your chair, your couch, in the violet shadows of morning, you might think this baby thing is the best thing and the hardest thing in the world.  You might wonder how you could love anything else more.

Or you might have different feelings. You might feel overwhelmed like you could collapse from exhaustion. You might feel blue.  You might even want to cry.

Or you might feel a mixture of both.  Motherhood, after all, is a roller coaster of emotions.

Some days may bleed together as if there wasn’t a start or an end. Changing, feeding, sleeping, repeat. There might be days when you have to make a choice between sleeping or showering.

But, some days may be amazing. The silver lining in a dark sky.  First giggles, first smiles. Fingers grabbing, feet kicking, mouth blowing raspberries.  Every day, you’re making memories to put in your little one’s baby book, to share with your friends and family, or to stash away in your heart.

And, when you’re feeling like you’re not good enough, not mom enough, or not doing enough, remember this:

Moms, you’re amazing. Not perfect, because no one is, but amazing.

Between the midnight feedings, rapid-fire of unsolicited parenting advice from others, and piles of laundry, it may be hard to catch your breath. But when you do, breathe in their loveliness. Soak in their wide-eyed wonder.

Welcome to the journey of motherhood. Enjoy the ride.

What words of encouragement do you have for new moms?

Melissa Matters was a married, stay-at-home mom of two.  She also had two dogs and two cats.  Good things come in pairs right?  She was wading through motherhood, one day at a time, and enjoy writing about the trials and joys of the experience.