On those days when you doubt yourself—because they will surely come—remember this: You were born for this job. They have chosen you and there is nobody else in this world they would rather have by their side for their journey to becoming them.
My motto in those circumstances, if there is any discomfort, which there was, became: "If anyone is going to be uncomfortable in the room let it be me, not my children or other family members."
Will I do everything in my power to give my baby everything she needs and more? Absolutely. Will I neglect myself and the time and care I require to be the best version of myself? Absolutely not.
I had desperately wanted to be a mother and was so grateful for my daughter's health and happiness, but it felt like large chunks of me were gone, scooped out, and I had empty holes I didn't know how to fill.
Each night I spent at least 40 minutes waiting with him and, though it may not seem long, when you have just the few hours between his sleep and your own to prepare for the next day, standing still when there is so much to be done can seem painful.
Mothers today do far more work with far fewer resources than mothers of the past—and if things are going to change, then we need to start really valuing the work women do as mothers
These women didn't trip and fall into a dark well of motherhood. They chose to be involved mothers, set an intention for who they wanted to be as a mother and as a woman and allowed their choices, shifts or pauses to open up new ways to think and feel.
To all the mamas out there who feel like today is just not going the way you had hoped, who feel like with every step you take, you're making a wrong turn, you are more than enough. You are learning. You are growing.
