Someone recently asked me what kind of advice I'd give to a first time mom, and it got me thinking. What do you tell a woman who's entire world is about to change? A woman's who's body is about rewire itself? There's not enough time in the world to cover everything she might need to know. But what does she really needs to know?
Birth is nasty and hard. It will push you to your breaking point. That first week Postpartum will be harder than you ever imagined. You will be sore and stressed, and more tired than you've ever experienced. Having a tiny human depending entirely upon you for their survival, is the scariest thing you've ever experienced. All the worry and the stress, will leave you mentally depleted and completely unrecognizable to yourself. These are the things people will warn you about. But what they should be telling you about? That moment you finally hold your baby in your arms: when it feels like your heart breaks wide open; like your entire life falls into place. A love unlike any you've ever experienced bursts deep inside you and in that moment, you know you would do anything for this child. That first year Postpartum, you're stretched and changed into a new person, as your'e pushed past your limits and find out what you're made of. Finding yourself again postpartum is a wild journey. Being a mom helps mold and shape you into something beautiful. Having a little life depend on you is intense. But being that baby's safe place? Magical. Watching them sleep in your arms, completely at peace? Indescribable. The joy that comes from the every day monotony as you watch that child grow is incredible. Every new stage, every new "trick" that they learn, will have you bursting with pride for your child.
Yes, motherhood is a wild ride. It stretches you, and rearranges everything in your life. It's messy and loud, and oftentimes grief and joy coexist as your child grows faster than you want them to. But it is the most beautiful, rewarding thing you will ever do in life. Spending your days loving that child and caring for them will bring you a fullfillledness that nothing else can. The tiredness won't last. You'll sleep again. You'll find time for yourself and your hobbies again. But those young years don't last. So slow down momma. Be in the moment. Soak it all up and memorize every detail. These are the days worth living for. These are the moments that make it all worth it.
