Hey there, friend. Today was one of those days when I just fell apart. My partner has been away for eight weeks, and my little one, who’s now eight months old, has been waking up every two hours for a whole week. It’s been rough, and I’ll admit that I’ve unraveled more times than I care to remember. But today? Today, I hit a wall. I ended up locking myself in the bathroom for a few minutes, twice.
Reaching Out for Help
In the midst of my spiral, I called my partner, a few close friends, and my mom. I even reached out to my counselor and an early childhood center. I felt so defeated and utterly exhausted. It was like the weight of the world was crushing me. I just couldn’t manage it all. After two hours of phone calls, I managed to schedule a counseling session and set up some help from friends later this week.
Family Support
Every time I spoke to someone, they asked about family nearby who could lend a hand. My answer was a mix of tears and truth: “Yes and no.” Sure, I have friends who feel like family, but they’re juggling their own busy lives—shifts at work, kids, and more. It’s not as simple as dropping everything to come to my rescue.
No Judgment Zone
As I sit here, battling the persistent voice in my head, I’m trying to let my feelings pass by like cars on a busy street—no chasing them down or judging them. (Thanks to mindfulness techniques for this little nugget of wisdom.) I’m also trying to reconnect with my daily meditation practice, embracing compassion for myself and others.
The Reality of Postpartum
Did you know that postpartum depression impacts one in seven mothers? I’m calling BS on that number. I refuse to believe that six out of seven of us are sailing through the first year of motherhood without a hitch. Many of us suffer in silence, and as I’ve shared my experience, I’ve come across countless moms who have felt just as lost and alone.
Healing One Step at a Time
I’m working on mending this emotional seam that feels exposed and vulnerable. I’m reaching out, looking within, and practicing self-compassion. It’s a journey, and I’m taking it one breath at a time. I find joy in simple moments—dancing in the kitchen with my kids and strolling along the beach with friends.
Not a Superwoman
I remind myself and everyone around me that I’m not Superwoman, and honestly, I don’t want to be. I am strong, but I need love and support just like everyone else. I can still manage to go to work, care for my family, and take care of myself. I can laugh, cry, fall apart, and stitch myself back together, one step at a time. So, please, let’s stop labeling each other as Superwoman; it doesn’t help and it certainly isn’t true.
And to all the moms reading this, I invite you to join me in stepping away from that Superwoman myth too.
If you’re looking for more support and insights on this journey, check out this excellent resource on pregnancy and home insemination at WebMD. And if you want to dive deeper into the home insemination process, don’t miss this article for more tips. You can also find great information at Make A Mom to guide you through your options.
Summary
In this heartfelt post, I share my struggles with postpartum depression and the unrealistic expectations of being a “Superwoman.” I emphasize the importance of reaching out for help, embracing vulnerability, and practicing self-compassion. It’s okay to not have it all together and to acknowledge the challenges of motherhood. Let’s uplift each other and move away from the Superwoman myth.