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The Brave Mama Manifesto
Parenting
The Brave Mama Manifesto
by Maya
Dec. 15, 2015
Embarking on the journey of motherhood is nothing short of extraordinary. It takes true courage to step into the role our ancestors have paved for us and to bring new life into the world. This is for all the mamas who took the plunge before they felt prepared. For every mother out there, because let’s be honest, no one ever really feels “ready.”
We believed that we would grow into our new roles just like our mothers believed we’d fit into those oversized pink shoes they gifted us for our seventh birthdays. We faced our fears head-on and assured ourselves we’d find our way. So what if we had never changed a diaper or soothed a crying infant—how tough could it be?
We conquered the fear of missing out, pushing aside the twinges of envy as we watched our childless friends enjoy their carefree lives. We brushed off the judgment from peers who hesitated to embrace motherhood until they had everything figured out, as if anyone ever truly does. We are the mamas who lie awake at night, worrying about whether we can afford ballet or acrobatics classes for our kids. But we will find a way. We can achieve our goals while nurturing a family and instilling in our children the values of courage and resilience. We are the mothers who struggled to keep our romantic relationships afloat after a little one arrived—who could have guessed that motherhood would be such an all-consuming challenge?
We devoured every book, watched countless documentaries, and tackled what seemed impossible—yet felt so natural—during those early months. The initial six months may have been tough, but we discovered that each new challenge pushed us to our limits. We learn patience daily, and when we’re really in tune, we learn that our children are our greatest gifts, our best teachers, and our strongest sources of motivation. Some days are great, while others are less than ideal; we experience both joyful connections and moments of sadness.
There are nights when worries consume our every thought, and then there are nights of overwhelming gratitude that bring tears to our eyes. We witness incredible changes in ourselves and our children, often without realizing it until we reflect on who we once were. A new version of ourselves has emerged, and while the old us isn’t gone, it has certainly transformed. When we see old friends, we often find ourselves unsure of what to discuss. We strive to maintain a sense of balance and keep alive the parts of our identity that aren’t solely defined by motherhood. And although being a mother is a badge of honor, we are so much more than just that.
The choices we make during conception and those early years of parenting are some of the most significant of our lives. We constantly ponder what’s best—Should we co-sleep? Breastfeed? Vaccinate? The questions are endless, and we often find ourselves navigating a sea of comparisons. Eventually, we understand that our decisions can’t be dictated by others. We learn to listen to our instincts and do what feels right for our little ones.
We discover our strength is far greater than we ever imagined, and we also realize we’re more nurturing and selfless than our former selves could have fathomed. We strive to be our best selves and set positive examples, learning to define what that means for us. There’s no such thing as perfection in motherhood; there will always be missteps, but there are also countless hugs and boundless love. With that love, we can face any challenge.
Are you interested in learning more? Check out this insightful blog post on pregnancy and home insemination, or explore the details about artificial insemination kits from Make a Mom. If you want to dive deeper into the journey of self-insemination, visit Intracervical Insemination.
Summary
Motherhood is a transformative journey filled with both challenges and triumphs. It requires courage, intuition, and a willingness to grow. As mothers, we learn to navigate the complexities of parenting while maintaining our identities. Embracing our strength and nurturing instincts helps us face the hurdles of motherhood with grace and love.