Parenting
The Brave Mama Manifesto
by Lila
Dec. 15, 2015
Embarking on the journey of motherhood is nothing short of monumental. Stepping into this role requires immense courage, connecting us to the strength of our female ancestors as we bring new life into the world. This manifesto is dedicated to all the mothers who took the leap before feeling fully prepared. Because let’s face it—there’s truly no such thing as being completely ready.
We believed we would adapt, much like our mothers trusted we would grow into those oversized shoes they gifted us on our seventh birthdays. With a deep breath, we faced our fears, assuring ourselves we would navigate this new terrain. So what if we had never changed a diaper or soothed a crying baby? How difficult could it be?
We overcame the feelings of missing out, battling jealousy as we watched our childless friends live carefree lives. We brushed off the judgmental gazes from those who waited until they had everything “figured out,” as if that day would ever come. We are the mothers who lie awake, worrying about our finances and whether we can afford dance classes or acrobatics for our children. But we will find a way. We can achieve success while nurturing our families and instilling resilience and bravery in our children.
We, the mothers who struggled to keep our romantic relationships intact after welcoming a new baby—who could have known that motherhood would be such a transformative challenge? We devoured books, absorbed documentaries, and did what felt instinctive, even when it seemed impossible. The first six months were just the beginning; each new hurdle gradually expanded our limits. With each passing day, we cultivate patience, and if we pay attention, we discover that our children are our greatest gifts—our most profound teachers and motivators.
Some days are delightful, while others are tough. We experience joy in healthy relationships and sadness in moments of isolation. There are nights when anxious thoughts invade our minds, and others when gratitude overflows, bringing tears to our eyes. We witness rapid changes in ourselves and our children, often failing to recognize these transformations until we reflect on who we used to be. It’s as if a different version of ourselves has emerged, one that we didn’t even notice evolving—a new chapter of womanhood, one to celebrate and to mourn, as the person we once were has not disappeared but rather transformed.
Reconnecting with old friends sometimes leaves us searching for common topics, as we work hard to maintain a sense of balance and an identity that extends beyond just being a mother. While there is no shame in embracing motherhood, we are multidimensional beings with so much more to offer.
Never before have we faced so many decisions as we do in the conception and early years of motherhood. We ponder endlessly about what is best for our children: Should we co-sleep? Breastfeed? Vaccinate? The questions are ceaseless, and we often find ourselves lost in a sea of comparisons. However, we come to realize that these choices must be made independently, guided by our intuition and the belief that we know what is best for our little ones.
Through this journey, we discover our strength, as well as our capacity for tenderness and generosity—traits that our former selves couldn’t have imagined. We strive to be the best versions of ourselves and to set positive examples, often questioning what that truly means. Perfection in motherhood is a myth; there are always missteps, yet there are also countless moments of love and affection that know no bounds. With this love, we can conquer anything.
For more insights on this journey, check out our other blog posts, including a helpful resource on pregnancy and home insemination at Healthline and tips to boost fertility supplements at Make a Mom. If you’re interested in learning more, feel free to visit Intracervical Insemination for additional guidance.
Summary:
The Brave Mama Manifesto celebrates the journey of motherhood, recognizing the courage it takes to embrace this transformative role. It highlights the challenges and growth that come with parenting, encouraging mothers to trust their instincts and make choices that feel right for their families. The manifesto acknowledges the complexities of maintaining one’s identity, the joy in love, and the lessons learned along the way.