When you embark on the journey of motherhood for the first time, a wave of advice, parenting strategies, and personal anecdotes from others inundates you. After thirteen years of navigating this path, I’ve unearthed some essential truths that transcend the conventional wisdom around feeding, sleeping, and potty training. Some of these lessons have been tough to learn. There were moments when I had to set aside my pride. I’ve faced days when I ignored that nagging feeling inside me that something wasn’t right for my family but went along with the crowd anyway. There are fundamental insights every mother should grasp that go beyond standard parenting tips.
1. Know When to Take a Break
Every mother should recognize the importance of knowing when to delve deeper into a situation and when it’s time to retreat, even if it means locking herself in the bathroom or taking a solo drive. Taking a break is not a sign of weakness; it’s a testament to her strength and self-awareness.
2. Accept the Challenges
Every mother should understand that there will be times when her child screams, cries, or throws a tantrum, and she may feel powerless to soothe them. Ultimately, everything will turn out fine, and it doesn’t imply she is failing in her role.
3. Embrace the Reality of Motherhood
Every mother should accept that it’s perfectly fine not to relish every moment of motherhood. She is not a terrible person for counting down to bedtime.
4. Know You Are Not Alone
Every mother should know that she is not alone in her struggles; adjusting to motherhood is a learning curve for everyone, even if they don’t openly share their challenges.
5. Be Open to Change
Every mother should realize it’s completely acceptable to change her mind about her birthing plan, feeding methods, or sleep routines.
6. Prioritize Your Well-Being
Every mother should feel empowered to slow down, to decline additional responsibilities, and to recognize when it’s time to let go of anything that does not enrich her or her family.
7. Acknowledge Your Power
Every mother should acknowledge that she has the ability to alter her circumstances if necessary, and she can do so without needing to justify her decisions to others.
8. Prepare for Judgment
Every mother should prepare for the reality of judgment and criticism, regardless of her choices. She should forge ahead, knowing what works best for her family.
9. Recognize Your Worth
Every mother should recognize her intrinsic worth; she matters and deserves to prioritize her own needs from time to time.
10. Overcome Difficult Days
Every mother should remind herself that she will overcome difficult days that drain her. Those challenging moments won’t last forever.
11. Trust Your Instincts
Every mother should understand that just because someone else is doing things differently, it doesn’t mean they are doing them better. She can choose which advice to heed, even if she once sought it out.
12. Accept Mistakes
Every mother should accept that mistakes will happen, but her children will continue to love her unconditionally.
13. Ask for Help
Every mother should feel free to ask for help when needed and persist until she receives it.
14. Brace for Long Nights
Every mother should brace herself for long nights, whether it’s due to a restless baby or her own racing thoughts.
15. Cope with Regret
Every mother should learn to cope with feelings of regret and inadequacy; these emotions are part of the journey.
16. Cultivate Patience
Every mother should cultivate a new sense of patience, particularly with herself.
17. Embrace the Journey
Every mother should embrace the fact that this experience will be both terrifying and deeply rewarding.
18. Prioritize Self-Care
Every mother should prioritize self-care because, without it, everything else can quickly unravel.
Final Thoughts
Above all, every mother should remember that through her children’s eyes, she is their world. Even when she feels like she’s stumbling, she is enough. Even if it seems others have it all figured out while she feels lost, she will eventually find her way, and that path will always be sufficient. For more insights on this journey, you can check out our other blog post at Intracervical Insemination.
Summary
Embracing motherhood involves recognizing the importance of self-care, trusting your instincts, and understanding that it’s okay to feel overwhelmed. Every mother has her unique journey and should prioritize her well-being while navigating this rewarding yet challenging experience.