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LT

I have the wisdom of being 17 years out and being able to look back and “know” what might have helped me, a bit, possibly:

1. Please mama, say yes to help, any and all help – so hard, because we are usually the helpers to everyone, trust me, say yes I need help.

2. Honor your sleep, my friend, you are so tired, you cannot keep going, please lay your head down and get 5 hours of connected sleep (that means in a row, at night) so your body and mind can rest, see #1 for help.

3. YOU are the right mom, YOU are the best mom for this baby. YOU were meant to be together, if it means you need some help – therapy, medication, support groups – do wonders, go get help. www.postpartumprogress.org lists all the resources, just reach out, or see #1 and ask someone to do it. YOU can do this. I see mamas do it everyday. You can do this.

(Lisa Tremayne)

AB

YOU? You moms? You’re good moms. Each one of you. Each of us. Sometimes it’s hard. Sometimes anxiety and a racing heart get in the way of recognizing the truth. Sometimes guilt over just about anything steals the joy we think we should always be feeling.

That joy is OURS. We can own it. We’re allowed. We should. There is no guilt. We did not do anything wrong. It is not our fault.

We’re allowed to feel happy.

(Andrea Bates)

JWLJust breathe! This DOES get better.

No matter what you think, YOU ARE ENOUGH!

And also…it’s OK if you don’t have all those gushy mushy lovey feelings coming out of every pore on your body for your child.

It’s not a prerequisite. You’ve just met!

(Jessica LaBonte)

LNRed, tired eyes? Tear-streaked face? Spit-up- or drool-covered shoulder?  Leaky boobs or formula stains on your sleeve? Hair that is frizzy – or greasy – beyond belief – and has only been in a bun for weeks? An anxious brain that won’t shut off – or a foggy one that won’t turn on?

And – ahem – who even knows what’s going on down there?!

You’re a new mom. You’re in the thick of it. You’re likely terrified, and sad, and happy, and angry, and tired, and ecstatic, and all of the feelings all at the same time.

But I promise you’ll get better. I promise life will get better. I promise you’ll be able to shower, and sleep more, and claim some of your time back for yourself soon.

You’re an incredible mother – and if you feel like you’re not, and that scares you or makes you worried or upset or sad?

That shows even more that you are.

I promise.

(Lesley Neadel)