Hey there, mama. We see you.
We see you with your sore nipples trying to get your baby to latch, scrolling through KellyMom trying to figure out what's going on and how to make it work. We know it's hard and painful and exhausting. They told you your baby would feed every 2-3 hours, but how has it only been 45 minutes since your baby last fed and is now showing signs of hunger again?! Yeah, we see you.
We feel ya mama. It's hard to balance taking care of yourself and taking care of your baby. It's almost impossible to feel like a functioning adult when you've got spit-up all over you and you haven't showered in 3 days. The postpartum stink is real and all you want is to stand in the shower for 30 minutes with the hot water and steam surrounding you. But your baby cries before you can even get undressed. Yeah, we feel you.
We get it, mama. Finding a spare minute to eat a meal with two hands (let alone cook) shouldn't be an unreasonable request. And yet, it is. How many protein bars can one person stomach? How many times can leftovers be reheated? How many times is too many times to order from Door Dash in one week? Yeah, we get it.
We know that you're struggling. We know this is hard. We know that there are moments or days that you want to escape it all. Your heart is so full of love for this little human, but the days can overwhelm you beyond belief and that can be scary. You wonder if life will ever be normal again. You ask everyone if this is normal.
Carry on, Mama.
Take your time and remember it's an adjustment. Be gentle with yourself as you settle in to a new normal. Ask for help if you need it. And then ask again when you think you don't. Reach out to your doula, your family, your friends, your mom tribe... anyone and everyone that has been there or done that. Trust in this divine design that is within you. Take only what serves you and leave the rest behind. Forget about doing everything "right" just do everything as best as you know how.
Carry on, Mama.
You are astounding and strong.
You are brave and vulnerable.
You are a mother warrior now and always.
Carry on, Mama, because you're doing good work and you are enough.