Like you, I had to unlearn all those pat responses others give to expectant mothers. You have to learn love. It has to grow. It's not always the best thing ever--that's absolutely okay.
And it is so much work! My counselor has helped me accept this reality. Once I realized this is just how motherhood works, I was free to create within it, to make my own definition of "mother" and what a good one might look like, for me. Though it's not very hopeful, I think this acceptance is helpful!
"Once I realized this is just how motherhood works, I was free to create within it" -- yes!! I am finally getting a taste of this now, and taking a break from social media (specifically instagram) has allowed me to mother in my own way without feeling judged or like a failure for every choice I make.
‘You have to learn love’ - YES! I did not have the ‘immediately in love’ experience when my baby was born but everyone told me I would. I love him with all my heart now but it definitely took time and I’m so glad that others are sharing their experiences of this too.
Love all of this Lauren! (Great name by the way! 😜) I especially love what you say about it being work… it is work and some days I would like to hand my notice in but of course that’s not an option. Your vignette at the end is gorgeous, and I’m wishing you so much love as you become a Mother of daughters. It’s a trip!!! 😍😝 xxx
Thank you so much, Emma, for sharing my words <3
You are so welcome, thank you for sharing yourself with us!
Like you, I had to unlearn all those pat responses others give to expectant mothers. You have to learn love. It has to grow. It's not always the best thing ever--that's absolutely okay.
And it is so much work! My counselor has helped me accept this reality. Once I realized this is just how motherhood works, I was free to create within it, to make my own definition of "mother" and what a good one might look like, for me. Though it's not very hopeful, I think this acceptance is helpful!
"Once I realized this is just how motherhood works, I was free to create within it" -- yes!! I am finally getting a taste of this now, and taking a break from social media (specifically instagram) has allowed me to mother in my own way without feeling judged or like a failure for every choice I make.
‘You have to learn love’ - YES! I did not have the ‘immediately in love’ experience when my baby was born but everyone told me I would. I love him with all my heart now but it definitely took time and I’m so glad that others are sharing their experiences of this too.
It takes sooo much time which I did not expect, but the love that we have grown over many months feels more rewarding, I think :)
This was really lovely Lauren and so refreshingly honest 👍 Thank you 😊
Thanks so much for your kind words!!
Love all of this Lauren! (Great name by the way! 😜) I especially love what you say about it being work… it is work and some days I would like to hand my notice in but of course that’s not an option. Your vignette at the end is gorgeous, and I’m wishing you so much love as you become a Mother of daughters. It’s a trip!!! 😍😝 xxx
Thank you so much, Lauren!! I know that these girls are going to test me in all the ways <3
It didn’t take me long to quit the Motherhood Olympics
love that. I concur!