An open letter to tired pregnant mamas

Dear Mama,

I know you aren’t sleeping well and you’re feeling equal parts exhausted, excited and anxious. I know people tell you to sleep now while you can before baby gets here and I know it irks you to the core because if you could you would, right?

I know it still feels surreal to know you are carrying a little life inside. It will still feel that way when baby gets here.

I know at times you wonder if you can do it or if you will make a good mom or even make it to delivery day. I’m here to remind you, you will.

When labor comes and you must use every ounce of your strength to bring baby into this world, you will be ready and you can do it.

That first time baby is on your chest will feel like no other and everything will culminate in that moment. All the pain, discomfort and stress of pregnancy and labor will be worth it.

And you might be crazy enough to want to do it again.

As you hold your baby and look into their eyes, you will feel such love and joy like never before. Then you’ll muddle through nights where they cry and you have to figure out what they need. You may even cry too, and that’s perfectly OK.

You’ll feel so many emotions and you may feel sad and overwhelmed. Talk to someone. And ask for help because you too will need to heal and your body will be tired.

But when you look into baby’s eyes and they smile at you for the first time, remember you are their mama. You carried them and will have a connection with them and love for them like no one else.

They’re a part of you. They need you. And Mama, you need them too.

It’s the hardest job but the best job.

And being Mama won’t take away from who you are. You’ll be a new person and you’ll be better. Don’t stress so much about your body changes, focus on healing and enjoying baby when they get here. You’ll have plenty of time to rebound later.

So, take a deep breath. Know you can do this. Give yourself grace. Try to rest. And know you will be the best mama for baby.

Sincerely,

Someone who has been there before

Resources for new moms:

Your Newborn’s First Week: How to Prepare and What to Expect: https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/prenatal/delivery-beyond/Pages/Bringing-Baby-Home.aspx

Five Types of Baby Cries and What They Might Mean: https://www.babycenter.com/baby/crying-colic/different-baby-cries_40009946

Child and Baby First Aid: https://www.redcross.org/take-a-class/first-aid/performing-first-aid/child-baby-first-aid

Postpartum Care for Mom: Tips for healing and comfort: https://www.geisinger.org/patient-care/conditions-treatments-specialty/self-care-during-the-postpartum-period

Practice Makes Parent (Christian Podcast) : https://podcasts.focusonthefamily.com/show/practice-makes-parent/?gad_source=1&gbraid=0AAAAAD_kvaCTbxyxLFexJLRWCGOn2LnhQ&gclid=Cj0KCQiAlsy5BhDeARIsABRc6ZvaCgxVTZFSsBKa8D00DKzI3brucnE6N21FOvVy4mVTZ9h8RMloG6kaAqcCEALw_wcB

Postpartum care: what to expect after vaginal birth: https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/labor-and-delivery/in-depth/postpartum-care/art-20047233#:~:text=Until%20the%20leaking%20stops%2C%20wear,keep%20stools%20soft%20and%20regular.

13 Things Nobody Tells You About Postpartum (But Really Should) : https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/life/parenting/a28409130/body-after-baby-postpartum-recovery/

Photo credits go to my fabulous photographer friend Sarah Parker. Check her out at her Sarah Parker Photography Facebook Page.