A Mother’s Day Story

A Mother's Day Story:

The New Dad, an Infant Car Seat, and a Sitz Bath

I was hurrying out of the hospital to get to my car so I could pick up my mom after her surgery. As I was walking, I couldn’t help but notice this new dad carrying an infant car seat in one hand, and a sitz bath wrapped in clear wrap in his other hand.

I smiled as I thought of his wife and new mom getting ready to take their baby home for the first time. I was flooded with emotions.  I was relieved from the worry, knowing my mom was going to be okay after her surgery, and felt warmth in my heart, as I smiled for this new family.  I wanted to stop him and congratulate him, but I could tell him and I were in a dead heat to get to our cars to pick up our loved ones.  His new baby and new mom and partner, and my mom, not so new. 

I was also thinking about the day my  husband and I were leaving the hospital to bring our son home for the first time.  I remember that day like it was yesterday. To be honest, I couldn’t believe the hospital was letting me take my baby boy home.  I remember thinking, "this should be illegal.  I don’t know what I’m doing.  I never babysat a day in my life."  I worked at Dairy Queen and retail stores during high school.  My husband gently laughed and reassured me that this is our baby and we will do this together.  "Whew," I thought, so grateful for my loving partner and co-parent and  my baby boy.  Make no mistake, I was terrified at the same time!

Does this sound familiar?

You are not alone!  Remember you have a lot of people who are there for you. Don’t try and do it all yourself. Be gentle with yourself.  Get rest when you can and enjoy these early years. They go by fast.

Here are some resources that many new moms can benefit from:

• Rest when you can
• Ask for help
• Share the childcare with your partner
• Reach out to your mom
• Reach out to friends
• Take some me time at least once a week
• Carve out couple time with your partner once a week
• Trust your motherly instincts
• Play with your family
• Join a mommy and me group

Please share your mommy resources in the comments below.

Happy Mother’s Day to all you new moms and your mothers also.  Have an amazing day and remember, YOU CAN DO THIS! 

Love,
Lori