Tricky Mom Business

Mom-ing can be hard you guys. Even at this moment I am awkwardly typing on my laptop as my daughter sits in my lap (today is one of those I-am-going-to-scream-until-you-hold-me days). Becoming a Mom is hands down the greatest gift that God has ever bestowed upon my life, and while #blessed is way overused, it really is one of the only words to accurately describe how I feel.

That being said... it's not all sunshine and rainbows you guys. Don't be fooled by the gram. Like many other moms out there, a lot of what gets posted on social media is the highlight reel, and not the rough parts of the day. I love posting pictures of my beautiful little girl, smiling and laughing, giving me kisses, peacefully sleeping... what you don't see are the tantrums for (seemingly) no reason, trying to bite me, or that my house is in shambles because she demands 100% of my attention. Babies are like puppies. You are glad that they are so dang cute because it melts the frustration and anger away when they are naughty.

Blowing bubbles and Mom's post workout sweaty hugs - these are good moments :)

All that being said, you take the bad with the good and you just try and roll with the punches. There are days where I feel deeply discouraged and that I let my family down. There are days where I am irrationally angry, walk into my closet, scream, and hope that it becomes a passage to Narnia to escape.

But here's the truth. Feeling frustrated by your child does not make you a failure of a mom. Feeling like you need a break does not make you a bad mom. Feeling overwhelmed or like you don't know what to do should not be shameful. These are human moments and are to be expected.

What we DO need to be cognizant of is that if these moments feel like they are out of balance. Postpartum depression (PPD) is real thing and is not something to be ashamed of. I hate there is a stigma that if you develop PPD that you are bad mom... it's not true! Some people just have some trouble adjusting to the new normal and they need assistance establishing it.

I was worried that I might struggle with PPD. I have never really been a baby person. Like even now when people stop me to compliment and coo at Baby Jo, I am polite but on the inside I just don't get it. Like you don't know me, you don't know her... why????? So since I feel this way, I was worried that I wouldn't connect with her or that I would get easily over being a mom. Luckily, I have not developed PPD, but I do check-in to make sure that I am being healthy and taking care of my mental health so that I can be the best mom possible.

I wish it was ALWAYS like this... smiles and laughter... but it's NOT

If you find that your frustration, sadness, or feeling overwhelmed is bleeding into most of your days, please seek help. There is no shame in it and you are doing the best thing for your family by being honest with yourself and where you are at. PPD has a wide range of symptoms, from crying more than usual, to feeling like you could or want to hurt yourself or your child. Like any condition, catching it early is key so if you suspect that you are in early stages, talk to a trusted friend, spouse, or counselor who can help you proceed and get the help you need.

If you or a friend is struggling with PPD show some extra love to yourself/them. Mental health is something that is not openly discussed enough and so much shame lies in it. But I believe that if we continue to show love and support and acceptance, that we can bridge that gap, which will only provide a better prognosis for our entire world.

Actually - I mean, yes do that - but just show any Mom that you see a little extra love. Whether it's being patient in the grocery store, an encouraging word while a child has a meltdown in the mall, or maybe just a smile to the mom who has the screaming child on the airplane. We could all use a little extra support, and sometimes it's nice just knowing that people care and that they get it. Parenthood isn't always cut and dry... it's messy and blurry and there is no handbook.

So let's get out there and show some love, people. I guarantee that if you do, your day will be better and so will theirs. <3