My Hope And Wish For The Expecting Mom

I see you everywhere. At church, at get-togethers, at the grocery store, on Facebook. Your clothes fitting snugly but stylishly over that growing baby bump. That “glow” radiating off your face, matching the excitement in your nervous smile. In just a few short weeks your little one will join you and your adventure into motherhood will begin.

Photography by Christine Olson Photography 

I’m happy for you. I truly am. This is such an exciting time, and bringing children into this world is a miracle that deserves to be celebrated. So when I see you, I congratulate you. I tell you how excited I am, what a good mother you’ll be, and how excited I am to meet your sweet babe. But there is so much more I wish I could tell you.

I wish I could tell you that I hope your delivery goes smoothly. I hope you are able to follow your birth plan and that your baby arrives safely. I wish you the experience of having your newborn baby placed on your chest as you feel the glowing mantle of motherhood surround you, and your heart bursts with love and emotion.

But if not…

If your labor is difficult or you face complications…

If things don’t go as you planned…

If by the time you finally give your last push you collapse with exhaustion and can barely take in anything more than relief that it is over, much less pose for baby’s first photo…

Know that my prayers are with you. I will pray for your strength, I will pray for your nurses and doctors that birth plan B, or C, or Z will work out for you and your little one.  Know that many women, including me, didn’t fully enjoy that magical moment. But more will come. There will be more magical moments. That first smile will melt your heart into a puddle. That first laugh will fill the depths of your soul with joy. You have completed an endeavor of herculean proportions, and you have every right to lay your head back on the pillow.

I wish for you to be able to go home quickly. Home to a freezer full of freezer meals and a nursery stocked with supplies that your very prepared nesting self put together. If you choose to breastfeed, I hope that nursing comes easily, and that you are able to bond as you spend that time together. I wish you a speedy recovery in body and mind as you put yourself back together and discover the new “normal” that life has become.

But if not…

If your labor caught you off guard and you aren’t prepared, please don’t let yourself worry. The baby doesn’t care if the laundry is folded, the nursery décor matches, or you eat take out for months. Anyone who says they are completely prepared is either fibbing or hasn’t done this before. A baby changes your life in so many ways you can’t even prepare for right now. Just roll with it, and kiss those squishy little cheeks as often as you can.

I wish you emotions that recover quickly. I wish you the strength to make it through those grueling first months of sleep deprivation. I wish you the energy and bravery to go out in public and to do your favorite things in your favorite places with your favorite people. I wish you the ability to laugh off those crazy moments and roll with whatever this little person spits out next (pun intended).

But if not…

If you feel like you are lost in an emotional roller coaster…

If you feel like you have lost yourself, forever, and don’t even remember how to be yourself…

If your meltdowns outnumber your smiles and laughs…

You are not alone. Women don’t talk about this enough. But we need to. We struggle. I have struggled. If you feel like this, please know that your struggles don’t make you any less of a woman or a mom! And while you may be so beyond tired of hearing “it gets better,” really it does. It may take time, it may take help, but it will happen. You need to hear that you are going to make it. Because you will.

You are doing an amazing job. My greatest wish for you is for you to see it. To have faith in yourself. In those times where you struggle I wish you the strength to dig deep and carry on. To love your family with all you have. To be the mom and wife your family needs. To be the best and most beautiful version of yourself inside and out. This is my hope and wish for you.

With love,

Your friend, and fellow mom

Corinne is a west coast girl currently on an east coast adventure while her hubby goes to law school.  A newly minted mother of one, she is learning to appreciate the challenges and blessings that come with this important role.  She is thrilled to be sharing her love of strengthening women and families with you.

Danielle is the owner of Today's the Best Day. She strives to provide creative and uplifting content in order to enrich the parenting experience for women everywhere. Danielle hopes to help you and your family to make every day the best day!

December 6, 2016 by Danielle Davis | 1 Comment