What we want to write on card for new parents and what we write are sometimes a world apart. Do you usually write, congratulations on the birth of … I hope you are all doing well.
Or something like that.
I’d like to say…
Congratulations on the birth of your little one. I’m delighted for you. Just remember to be gentle with yourself. You have grown a human. Nurtured that baby for 9 months. Birthed that child.
Your body is healing and it takes time to heal.
Your relationship and bond is growing. It takes time to grow.
There will be moments of sheer bliss and happiness and joy.
There will also be tears of frustration, exhaustion, and sleepless nights.
You might want to wear baby or you might not.
Whatever your parenting choices are they are right for you.
Trust yourself.
You know your baby better than you think, whether you have never had a child before or this is number 10!
Give yourself time to learn, to love, to grow.
It’s ok to want to be away from everyone on your own.
It’s normal to miss the person you were before even if you’re really happy with who you are now.
Let your partner parent your child their way.
Let them find the way that they do things. Let them find their confidence so that you have time for you.
You are a mother. Congratulations. But you are also all the things you were before. Choose to hold on to all of that or none of it. It’s up to you.
Your child will adore you as you are. There is no need to create a perfect idea of motherhood to try to live up to.
Be gentle with yourself.
You deserve it.
xxx
Elaine