The New Normal - Transition into Motherhood

Becoming a mother brings on a whole world of new emotions.

Adaptation, change and transition. 

We spend so much time preparing for birth and keeping our pregnant bodies healthy that we forget the world after that. There will be a baby, your life will change and there will be a transition. Just like birth there can be highs and lows but babies don't need much. They need love, milk, warmth, cleanliness and clothing.  They just need you! 

Postnatal care in this country is pretty low but you can find your tribe and there are support groups springing up everywhere. Spend your first week or two at home. Enjoy that time getting to know each other (yes they are getting to know you and vice versa), but then once you start venturing out start talking to other mums and build that network of support. Being able to say "my night was crap eh" is a form of everyday therapy and guess what...you are not alone. You may feel like you're alone in the middle of the night when you are up six times and feeding for 30-45 minutes a pop, but you are not. 

You transition when you become a mother. It feels like you have lost your old identity and are in a bit of a limbo land. You don't have to lose her...you can gain someone new. When researching motherhood I came across a lovely notion that I think all new mothers should take heed of. You become a blend of your old and new self. Do not lose the old you but instead bring that old self into the new self. You are not lost! Become someone new without losing her. Mothers just become even more powerful because your new identity is powerful. You transform! This can feel quite scary at first but, just like birth, let go. Welcome this new change in identity and become her. It may take some time before you feel settled again and THAT IS OKAY.

​Experiment, learn and embrace. 

Highs and lows I will embrace you. 

Bring on the new normal.