Navigating the Ups and Downs of Motherhood

Motherhood is both the most rewarding and most challenging job you’ll ever have. If you are a mother, going to be one soon or still deciding, there are some important facts you’ll need to know. Becoming a parent is a lifetime commitment. And with things that are lifelong there will be ups and downs. 

The love affair you have with your baby can be euphoric at times and depleting at others. The emotions are intense! It can be a lot to manage, but have no fear there is a wealth of resources and information out there to support moms. We’re looking at some of the hard facts of motherhood and the best advice we’ve received on how to navigate the challenges. 

Facts about Motherhood

•    Modern moms have an average of 2 kids.
•    The average baby will have 7300 diaper changes by their second birthday.
•    Toddlers require their primary caregiver’s attention every 4 minutes of 210 times a day, (most of that responsibility falls on Mom’s shoulders).
•    The top challenges faced by parents (according to moms):
o    Sleepless nights
o    Juggling childcare
o    Having patience
o    Keeping on top of the household chores
o    Tantrums
o    Getting children to eat the right foods
o    Potty training
o    Giving your child what they want without spoiling them
o    Getting children to clean their teeth properly
o    Sibling rivalry

Ways to Manage

Let go of Expectations

While the process of motherhood is universal, a lot can vary depending on personal experience. Your personal upbringing is bound to influence your maternal identity. Take time to really think about the way you were mothered and ask yourself what do you want to replicate and what do you want to do differently? It’s okay to do things differently, it’s about your own parenting journey. 

Ease Pressure

It’s easy to get caught up in how we think motherhood should be. From Pinterest boards to the never-ending Instagram feed not to mention unsolicited opinions from family and friends, there are so many parents sharing their journey that it can be easy to get wrapped up into comparing your own.  We suggest creating a family mission statement to define your family’s goals and values. It doesn’t have to be anything official but setting time aside with your spouse or partner to talk about what your family stands for, how you’ll support each other and your child(ren) and what are non-negotiables.  The idea is to help alleviate the stress that comes with figuring out parenting and your rhythm in the first few weeks with your little one.

Take Care of Your Body

For birthing moms, you need to physically heal. Studies show that women need six to nine months to fully recover from labor and delivery. It will take time to adjust to seeing yourself in the mirror postpartum. Have grace with yourself. One of the best things we can do for ourselves as a new parent is finding a way to incorporate something for your body into your day. It’s a positive thing for children to see parents incorporating self-care into their daily routine. Even it’s taking a walk to boost endorphins and get fresh air.

Recenter your Mind

Emotional wellness is just as important as physical wellness. In the early years of mothering, you’re exhausted from disrupted sleep patterns and long days spent caring for little ones. Not to mention after birth you have a lot of hormones coursing through your body. Take time during the day to check in with yourself. You want to counteract any negative self-talk or guilt by finding the good in the day. Ask for help and share your feelings. It will help you feel less isolated, and you can get the support you need. If you’re really struggling, talk to your doctor for solutions to help you.

Motherhood brings a richness to all areas of life and gives you a greater purpose. You will discover inner strength that you never knew existed. You got this Mama!