Thank you so much to PlaytexBaby ™ for sponsoring this post. All thoughts and opinions are 100% my own.
Motherhood// noun.
What exactly does being a mother mean? How do you define yourself as a mother? One that spends every waking moment with your child? One that never says no? One that always provides organic snacks/meals? Are you a mother because you wear a shirt that says mom on it?
Being a mother can mean two totally different things… depending on who you ask. I have found that being a mother means I am putting my children before myself. It means eating last sometimes. It means not seeing your friends whenever you want. Being a mom means sometimes crying in your closet when you’ve had a horrible day.
More than those things though, being a mom is the most rewarding job on the planet. You are in charge of precious lives. You have the ability to make a difference. Your words matter. Your actions speak volumes. The way you love them is noticed.
Am I less of a mother because I want to give my husband my newborn the second he walks in after being gone for only a few short hours?
Am I less of a mother because I have spent numerous hours crying because I can’t breastfeed my 3rd and final child?
Am I less of a mother because I went 12 hours without pumping and only got 2 ounces of breast milk?
Am I less of a mother because I give my baby formula?
Am I less of a mother because I don’t want to get out of bed sometimes?
NO, I AM NOT. I am human and I am strong and I will overcome any hardships that come along my way.
I did not expect to feel the way I do sometimes with my third baby. I did not expect to give her formula so soon. I did not expect it to be harder than teaching 1st graders. I had some high expectations for myself this time around. I wish I didn’t expect anything. I wish I went in not expecting any of these things.
The other day I experienced something I hope no new mom ever has to. I put myself in a situation not knowing anyone and felt so alone. I actually was alone. I thought “Hey, I’m new. I’ll meet a lot of other women in the same season as myself.” Boy was I wrong. I felt rejected. I was sad.
Moms need each other. Moms need to encourage other moms. Moms need grace. #PlaytexMoms stick together and that’s one of the things I love about being a #PlaytexMom. We share our struggles. We share what works for us and I love that.
So moms, let’s all make a toast to #ForBetterBeginnings ! Let’s build each other up. If you see a mom pushing a newborn in a huge stroller, say Hi!
If you see a mom looking exhausted, maybe offer to buy her a coffee or just offer a smile! We all need each other in same way. Let’s be that better beginning for someone!
Photos taken by: Studio 154 Photography
So sweet Brittany!
Every season has its ebbs and flows but you got this and a good mama tribe makes all the difference xox
Love these pictures. Love your vulnerability and your message. I hope other moms read it and it motivates them to know that they are not alone!
Also love your dress and the personalized artwork above Leighton’s crib.
Just having a lot of love over here!
These pictures are great! No matter what you are an awesome mom and God is using YOU to raise those babies right. We all have our days, but in the end you love them with all you have and that’s what matters.
I love this post. I think lots of moms expect each additional baby will be easier than the first, but all babies are different and taking care of a newborn and other children must be so tough! This is a great reminder that it is ok not to be perfect or expect too much of oneself.
This post made me emotional. Being a mom is hard! Whether it’s your first or 4th baby.. I remember having so many expectations for my first baby- then I ended up not being able to nurse him. Also I had some pretty bad PPD. I would consider both newborn stages with my kids, the hardest times of my life. We need each other SO BAD as moms. Other moms are the only people who really get what we could be going through. You are an amazing Mom! You’re doing an amazing job!! Praying for you to find some rest and peace right now 💕
Beautifully written. And I love the photos. Good luck with your third baby. You are strong!
Yes, moms need each other!! It’s so intimidating meeting other mommas but when you do connect with someone who just gets the struggles/craziness, it’s so freeing!
This was such a great read. I’m here right here with ya. Thanks for sharing!!
Angela
The expectations we set for ourselves are almost always impossible to achieve. You’re doing a beautiful job mama ❤️
I love your post. I struggled when I had my son almost four years ago. I wanted so bad to nurse him. After my c section my milk barely came in and he would only nurse from one side. By the time we went home he lost more weight than ususal so I had to make the decision to formula feed him full time. I felt like a failure of a mother but finally accepted it.
Beautiful post! It is so common to have expectations of what it will be like. We already put so much pressure on ourselves as mom’s so it’s so important for moms to support each other and refrain from any judgment. You are fabulous mom! God has a beautiful way of being our strength when we are feeling less than. Sometimes I have to remind myself ‘this too shall pass.’. 💛
I feel like this was my experience with my first born. He couldn’t nurse, he was so sick and he didn’t like anyone to hold him. IT was the hardest and best time of my entire life. Becoming a mother finally it was just nothing like I had expected. BLESS YOUR SWEET MOMMY HEART!!!!!!!
I love this post! Thank you for shark g! I know there are a lot of mama’s out there (myself included) that can relate to this. 💞 Keep up the good work mama!
Cheers to that Mama! I totally am right there with you!
Being a mom is the hardest but most rewarding thing ever. It takes us to the very limit but fills us completely.