The Moms who Taught me How

Why am I writing this? 

Why am I writing another blog post?

To keep a streak?

To get more clients?

To share what I've learned about postpartum?

I’ve started this post several times with different topics, but I kept getting stuck—nothing was making sense or flowing. So I had to reset and ask myself: why am I doing this?

For views? 

For likes? 

For validation outside myself?

or ...to Hold the Mom?

I want to tell you about some moms I love.

One is a mom that I held this week, as I had the incredible opportunity to be at the birth of her daughter. I was deeply changed from the experience. I was inspired by her intentionality. She knew what kind of birth she wanted (unmedicated, uncomplicated, and peaceful), and she prepared beautifully. And when she was navigating labor, she leaned into her instincts and her deep belief that her body knew what to do. Even as a young mom she showed such strength, wisdom, and gratitude in all she did to get that baby here.

I know a mom who is raising her young family of 4 with a dog besides. She also volunteers for a non-profit that supports other moms. She gives my kids hand-me-downs and remembered my birthday with a bouquet of flowers from her garden.

There's a mom who didn't get the kind of births she hoped for, but showed up anyway as an attentive and loving mom, and now grandma. She works in the NICU and loves those babies as if they are hers. The babies can feel her care- the moms are given peace of mind because of it.

I am inspired by a mom who has taken her kids world-schooling. She shows them that reaching your dreams doesn't have to be hypothetical. When I don't feel brave enough to bring my kids to the grocery store, she rolls with it South America and is actively creating the life she wants for herself and her family.

I know a mom who didn't ever give birth, but adopted. She is quiet and wise and really gets my kids. She is interested in what they say and knows how to help them feel at ease.

I love a mom with seven children who sometimes feels completely overwhelmed raising teens and toddlers at the same time. She calls motherhood her "dream job" and means it. She makes things fun and is a good example of focusing on what matters most. I once visited this mom soon after a loss in her family, and was surprised to see a moment of joy as they all were laughing and wrestling together with their littles. She doesn't let the hard, sad, and agonizing stop her. She has so much to give and she does, every day.

I'm friends with a mom who worries about her adult children. They don't keep the same faith traditions that she taught them. She wishes they would see what she feels they're missing. Perhaps she blames herself for how they've turned out. She is loveable and good and enough.

I loved visiting a mom who self-declared her mental health struggles, and yet still showed up in so many ways for her boisterous little ones. She didn't seem to see the importance of her efforts. She wanted so badly to be a good enough mom to them, and she already was. I saw the Pokémon characters she drew for her kids, using a talent and skill to bring joy to them. I saw the evidence of life being lived and children being cared for and sleep being out of reach.

I know a mom who couldn't have her own kids for many years. One day, she miraculously was pregnant. I wanted to shout from the rooftops for all the joy I felt when I heard the news. It has been so fun to watch her be so intentional and creative with her beautiful kids. This mom always treats me in a way where I feel like my best self.

I'm grateful to the mom who went on bedrest for months to help her growing baby reach 6 lbs by the time she was born, 2 weeks late. This mom is such a doer- it was an incredibly difficult thing to lie around in bed. She knows what to do and say to validate, lead, and love perfectly. I still need her- my mom.

These women remind me why I write. Why I coach. Why I care so deeply.

Whether you're growing, birthing, recovering, raising, grieving, mentoring, remembering, relishing... I see you. I write for you. 

You are loveable.

You are good.

You are enough.

I’m here to Hold the Mom. And I only know how because of moms like these, and moms like you. 

Thank you.