You are not alone. We’ve all been there. We get it. Your baby has shown you a brand new level of love, but being Mom to this tiny, helpless person’s world is HARD. It’s exhausting in a way you never thought possible–physically and emotionally.

I didn’t even realize how much I was struggling until years later.

I didn’t have postpartum depression or any other type of diagnosed complication. I just had a brand new baby, and suddenly, while recovering from the most traumatic event my body had ever gone through (a very normal birth), I needed to shift my focus from being all about me and my husband (two grown adults) to someone completely and utterly dependent on us. It was difficult both mentally and emotionally. I couldn’t put it into words at the time. 

But as hard as it was, I wouldn’t trade it for the world. I know it’s hard to see past the sleepless nights and endless feedings right now, but life won’t always be this way. This season is building the foundation for future seasons. Ones where you will get to feel like yourself again and be Mom to however many kids you have.

I know it’s hard to imagine that right now. And that’s okay. It’s okay to be struggling. I felt trapped, like I would never get a few minutes to myself again. You’re not the only one feeling that way. And even though it’s never easy, it does get easier. 

I want to encourage you during these first few steps of motherhood. Those times when you pray for just 3 hours of sleep in a row, live off peanut butter and jelly, can’t remember the last time you showered, and constantly smell like spit-up; when you’re faced with really hard decisions like when to go back to work, how to pick childcare you can trust, what to do with a scary diagnosis, or who’s advice to listen to.

This Mom thing is no joke. It starts out really hard, but don’t worry–you’ll adjust to your new normal! 

God’s plans are perfect. He gave you that specific little human to raise, knowing exactly what kind of parent you’ll be. He’s using this difficult stage to help you grow, too. You’ll make mistakes, but He loves that little baby even more than you do, and He’ll guide your steps and theirs.