Hey Busy Mama

Prior to giving birth, a dear friend of mine jumped at the opportunity to assist me in my first weeks postpartum. At first I worried about the reality of having a plus one in the mix of two very tired adults and a newborn baby. Little did I know the tremendous impact her genuine love and support would have on my emotional and physical healing.

If you read my other blog posts, you’ll know that I had a difficult delivery. The recovery was so much harder than I expected with difficulties handling even the basic of tasks. Everything I did was so painful including walking, sitting, or lying down. If I sneezed or coughed, it was painful. Even now, I am still dealing with discomfort and lack of strength in my pelvic area. If any of this makes you feel uncomfortable, this blog is not for you. Pregnancy, Labor and Delivery, and Postpartum are so much more than uncomfortable. It’s downright painful.

Looking back, I don’t know how I would have made it through the first weeks without my dear Mari. This godsent angel jumped on a plane and flew hundreds of miles to support me in my time if need. Without judgement, she picked up my soiled garments and laundered them for me. Without expectation, she cooked all of our meals. She took baby and I out for drives to take care of my mental health. Most of all, she provided the space and strength I needed to begin healing.

Looking back, I didn’t need someone to hold my baby nor did I need visitors to entertain. I just needed support – mentally, physically, and emotionally. So often people are focused on the newest addition to notice the tired eyes and frazzled hair of the mother. Tired eyes that beg for harmony amongst the chaos. Hair that yearns to be washed. My dear friend gave me so much more than I could ever have imagined.

Mama, postpartum is hard. So hard. Those days home from the hospital were a blur of tears and pain. You deserve to have the time to spend with your little one bonding. Visitors do not need to hold your precious baby. There is much else to be done. This time is so precious and fleeting. You deserve all the love and support from those able and willing to do so. For me, I will always look back with gratefulness for the time Mari supported me during my first days as a mom. Thank you Mari bear.