Breathe in. Breathe out.
One minute they weren’t, the next they were. Placed quickly yet gently upon your chest, into your arms, and forever into your heart.
Breathe in. Breathe out.
At first you’re filled with nothing but this unconditional love. No rhyme or reason, it’s just there. You don’t question it, it just is. And oh how it feels so good, so fulfilling. This love embraces and completes you.
Breathe in. Breathe out.
Then you get home, and if it didn’t before, reality hits you like a freight train. The daunting task before you that once seemed so sweet now leaves you overwhelmed and questioning.
Are you able? Are you capable? Are you worthy? Can you give, and give, and give all that this little one needs, and then some?
Breathe in. Breathe out.
Late at night you lay awake, longing for sleep. Longing for relief. Questioning again if you are able and capable, physically, emotionally and mentally.
They sleep for what seems like a moment. And they cry for what seems like forever. And so do you.
Before long, your cry becomes one.
Breathe in. Breathe out.
Mama, amidst all the uncertainty, the questioning, and the crying, take a moment. Yes, you’re allowed to take a moment for you. You need to. For them, and for you.
In this moment, close your eyes, and do nothing but breathe in, breathe out.
Again, breathe in, breathe out.
And again, breathe in, breathe out.
Now go to your baby, awake or asleep, it doesn’t matter.
As you look at your little one, please come to terms with the fact that you’re both first timers. Them to this life, and you to this life as a mother. And that’s ok. You’ve got this. Believe me, you do. More than you may realize.
You love them, right? Then that alone shows that you’ve got this. Cause that will be your drive, that will see you through, that is all they need. Your love.
You’re not going to have all the answers. Even when you start to get the hang of things, everything will change in an instant and you’ll feel like you’re back at the start. But oh how much more able and capable you’ll become when this happens.
Just take things day by day, even moment by moment as necessary.
It’s ok to question, and it’s ok to worry. That’s normal.
But Mama, don’t let it consume you, and don’t let it weigh you down.
I know that can be easier said than done, but Mama, you’ve got this.
Just breathe in, breathe out.
Breathe. Remind yourself to do this every time you feel you’re losing your nerve, that you’re drowning, that you want to give up and feel you have nothing left to give.
You do have much to give. Your love. Your love is enough. You are enough.
Breathe in. Breathe out.
As you utilize and learn this lesson over and over again, you’ll find yourself also teaching this same lesson to them.
Breathe and eat: just not at the same time.
Breathe and sleep safe: rest their weary, growing body.
Breathe and cry: calm their woes away.
Breathe and play: show them that there is so much joy to take in in this life.
Breathe and hold them: rock them back and forth, keep them close, all is well.
And amidst the noise and pressures of the world, always take time to breathe together. Cause you’re both all that matters. You’re each other’s world. As you breathe as one, you’ll learn and grow together, and come to know that you can both start over, over, and over again. Coming to know this truly is a gift.
It’ll be alright. It’ll be ok. Embrace your new reason for living, and giving, and breathing. Cause this time truly does go by oh so fast. So keep breathing in and breathing out Mama.
Just breathe.
Now I’d love to hear from you, what is a parenting tip that has given you much needed help or relief?
Please comment below and share this post if it has been of value to you or could be to someone else. 🤝
**If you enjoyed this article, feel free to check out these other great & insightful posts:
🎉https://stephanietracywrites.com/12-things-ive-learned-in-my-first-year-of-being-a-mama/
🎉https://stephanietracywrites.com/the-importance-joy-of-reading-with-your-child-plus-a-list-of-25-of-our-familys-current-favorite-childrens-books/
🎉https://stephanietracywrites.com/second-month-with-baby-these-are-a-few-of-my-favorite-things/
🎉https://stephanietracywrites.com/how-to-help-your-baby-through-hard-changes-like-a-pandemic-and-civil-unrest/
About the Author
Hi there! I’m Stephanie Tracy, a freelance writer and blogger for hire. I specialize in physical and mental health, parenting, and self-development. I create engaging, inspiring and useful content to help businesses progress in making their viewers into customers. When I’m not writing, you can find me on the floor happily playing with my baby boy, walking in the park with my family, or indulging in a movie marathon with my husband.
First Month with Baby: “Breathe Mama, Just Breathe”
