Dear Mama,
You did it! You survived months of pregnancy, had a safe delivery, and have officially begun your postpartum journey.
First and foremost, CONGRATULATIONS!
It is no small feat to have arrived at this chapter of life. All of the highs and lows, all of the unknowns, the fears, the joys, the excitement, the worries, the roller-coaster or emotions, the unexpected occurrences along the way... all of these things have brought you to this new exciting chapter and I want to commend you on having made it this far.
Now what?
Now begins the chapter known as "MATRESCENSCE."
Matrescensce is the unspoken, unmentioned, unrevered metamorphosis in which a woman becomes a mother. This process of transformation has been overlooked, belittled, and treated as something of little to no significance in our society.
Far be that from the truth.
Becoming a mother is a process of transformation that encompasses change in everey sphere of life. Becoming a mother often causes many, if not all, of the following adjustments:
Changes in hormones
Changes in mental capacities
Changes in identity
Changes in body (from skin, to weight, to hair, to pelvic and perineal changes and discomforts, etc.)
Changes in time to take care of yourself
Changes in intimate relationships
Changes in responsibilities
Changes in family structure
Changes in priorities
Changes in friendships and dynamic of other relationships
Changes in career
Changes in goals, hopes, and dreams
These changing aspects of our lives often go by unnoticed by the world. Often, we do not even understand the struggle that we are living in our skin. Being that many women are 'doers' and driven by life's responsibilities, many of us do not sit to reflect on the magnitude of this transition.
I am here to remind you how important YOU are. How worthy you are of being taken care of, of being heard, of how much you deserve to have time to rise up to the challange of this life transition. So dear mama, if you face moments of difficulty, moments of frustration, moments of desperation and guilt, WELCOME. Motherhood welcomes you with open arms.
As all challanges, motherhood presents you with an opportunity to rise and to grow in strength, perseverance, faith, wisdom, resilience, love, selflessness, joy, and gratitude. Motherhood provides each of us with a God-like ability to give life, to cherish it, to nurture it, to protect it. Motherhood offers us a new perspective and an opporunity for growth.
In the spirit of reflection, ask yourself the following question:
How can I embrace the hardships of postpartum as opportunities to grow, learn, and become the best version of myself?
Take time to reflect and answer.
Dear Mama, if there is any advice that I can give you in my short time of having been a mother it's this: ask for help, accept your limitations and the time limitations that exist, take time to slow dow,n and enjoy the small moments. Forgive yourself for losing your patience and for getting frustrated and upset. Remember that you are capable. Remember that you are perfect even in your imperfections. Take care of yourself. You are so important. Take things one day at a time. Pray. Do things that make you happy. Reflect on what uplifts you and brings you joy.
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