Dear New Mom Me:

In honour of Mother's Day, I thought that I'd take a moment to sit down and write a letter to myself...to my new-mom self (not that I'm not still new at this, but I've come a long way in 11 months!).

Dear New Mom Me;

Hi there. I bet you're feeling just a wee bit overwhelmed right about now. That beautiful baby boy that you'd been dreaming of has finally come and is in your arms, or likely sleeping on your chest.

You're probably thinking Wow, I'm responsible for him!? You're probably feeling Oh gosh, I can't do this! and I'm so angry! but...that's your PostPartum Depression talking.

That's right, you heard me. You're going to have quite the battle on your hands for the next few months with PPD. You're going to feel everything from exhaustion (mentally and physically) to anger, even possible rage, irritability, sadness, depression, fear, anxiety, despair...

I promise you though, I know it seems really heavy right now, and I know that you feel that you're broken and like you'll never be fixed, but you will! I promise you, that one day, you'll look down at that little boy, sleeping in your arms and think Wow...I CAN do this.

You're going to hate the poopy diapers at first, and noone can blame you for that one! They're gross, and what they say is true: when they start eating solids...it's a whole new ball game down there!

You're going to feel guilty about breastfeeding, or lack thereof. You're going to have alot of mixed emotions wrapped up in this one, but trust that you know what is best, and you know your body better than anyone else. If you feel like telling people that it's completely none of their business as to why you're supplementing with formula, do just that. Know that you're doing everything right for your son and providing him every opportunity to thrive. Breastmilk...formula...pumping...boobs...whatever the method, he's going to be just fine.

You're going to have fits of rage, and outbursts that you can't really explain. Know that this is okay. It's not necessarily normal, but it's normal for you and for a mom with PPD. Lean on your support systems, and know that your husband and son think you're the absolute best mom ever.

And...when all else fails, keep your head held high, be confident in the decisions that you're making for your family, and know that you have this to look forward to waking you up every day





You're going to love and absolutely excel at making baby food, play time, 10km walks in the sunshine with another mommy friend and her kiddo, and will even create your own Mommy play group for your area.

And you know why you excel at it? Because you're a great mom, and even with the challenges, you were made to do this.

Don't give up, and at the end of the day, when things are really rocky and you feel like giving up, look at that sleeping little boy on your chest who thinks you're just the greatest...because you are.

Love,

Not-So-New Mom Me