What if it was a mom’s world? Sure, we rule a lot of the world directly around us, but what if we were truly in charge of everything. We posed that question (amongst others) when we sat down to interview six women, mothers, neighbors, wives, partners, friends, and individuals with a lot to say. About life, child-rearing, breastfeeding, and what the future holds for moms everywhere.
| Q: |
What is the hardest part about being a mom? |
The hardest and the easiest is being so connected. It's being so fully connected to this new being who is fully dependent on me and completely in touch with how I'm feeling and what my energy is doing. That's really hard. But it's also really easy because if I'm having a good time and we're outside playing he's very there with me and that's beautiful and feels easy.
| Q: |
How do you think moms can show up and help other moms? |
I think right now mom's need to listen to one another. We all are having such massive experiences becoming mothers and parents and it's easy to stay in our own bubbles. And it's also really easy to see someone else going through it and walk right by. But all it really takes is a quick check in. We simply need to hear each other right now.
| Q: |
So are you doing that all the time? Like naturally do you find yourself reaching out to other moms? |
Yes. More than any other time in my life I have found myself in touch with a select group of moms who are pretty close to me geographically. That aas been so essential and we are in constant communication throughout the day checking in on one another whether it's a quick text or a late night call.
| Q: |
For future moms, what makes you hopeful? |
What makes me hopeful for moms is paternity leave becoming normalized and our society recognizing the importance of giving people time to form new families. What makes me hopeful is better access to healthcare and that it’s something a lot of people are pushing for.
| Q: |
Who takes care of you? |
So many people take care of me. A superpower that I’ve gained since being a mom is: asking for help. And I do it all the time. And anytime someone offers, I say yes. My mom takes care of me in a brand new way that's the best for our relationship. My friends are still here for me and my partner takes care of me, too.
| Q: |
What would a mom’s world look like? |
Decision making would be completely different. There would be a mom with a child on every board of directors at every institution.
And there would be snack stations, water stations, free vending machines and dispensers with wipes at every doorway.
| Q: |
Tell me about your breastfeeding journey. |
My breastfeeding was definitely a huge journey. I embarked upon it with no actual understanding of the physicality of breastfeeding and the sensation of milk coming in. It was so intense and I felt hurt that other women never told me that you would be crying about your boobs.
I remember a younger nurse came in and asked why I was pancaking my boob! She said, “ Remember you are touching your breasts and these are your heart.” I am so thankful to this woman. She said remember this is your body and this is how you want to touch your body. Of course I know that but you forget.
What would a mom’s world look like to you? Share your story here.
