I frequently reflect on my life now as a mom to 6 living children, 2 heaven-bound children, usually while sitting on my couch with a warm cup of coffee and thinking through all the things I wish I had known sooner. If I could go back and change a few things, these would be at the top of my list. Perhaps my experience could encourage you, Mama, and help you not make the same mistakes.
1. Breastfeeding is insanely difficult, and it does not always come naturally. I struggled so much with my first child, and I ended up giving her formula. That inability to provide what I believed were the best nutrients for my daughter made me feel like an utter and complete failure!
2. THINKING I was a failure did not make it true. What it did mean is that I loved her unconditionally, and I did not want to mess up. I was doing my best, and that was OK!
3. Looking back, I wish I had done more research on types of births, medications, and shots given at birth, etc. If I had known that taking my daughter with chronic ear infections to a chiropractor could have helped us avoid putting her under anesthesia to get tubes, I would have easily done that. Our second daughter had the same issue and was always on antibiotics. We took the route of chiropractic, and it supported her healing naturally. We haven't needed any antibiotics ever since.
For many years, I was angry with myself and not in any way content with my ability to be a mother. I knew I loved her and knew I was doing what I thought was best (at the time). I had to learn to forgive myself. Now, six kids later, I know doing my best is enough. And if we were sitting together on the couch, coffee in hand, I would tell you the same is true for you, too.
I encourage you to believe your best is enough. God did not make a mistake making you a mom. He chose you. Which also means you have the ability to provide the absolute best. Whatever mistakes we make as a mom do not disqualify us—they shape us and make us better. You are a great mom, do not forget it.
xoxo Sara
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