"母親であることの素晴らしさについて話すのは正しいことですが、そのストレスや負担についても話す必要があります。それを簡単だと感じないのは大丈夫ですし、助けを求めることは弱さの印と見なされるべきではありません。"

Motherhood is often painted in glowing colors — and for good reason. It’s a beautiful journey filled with love, joy, and those priceless moments you’ll cherish forever. But hey, let’s be real for a minute. Being a mom is also tough. Really tough. There are sleepless nights, endless crying (sometimes from both baby and mom), and moments when you feel like you're just not cut out for this. And you know what? That’s perfectly normal.

You might be wondering why this even needs to be said. Well, historically and culturally, there’s been an immense pressure on mothers to be perfect. Think back to the 1950s when the ideal of the perfect housewife was all the rage. Women were expected to have spotless homes, well-behaved children, and dinner on the table by 6 PM. Fast forward to today, and while the pressures might look different — balancing a career with motherhood, for instance — the underlying expectation for moms to have it all together hasn’t really changed.

Let’s dive into a real-life example. Picture Sarah, a friend of mine who recently became a mom. Sarah was over the moon when she found out she was pregnant. She read all the books, attended the classes, and decorated the nursery. But when her baby arrived, things didn’t go as smoothly as she’d hoped. Her baby had colic and cried for hours every night. Sarah was exhausted, frustrated, and felt like she was failing. One day, she broke down and admitted to her partner that she was struggling. They decided to hire a part-time nanny so Sarah could get some rest. Asking for help made all the difference. Sarah realized she didn’t have to do it all alone and that leaning on others was not a sign of weakness but a step towards better mental health.

So, what’s the takeaway here? If you’re a mom (or planning to be one), give yourself some grace. It’s okay to struggle. It's okay to ask for help. Reach out to your partner, family, or friends when you need a break. Maybe join a support group. You’re not alone, and it’s important to take care of yourself so you can take care of your little one.

Imagine you’re at a coffee shop, chatting with a friend who’s about to become a mom. She’s excited but also a little scared. Share this wisdom with her. Tell her that while she’ll have amazing moments, there will be hard times too. And that’s okay. Remind her that asking for help isn’t a sign of failure — it’s a sign of strength.

Think about this scenario: You’ve been up all night with a teething baby, you’re frazzled, and you’ve got a big presentation at work. Instead of trying to power through on your own, call your mom or a trusted friend and ask if they can watch the baby for a few hours. Use that time to catch up on sleep or prep for your presentation. You’ll be more effective at work and more patient with your baby. It’s a win-win.

In the end, remember: Motherhood is a mix of highs and lows. Embrace both. Don’t hesitate to ask for help when you need it. You’re doing an amazing job, even if it doesn’t always feel that way. So, take a deep breath, have that extra cup of coffee, and reach out when you need to. You’ve got this.