Postpartum Reality: Avoiding Comparison Trap

Somewhere within all new moms lies a secret fear...What if you can't really do this?  Or can't do it like your sister, friend, neighbor, or what's-her-name on Facebook--the one with exclusively organic homemade food & insanely clean home.  Or, perhaps worst of all, can't do it the way you always imagined and expected you would?

When it comes to mothering, there will always be someone who you think is doing it better than you.  Often this is just a projection of insecurity.  Just because her Instagram shows a perfectly clean corner of her house doesn't mean every aspect of her mothering is perfect.  I've worked intimately with over 100 moms in the last 13 years, and what I can tell you is MOTHERING IS HARD.  EVERY MOM HAS HER STRUGGLES, QUESTIONS HER CHOICES, AND FEELS INADEQUATE AT TIMES.  What varies is the specific issue (breastfeeding, working/SAHM, sleeping. etc.) and how upfront she is about it.  Some moms are really good at putting their best foot forward, but that doesn't mean they aren't struggling.

Two keys to surviving: Connect with moms you click with and let you share your struggles....It's vital to have real support whether you find it in moms' support group, your church, your friends, or family.  Secondly, accept that there is no perfection--you just have to do your best with what you've got.