Becoming a Momma

A Devotional

Is there any greater feeling than finding out you’re going to be a mother? I remember the joy and elation that came with that news. But I also remember the fear and uncertainty. 

I’m sure everyone has heard the phrase “Kids don’t come with an instruction manual”. Well, maybe not an official one but there are plenty of manuals out there, and you’ll never be short on guidance. It can be hard to decide which ones to follow. 

Loving our newborns and toddlers is the easiest it will be. But that doesn’t mean it’s easy at the time. All mommas struggle with sleep deprivation and feeling gross because you’re covered in spit up, you haven’t showered or washed your hair lately.

Managing how to instill manners, navigating big toddler emotions, endless energy (wish we could bottle that), lack of naps for you both and feeling alone. Even when we have a co-parent it can still feel very lonely.

When I only had one little girl I went through all these same emotions. I had an amazing mom and mother in law but I didn’t have other adult women with little’s to lean on. Until she hit Kindergarten. That’s when I found my tribe. 

We started a Mom’s group and we met each week with our kids to let them play while we visited. It was the release we all needed. To this day we are all still friends, as are our kids. One of those friends even performed my daughter’s wedding ceremony. They are also Aunties to my other kiddos and new grandson. 

I needed these women in my life. They came at the perfect time because God knew I needed them. You see, we have to use each other for support, alongside God. Praying for patience and peace while we get up for the thirtieth time is all well and good but a friend will be the one to take your kids and watch them so you can bathe or grocery shop. Sorry to break it to you, but God can’t do that. He can, however, put that person in your path so that they will!

If you’re blessed, you have your own mom to lean on as well, and if you’ve been even more blessed you have a mother-in-law too. These women are the Holy Grail for a new mom. The tried and true mother, the one that’s done it before, often multiple times. 

Do not discount this wisdom! 

Remember, she raised your other half (yes I know you’re still raising him but still…give her some credit, she kept him alive after all). I know sometimes their ways are “old” and not the newest trend but I have news for you…sometimes those “old ways” are the best ways. Because kids don’t change, trends do. I’ll admit that some practices are outdated but that doesn’t make them bad or unhealthy. So pay them the respect of listening, saying thank you, and then taking that wisdom to heart and possibly trying that advice out. You may be surprised. 

The bottom line is that there is light at the end of the diaper pail. They will grow, faster than you’ll like, and they’ll mature. There will be other struggles so pick your battles now Momma. These are tiny compared to what happens when they’re taller. 

Lean on your sisters. Take in the wisdom from your grandmothers and pray like you’ve never prayed before. 

We are all here for you.

Prayer:

Lord this new momma needs some strength and wisdom. Help her to use the gifts you’ve given her as she cares for this tiny human you’ve blessed her with. Guide her to her tribe and let her rejoice in the little moments. Help her partner lift her up and take an active role as this beautiful baby’s father. Let them both bring joy and peace to the littlest of souls. We ask this in your glorious name, Amen 

John 16:21 “A woman giving birth to a child has pain because her time has come; but when her baby is born she forgets the anguish because of her joy that a child is born into the world.”

Luke 1:42 “In a loud voice she exclaimed: “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear!”

Questions:

If you’re a new momma what’s the one question you wish you had asked before your baby came?

If you’re a seasoned momma what advice would you give to a new momma?

What’s one thing you can do to make your day go smoother tomorrow?

Actions:

Bless someone else with the gift of time. Watch another’s little’s for them so they can do something that needs done. (even if it’s simply shower or nap)

Say thank you to someone who’s been there for you. 

Share one “old” style piece of advice with us. I, for one, would love to hear it.