We'd be lying if we said there weren't some days when we wished we were one of those mothers who could simply 'do it all'. While we know these people don't actually exist, we can't help but daydream about how simple life would be if we weren't so comatose with exhaustion and overwhelmed with responsibility that we had to ask for help.
Seeking to remind mothers that it's not only OK to ask for help but genuinely beneficial for both us and our little ones, a blogger for the Huffington Post named Beth Clark has penned a heartfelt piece on why us mums need to ask for and accept assistance as regularly as we need it.
"You were not designed to do this alone. The job is too big, the responsibility too great. But you want to say you can do it," Beth, a nurse, doula, breastfeeding bounsellor and Postpartum Wellness Advocate, writes in words which are bound to resonate with mothers all over the world.
"Your heart is intent on being the one to raise your children, the one to have the most influence and the one working hard enough to earn the title mum, Mom, Mamma and Mother.. But you are already worth that title, because of who you are."
"A community of human beings raising the next generation, " she continues. "Don’t get me wrong, we have a responsibility for the children in our personal care — but many civilizations and groups understand the importance of reaching out and accepting the help offered... it often is not even a question."
Reminding her fellow mothers that seeking and enjoying the assistance you're given is nothing to be ashamed of, Beth writes: "It does not take an ounce of respect away from you, the mother, who utilises that village to help you and your family. Shut out the stigma that you have to do it all and that you have to plan, host, have all the answers, time and patience for full-time parenting."
Beth goes to address the myriad of emotions us mothers feel at difference points in our journey through parenthood, writing: "Your babies will always be yours, despite them spending time with others. Your babies will call you Mom no matter if they have a day or two a week outside of your care, and you are worth the title of Mom even if you accept those days when they come knocking."
Concluding her post with a nod to the future, Beth encourages other mothers to extend the same help they are often offered, writing: "There is no shame in forming your own village. Create it. Use it. Love it. And then pay it forward and link arms around another family."
This is one blog which is bound to strike a chord with millions of mums.
