Journey into Motherhood
Sarah Knowlton-Mitchell
Maple Grove MN USA
From: NEW BEGINNINGS, Vol. 23 No. 1, January-February 2006, pp. 9-10
My precious daughter, Julia, is about to turn one year old. As I reflect upon this past year, I realize that
motherhood has been even more amazing than I could have imagined. I never knew the hidden blessings that lay before
me.
The previous year was a completely different story. I was sick during my entire pregnancy. I suffered from an
extreme case of hyperemesis gravidarium, which is basically morning sickness times 100 -- a constant nausea and
endless vomiting, hospitalization, five months of IV fluids, and home health care. My doctors kept reassuring me
I'd get better, but I never did. I did not know if I was going to make it both physically and emotionally.
Childbirth and motherhood have been the greatest gifts. I felt better the exact minute Julia was born. All the
physical symptoms went away and my whole world changed as my healthy daughter was placed on my chest. Some new
parents complain of the sleepless nights and lifestyle changes having a baby brings, but I've happily embraced it
all! I have a whole new appreciation for each day I feel healthy again.
So, where am I going with all of this? After having such a difficult pregnancy, I remember telling my friends
and family that I wasn't sure if I'd breastfeed. Fortunately, I had an open mind to at least try. I breastfed Julia
within minutes of her birth. I was in awe at how natural those mother and baby instincts were. We were just drawn
to each other. My new goal became to breastfeed Julia for six months.
Within the first few weeks of breastfeeding, I became what my husband calls a "major spokesperson" for
breastfeeding. I cannot hide my passion! I want to run up and hug other mothers whom I see breastfeeding their
babies and children (especially in public)! I am so proud of all of you who have made the commitment. The bonding
and health benefits are endless for both baby and mother.
As we approach Julia's first birthday, I have been asked by several people, "When are you going to stop
breastfeeding?" They may not mean to sound critical, but I find myself wanting to defend breastfeeding and
state all the reasons I should not stop at one year. Instead of letting this upset me, I am making it my mission to
encourage other mothers to continue breastfeeding.
In my experience, the questions people ask new parents are those that will elicit a negative response. For
example, "Is she sleeping through the night?" Most babies do not sleep through the night. Why do people
focus so much attention on the negative? I have found that with my wonderful Julia (who, by the way, is still not a
great sleeper) there is so much more to being her mother than the sleep factor. I want to change these negative
conversations into positive, uplifting, encouraging ones by asking other new parents more important questions.
"What is your favorite thing about becoming a parent?" or "What have you learned since you've
become parents?" or "What is the biggest unexpected blessing of having a child?" I want to help keep
mothers inspired and focused on our incredible purpose-driven journey into motherhood. Please join me in doing so!
Last updated Wednesday, October 25, 2006 by njb.
Page last edited Sun Oct 14 09:30:07 UTC 2007.
