Practicing RECEIVING in Motherhood
Motherhood is a beautiful journey that involves a tremendous sacrifice to life. Sacrifice is surrendering something as an offering. You are undergoing an earth-shattering transformation and surrendering your former life to perpetuate new life, raising the next generation. As mothers, we might regularly prioritize the needs of others above our own. Selflessness is often thought to be a defining characteristic of motherhood, but is it possible to nurture the next generation while honoring ourselves?
As mothers, we love fiercely and dedicate ourselves to the well-being of our children. Raising children requires significant time, attention, and resources. AND it is crucial to remember that while you are meeting their needs, you also deserve to be honored and supported deeply, so you can be present with the new life you have created, enjoy these moments, and even have some fun.
In the immediate postpartum time, you are constantly giving to your baby and tending to all of their needs while you are healing. During this time, embracing receiving becomes even more significant. What would it look like to feel worthy of receiving support? To not feel guilty asking for our needs? To not feel like we have something to prove, that we can do it all, an island?
Allowing yourself to receive support replenishes your cup and enables you to find fulfillment in this role. Instead of merely getting through this time on the fumes of those juicy postpartum hormones, coming out on the other side depleted, you can emerge feeling abundant and empowered. You need people to show up and support you, just as you show up for your baby. When you are nurtured, you are better equipped to nurture them.
Motherhood presents a unique opportunity to practice receiving alongside giving. Our babies are experts in receiving—they naturally ask for and accept everything they need without hesitation. However, as mothers, we often struggle to receive in the same way. What is it that is getting in our way of fully receiving? Is it possible to challenge any feelings of guilt or unworthiness associated with asking for or accepting help and support? This could look like saying “yes” to someone’s offer to do a load of laundry, reaching out to another mom friend for emotional support, or allowing ourselves to rest and be cared for by those around us.
When we lack support, it is easy to become overwhelmed, worry about the unknown, and feel unprepared, overwhelmed, and out of balance. For example, feeling hungry or alone sends our body into a state of dysregulation. We may know in our minds that there is food to eat or that we can call someone for help. However, our bodies can start to feel like we are not safe if we don’t have a food source or if we are completely alone caring for a baby. Our biology requires us to be supported. Our bodies and minds react to these stressors just as they would if we weren’t living in modern times. Our bodies are expecting to be cared for and surrounded by others. When we are not, it can hinder our ability to enjoy this precious time and potentially lead to postpartum mood disorders. Understanding the biological and emotional impact of support can help us embrace the act of receiving more fully.
In motherhood, practicing receiving while giving is powerful. Can you embrace the understanding that allowing yourself to be nurtured and accepting support allows you to show up as your best self for your baby, your family, and the world? Can you let go of any guilt or unworthiness associated with receiving and recognize that you are an integral part of a web of interconnectedness? By nourishing yourself, you are contributing to the nourishment of all.
Motherhood is indeed a sacrifice. It is also an amazing opportunity for growth, love, and connection. It is a journey that thrives on the exchange of giving and receiving. By fully embracing both aspects we can cultivate a more balanced and fulfilling experience of motherhood. You are worthy of all the support, love, and joy that come your way — can you be open to receiving it?
P.S. You don’t have to navigate motherhood alone. If you need assistance in planning your support team or if you are looking for additional support, I am here to help you! Reach out today!