Learning to Pivot: A Mother’s Journey
There are many skills and traits that go into navigating new motherhood. Some of those traits make motherhood easier to navigate while some present unique challenges. While I knew my ability to function on very little sleep (that served me so well as night shift nurse) would come in handy, I was surprised; however, to discover the skill on which I seem to have relied most heavily in my motherhood journey has been the ability to pivot.
I feel that most parents would agree that the only thing that is predictable about parenting is it is absolutely unpredictable. You can equip yourself with knowledge and know how and work to strengthen your capacity for patience, self-discipline and grace but you can never be 100% prepared for what you will encounter along the way.
No amount of reading, babysitting or caring for babies in the nursery could prepare me for
a baby with colic, reflux and food allergies
a baby that got awful ear infections with every single erupting tooth
moving out of state with young children, away from family and friends
a baby born with a congenital heart defect
or any of the other unexpected challenges faced along the way
As a mother (and in life in general), I’ve learned pausing for a moment, assessing the current situation and figuring out a new plan is something I do far more often than I ever would have anticipated. For someone who likes setting goals, make plans and following timelines, this has been a bit of a challenge for me.
For new parents, there are many instances that can arise when pivoting is warranted. Maybe you planned for an unmedicated birth that turned into an emergency c-section, maybe you were hospitalized and on bed rest, maybe baby (or babies) made an unexpected early arrival and spent time in the NICU. Maybe you planned to exclusively breastfeed but an undiagnosed condition, medications or mental health warranted a change in your plans. Maybe you planned to return to work but then decided to stay home or vice versa.
If you experience parenting challenges that cause a change of plans, I challenge you to reframe your thinking. You did not fail, you were offered an opportunity to practice the all important ability to pivot.
www.aftergloservices.com
Lactation Consultant Lafayette, LA
Lafayette, LA IBCLC
Postpartum Help Lafayette, LA