Since becoming a mom, I’ve had my fair share of colds thanks to daycare. And let me tell you it’s really tough. No matter what anyone says or how much you love your baby, you probably just want to take a nap and have time to relax on the couch. Am I right?
But as moms, we don’t get sick days and life doesn’t stop. It’s something we sign up for but don’t realize what it will be like until you’re in the thick of it.
You most likely are still getting up with your baby overnight and still keeping up with playtime during the day. Or you’re still clocking a full day at the office because those precious PTO days are being saved for when your little one is sick and needs you. Somehow we just push through.
My Recent Experience
But recently I was down with a 24 hour stomach bug. Yep, there’s a first time for everything. And let me tell you it really sucked. I was down for the count and physically couldn’t take care of my son, Luke. I felt such immense guilt over it. Normally I can push through sickness for him but not this time.
So here I was on a Wednesday morning, my husband had just left to drop Luke at daycare and I was at home shaken up wondering how I would even care for myself that day. So I called my mom like I always do… And you know what she said? She reminded me that I too need to ask for help.
Sometimes it takes hearing it from someone else for it to really sink in. Even moms need help sometimes and it might feel weird at first but it’s totally normal and ok to ask for it.
So what did I do? I called my husband and asked for the help I needed in that moment. I hated the thought of interrupting his work day but thankfully has some flexibility and was able to take all of his calls from home. I didn’t end up needing him to “help” me too much but having him there in case I did need him gave me such peace of mind.
What I Learned
All of this to say that it really takes a village to raise a child…but also to take care of you, mama. Sometimes we can push through hard things but other times we have to raise our hand for help. From our partners, our family, our friends or even a neighbor.
By taking care of your physical and mental health, you’re in turn helping your little one too. Mama you’re worth it!