We share our top reasons why every mum should be celebrated (and spoilt rotten) not just on Mother’s Day – but beyond!
There are so many reasons why mums should be applauded every day, quite frankly, and not just Mother’s Day.
But if there was any day for you to puff out your chest (however you feel about your breasts right now) and give yourself a big, fat pat on the back – this is it.
You carried and grew a baby for nine months. That’s no mean feat. You gave birth to your baby. That alone deserves a standing ovation – every year on your child’s birthday ideally.
Read on to see why you, mother dearest, are blooming brilliant…
Most of us have an annoying friend who gives us a tap on the shoulder every now and then. A little buddy called Guilt. And boy does Guilt love mums.
We aren’t given a manual on ‘How to be a mum’ and most of us are figuring it out day by day.
Guilt can make you feel like you’re not quite doing the best for your baby or that you should be doing everything better.
It can start from the minute you find out you’re pregnant – “I didn’t realise I was pregnant when we had those drinks” – and continue into parenthood – “I’m just not doing anything right”.
There will be days when you think you could’ve done things better or reacted differently but motherhood is a learning curve.
We aren’t given a manual on ‘How to be a mum’ and most of us are figuring it out day by day.
Try not to be so hard on yourself. Celebrate the everyday victories of motherhood – whether they seem small or monumental.
If you ever have days when you think “I’m just a mum” or being a parent isn’t really that important, remember that you are raising the next generation.
That might feel like a huge responsibility but also affirms why we should all value what mums (and dads) do.
At NCT, we know how important the early days of your child’s life are – and why all parents should be supported during that time to feel happy and confident.
Becoming a mum has probably made you think more about your own relationship with your mother. Maybe it’s given you a greater appreciation of what she did for you or what life must have been like for her.
Mother’s Day can also be a difficult time for those who no longer have their mother around.
NCT member Kate says she missed her mum desperately when she had her son. “I don’t think anything can prepare you for the feelings of loss and sadness which rear themselves more than ever.
“I feel sad that my son is going to miss out on knowing a grandma who would have adored him, but also that I am missing out on sharing the ups and downs of motherhood with my own mum.
“I have always found Mother’s Day difficult, but becoming a mum has helped this to be a day I feel I can celebrate in a new way, as well as remembering my own mum.”
Whether your mum is still around – and whether you want to be the parent your mum was or do things completely differently – your relationship with your own mother will probably influence your parenting journey.
Mother’s Day is a chance to reflect on this and how you want your relationship with your baby to be.
Yes, it is rewarding and full of love but motherhood is also tough. Don’t ever feel that you are the only mum who is struggling or not coping with ‘it all’. We all have days like that.
And if you feel that there are more down days than up, don’t be afraid to talk to someone about how you’re feeling.
There is an assumption that being a mum will come naturally; that you’ll just know what to do and love your baby unconditionally.
The story doesn’t always go like that and if it doesn’t for you, talk about it. Support and understanding can make a world of difference.
To all mums – we salute you. This is your day so take the glory and be proud of yourself. Happy Mother’s Day from all of us at NCT!
We have lots of support and information on our website to help with the trials and tribulations of parenthood.
You can also call our support line on 0300 330 0700 for practical and emotional support with feeding your baby and general enquiries for parents, members and volunteers.
