Find Your Tribe

Some bits of advice just stick and you follow them. I'm lucky to have been surrounded by incredibly wise women throughout my motherhood journey and have benefitted immensely from their collective experience. When these women offer tips, I listen. And I follow it. 

One wellspring of knowledge was my postpartum doula, the incredible Kate DeWolf. She passed along countless gems but one stood out to me in those early, hormone crazy days-find your tribe. She explained that there is enormous power in connecting and communicating with mamas in the same boat. Having likeminded women experiencing breastfeeding challenges, teething, sleep regressions and first steps all at the same time is unifying and oh so helpful. These women are cheerleaders with the right words because they know, offer a hug when you didn't even realize you need one, are up to respond to frantic 2 am texts and share in celebrating the small things (like showering). 

I followed Kate's advice and surrounded myself with some of the strongest and most glow-y mamas I've ever met. We laugh a lot, cry from time to time, vent when necessary and support one another in a big way. I'm thankful for their presence and so in love with their darling children. The support network is wide and deep. 

Pregnant and new mamas don't always want advice and I totally understand that (you get bombarded by that whether or not you seek it out). However, if I am ever asked then I echo Kate's wise words- find your tribe.

There are many places to find such a group in your community, here are a few that I used: childbirth classes, mama baby classes, breastfeeding support classes, playgroups, playgrounds or through mutual friends. It certainly takes bravery to initiate a conversation with a complete stranger but babies seem to make this easier. Put yourself out there and go find your tribe!

Find your tribe. Love them hard.