5 letters. Many different inflections and a million emotions.
Being a mom is the role of my life and, ironically, the only one I was never prepared for. Being a mom is something you learn “on the job,” day by day. You learn it from your mother, your sisters, your aunts, your cousins, your friends, and your neighbors.
The day I became a mom, my life changed. So did my frame of reference. My priorities were turned upside down. Nothing mattered more than this baby—my baby—whom I held close to my heart.
This baby didn’t come with an instruction manual! Motherhood sparked a million questions: sleep, breastfeeding, and everything in between. No wonder so many Facebook pages and groups on the topic have sprung up all over the world. Moms asking questions, others sharing their expertise. There was so much to learn!
Moms also need a good support network
A network of moms. Like the “Maman Caféine” page, where you can share your sometimes chaotic daily life, find tips, and—most importantly—know that we’re not alone. It feels so good!
A local network. Getting to know your neighbors makes all the difference and makes everyday life easier! A network of neighbors lets us meet the extraordinary women around us, stay up to date on neighborhood news and events, share great local spots, and quickly find solutions to our needs (recommendations for a babysitter, housekeeper, plumber, designer, dentist, hairstylist, daycare, etc.). All of this within walking distance. That’s what the WIM Movement offers—for free—with its WIM mobile app.
Becoming a mom has brought me closer to my own mother. Her advice was suddenly more than welcome, and her presence was so comforting. Since my mom doesn’t live nearby (she lives 100 km from my home), my neighbors are a little ray of sunshine every day on this beautiful journey.
Being a mom takes a lot of time, a great deal of patience, a sense of humor, perseverance, humility, and a good support network—but above all, it brings so much love.
- Lydia Alder