Do the Research, But Be Prepared For Not Finding The Answer
Reading all the books you can about birth, postpartum, motherhood, breastfeeding, sleeping? Listening to all the recommended podcasts before baby arrives? That was me… and… it’s still me…. trying to get all the expert advice and research on how to raise our children…. especially now, as we begin to enter the world of tweens!
Does the research and prep really help when thrown into parenthood? Depending on the day the answer may be different! Somedays, it’s absolutely! And, other days it’s a resounding NO and I can’t find the answer often resulting in tears and feelings of failure and alone. I remember those tears as I struggled with breastfeeding my daughter. I had all the “best,” “recommended,” “must have if you want to breastfeed” books but breastfeeding didn’t come easy. I also remember finding a book that gave us such wonderful tools and guidance when “time-outs” didn’t feel right for us.
It’s important to arm yourself with as much knowledge as possible from books and classes. But, don’t forget your own wisdom and instincts when you are in the trenches of motherhood, it can be just as important as the books.
As much as the books promise to have all the answers, there is no user manual for your child no matter how many books you read. Best practices you’ve read may not work and that’s ok. Sometimes the answers aren’t in a book. There are no answers sometimes. For some of us, not having answers feels really vulnerable and scary, and it is!! Sometimes the best answer is within your mamas instinct and listening to your gut. Sometimes it really is the old adage of try and if at first you don’t succeed, try, try, again. Letting there be room for air and breath and giving yourself the ok not to follow the rules and improvise can be so liberating!!! And that just may be where you find the answer you’re looking for!
The books, podcasts, classes are all so incredibly helpful, offering tools (and sometimes some good tricks!), as guidance. I think that’s the key in that these wonderful resources we learn from are tools in guiding us as parents. If we can listen and trust our gut, be okay with trial and error, and give ourselves grace when we make mistakes we will raise confident, bright, kind, creative, critical thinking, champions of change children.
Finding a community of other Mamas is a wonderful resource to share ideas and experiences and receive ideas and experiences. There’s nothing like real life lessons shared among Mamas, sometimes there’s tears of laughter and sometimes it’s tears of struggle. Our Mamas and families at Full Circle Yoga KC have tremendous wisdom, courage and willingness to share vulnerable lessons of parenthood! There is a natural energy of uplifting and holding space for women who are on the journey of motherhood at Full Circle Yoga KC that is truly what makes Full Circle Yoga KC such a special place.
It has been a long year, a REALLY long year of having to be at a distance from each other. I’m tremendously grateful for zoom classes and the deep dedication of our community as we faced such hardships this last year. My heart fills as the vibe and energy returns to the studio with expectant Mamas returning for Prenatal Yoga, Mamas and Babies return to BYOB Yoga Class and Mamas and Littles attend Mama and Movers Yoga Class.
Full Circle Yoga KC is family centered yoga studio in Midtown Kansas City specializing in Prenatal Yoga, Prenatal Partner Yoga, Baby Yoga, and many family-centered workshops.
