Tracie B.

Tracie B.

1. How many children do you have?

I have one son.


2.  Would you like to have more children?  How many or why not?


I definitely would like to have more children.  My husband and I always said we wanted three.  Currently, that's still the goal.

3. What do you wish you would have known before becoming a mom?

I wish I would’ve known that it didn’t matter how many books I read or people I talked to before my baby arrived, I would still feel insecure, and at times, just plain scared about what to do with and what was going on with my baby.

While pregnant, I always said he wouldn’t know that I didn’t know what I was doing, but once he was here and I was sleep deprived, hormonally challenged, and all ability to reason, think clearly or make effective decisions seemed to go out of the window, it was a completely different story.  I was so in love with this little boy and the thought of just winging it or making a mistake was overwhelming to me.  

I just wish I would have known that my feelings were normal and that all babies (even yours) have the potential to come with unexpected surprises (in our case congestion and pretty bad diaper rash).  Knowing that the world was not coming to an end because of it would have made the first several weeks of motherhood tremendously easier and worry free (or worry light-lol).

4. What are the tasks that you wish someone else would regularly do for you?

I wish someone would regularly dust my furniture, mop the floor, and remove all of the clothes that are too small for my baby from the drawers and closet.

5. How did you take care of your health and wellness during pregnancy?

While I was pregnant, I walked all the time, did yoga, got massages, listened to music, prayed, read tons of books about health and pregnancy, and simply enjoyed myself, my husband and my pregnancy.

6. Did you have the labor and delivery experience that you desired?  If not, what would have improved your experience?

Yes, I think I had an amazing labor and delivery.  It was five hours from start to birth and I was able to have the natural birth experience that we hoped for.  My definition of natural is no medication or medical intervention during labor and delivery.  I believe that all of my prep work (walking, yoga, praying) mattered and allowed me to have this wonderful experience.

7. How have you taken care of your health and wellness since becoming a mother?

Well, after becoming a mom, it was almost like I had been spun around several times and all of the tools in my wellness bag flew out and scattered around me.  After I stopped feeling dizzy and gathered myself, I began to stumble upon all of my old useful tools that had been there in plain sight the entire time- I was just too disoriented to realize it.

Now that my tools and mind are back where they belong, I try to walk most days of the week.  I also enjoy doing yoga and journaling.  I also try to do some deep breathing exercises when the situation calls for it and participate in several mommy groups which is great for me and baby.  I also pray all day, every day, which is the only reason that I am able to make it through each day.

8. Are you involved in any mommy groups (in-person or online)?

Yes, I am involved in mommy groups.  Locally, we meet at the library or the mall with our babies and read them stories and let them play.  We moms usually communicate with one another by email.  Online, I enjoy several mommy websites and connections on Facebook and Twitter.

  

9. What do you do to relax?

Take a bath, aromatherapy, write, go for a walk, do some yoga, get a massage, listen to music, make something (just be creative), or go to a comfy coffee shop or bookstore with a hot coffee or tea and my laptop or a book and just enjoy the atmosphere and whatever I’m reading and writing.

10. What advice do you have for new and expecting moms?

For expecting moms: Try to have a pregnancy, labor, and delivery that are as natural as possible.  It is truly best for you, and most importantly, your baby.

For new moms: If you don’t know, ask.  You may have one million questions, but if you ask them, it will be one less thing to stress out about or that keeps you awake at night.  Each baby has their own set of surprises, so it’s helpful to talk to other moms as well as your pediatrician.  Building a strong support system is very important.

When all else fails, or you just need more time and help, there are options available (follow This Holistic Life to find out more!)  

11. What is the best thing about being a mom?

There are so many wonderful things about being a mom.  I think it is such an honor and privilege to be my son’s mom.  He gives me unconditional love and just when I think I have absolutely no more energy or ideas, my baby will do something to make me melt, which reenergizes me to keep going all over again.  I know he loves and appreciates his mama and we have so much fun together.  


12. What is the most challenging part about being a mom?


Maintaining a sense of balance.  Now, I devote most of my time to someone who does not understand that I do get tired or that the house needs to be cleaned.  I want to give my all and my best to my child, my husband and myself, but doing this is not easy, rarely goes as planned, and requires tons of flexibility and creativity.  I've learned the hard way that if I don't fight to maintain a sense of balance life goes haywire and it brings out the worst in me.  I get sick, angry, and sad, and not very much fun to be around.  So even though it's hard work, I try hard to take care of myself in order to be the best for my family.  

13. Please share any additional story or detail related to your pregnancy or motherhood.  You never know what may help another mom!

Follow your heart as a mother.  Most of the decisions that I have made so far throughout pregnancy and motherhood are uncommon, but I wouldn’t change them for the world.  I had an amazing holistic pregnancy (to find out more, continue to follow the blog), a natural labor and delivery, and I quit my away from home professional nursing job to become a stay at home mom. 

You only live once.  Your children will only grow up once and it happens so quickly.  This job of mothering mattered to me more than anything, so my husband and I made some life-changing choices to make this happen.  Don’t get me wrong, I know plenty of people who would love to stay at home with their children if their circumstances would allow it.  But I have encountered just as many who have never even considered the idea.  Our children are worth it so please contemplate the idea.

If you have healthcare questions, don’t hesitate to ask.  There is so much information out there that it can be overwhelming.  Also, if you don’t know what to ask, just begin to share your story and the answers need will come your way.

If something doesn't feel right, make a change.  Whether it’s your doctor, diaper or daycare- follow your heart.