I Am Strong. And So Are You.

I am strong because despite having endometriosis, I carried a beautiful baby girl. I am strong because although I was frightened and had to be induced due to preeclampsia, I birthed my own way with my obstetrician's help. I am strong because I managed to exclusively breastfeed a baby with lip tie while coping with postpartum depression. I am strong because after ridicule from ignorance I have decided I don't care that I'm not a perfect mom. Who cares? I have a smart, beautiful, healthy, happy little girl.

Others may bash me for not baby wearing (I promise I tried, I needed a better carrier). Some may criticize that I attempted to give my daughter formula because I was a terrible pumper (pretty sure it was the pump) just so I could have a night off. Some may say that my house isn't clean enough, or that a stay-at-home mom isn't a job, or that Hamburger Helper should not count as dinner. Some may judge me, but I will never judge them.

It's so easy to judge others instead of looking at ourselves. But just because you feel your decisions are are right, doesn't mean others' decisions are wrong.

Take care of your baby. You are a Strong Mom. We are all Strong Moms.

My Mommy Manifesto
with a lot of help from The Scary Mommy Manifesto

"I shall maintain a sense of humor
about all things motherhood,
for without it, I recognize
that I may end up institutionalized."

"I shall not preach the benefits
of breastfeeding
or circumcision
or homeschooling
or organic food
or co-sleeping
or crying it out
to a fellow mother who has not asked my opinion.
It's none of my damn business."

A mother may look young,
A mother may look old.
But a good mother has no age requirement.

"I shall attempt to not
pass down my own messed up
body issues to my daughter.
She deserves a mother who
loves and respects herself;
stretch marks, cellulite and all."

I shall remember that every child
acts different when Mommy's around.
I shall remember that every child is different
and so is every mother,
"And my child will thrive because,
and sometimes even in spite, of me."

If you feel that you are a StrongMom too, please visit http://strongmomsempower.com/ to take the pledge.

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