I'm so excited to launch my Momma Q&A section of Blessed Psych Momma!! Here I will feature wonderful women who share their perspectives and stories of motherhood, helpful advice they've received, and what they do to take care of themselves. I hope that other Mommas who read their stories will be able to gain information, relate, or even be inspired!
Since I'm waiting on responses from some other amazing Mommas who have agreed to be featured, I suppose I should go first.
Name: Jennifer
Age: 32
Children: 2 boys (almost 4 and 6 months)
Occupation: School Psychologist but currently a Stay at Home Momma on maternity leave
What advice would you give to other mommas as it relates to your career?
As a School Psychologist, I would encourage other mommas to always trust their instincts when it comes to their children and advocate for their well being, especially in the school setting. One of the most important things I learned in graduate school was that although I would be performing assessments on someone else's child and collecting very detailed information, that a child's parent knows them best. Trust your gut when something doesn't seem to be going right for your child (socially, emotionally, academically), and seek support.
What has surprised you the most about motherhood?
The most surprising part of motherhood for me is that being a Momma is 100 times harder than I imagined, and yet, it's also 100 times more wonderful and rewarding than I ever could have dreamed. It's a strange dichotomy, but I definitely think it's true.
How do you practice self-care?
Once a month I indulge in an hour massage. It's the only time where I feel like I can truly relax. When I'm at home and get some time to myself, I always notice something that needs to be done (that shelf could be dusted, there's some papers to organize and put away, etc). But during that hour away from home, I try to be in the moment as much as possible and just relax.
What is the best advice about motherhood you've received?
A fellow Momma told me before I had my first that there's going to be so much information out there about motherhood-so much to read and so many opinions. But at the end of the day, I will know what's best for my child.
What do you consider a must-have baby registry product?
I think a really good swaddle can be a game changer-especially during those first several weeks when baby is transitioning to the world outside the womb. We used these Swaddle Me brand swaddles and they were great. The velcro really held up well and kept our little bubbies nice and secure.
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What is your favorite quote about motherhood?
"To be in your children's memories tomorrow, you have to be in their lives today."-Barbara Johnson