Get a loyal friend who will always be there for you. Being a new mom is really hard. You doubt yourself every time. Honestly, I cried a lot, not because I was sad but because I was so tired, stressed out, and full of emotions and feelings. There are many things to handle.
I have severe anxiety and OCD, so asking for help is hard for me. I think I will do it by myself just right, But sometimes, I take on too much, and it becomes too much for me. When I became a mom, I was scared and unsure. My anxiety was so bad that I didn’t even want to leave my baby alone to take a shower, even if her dad was with her! And when I finally did take a shower, I’d cry because I felt overwhelmed and kept thinking, am I doing okay? I judge myself too much and don’t give myself grace.
One day, I hadn’t showered for two days. I was covered in spit-up. My husband was working a 14-hour shift, and I was so scared. My baby wouldn’t let me put her down without screaming. I was having a tough time taking care of her and myself. That day, she threw up again, and I spilled my water; I just lost it.
Then my phone rang. It was Becca who wanted to make a video call. I didn’t want to answer because I was crying so much, but I tried. She could tell I was avoiding looking at her. She said, Gabrielle, talk to me. That’s when I broke down and told her I was struggling.
Right away, she said, “That’s it. I’m coming over. I’ll take the baby, and you’ll eat and shower.”
She showed up, took my baby, and just told me, “Go take a shower. I got this!” I froze. What to do? Then she gently smiled at me and gave me a side
As I ate, I looked over and saw her loving my baby. My baby was okay! I realized I needed to relax. I even sneaked a quick photo to remember this moment.
Sometimes, you need this kind of love, a friend who shows up no matter what, even when you say it’s unnecessary.
Thank you, Becca, for taking care of me and my baby, for letting me cry on your shoulder, and for reminding me to take care of myself, even if it’s just to eat and shower.
