Thirty one years ago, at the tender age of 23 I gave birth to my firstborn son. (Yes, that’s me with the big glasses and the curly perm! This was the 80’s remember?) The night my water broke, two and a half weeks before my due date, I wasn’t happy. “I DON’T want to have a baby tonight,” I told my husband in a state of panic. “I’m not ready!”
But then again….is any mother ever really ready for her first child?
Ready or not, here he came, 6 lbs. 10 1/2 oz., 21 inches long, and not an ounce of baby fat on him. I was determined to breastfeed but the little guy only wanted to sleep.
A week later, when my mom was leaving our home after helping me for a few days, I was overwhelmed. The daunting task of caring for our newborn now lay entirely in the hands of his inexperienced parents.
“Do you think I’ll be able to keep him alive?” I asked my mom, in tears.
Thirty one years later, that little six pound baby is a grown man. By God’s grace, he not only stayed alive, he grew into an amazing, caring, talented, successful adult. Now he and his wife Adrianne, are looking forward to becoming parents themselves in a few months.
As a 23 year old, or even if I had been ten or more years older, I certainly couldn’t have raised this child (or his two siblings) without the help and support of both of our parents, our siblings, our friends, our church family, school teachers, coaches and so many more.
If you are a new mom, I want to encourage you to seek out support.
At Life’s Choices, we are here for you! Our Healthy Start Baby Bundle program is tailored to meet your needs. Our support groups and workshops help to connect you with other moms. We understand what you’re experiencing, and can tell you with confidence, “It’ll be okay! You can do it! You’re a good mom, and a good dad!”
Contact us today to discuss your needs and how we can help you.
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