Accepting the help.

This post has been published at a later date than it was written.

When I was pregnant with my son (now 5), I created a little blog called Anonymous Mama. I was so excited and eager to share my experience and frankly, vent about it, but I wasn’t ready to tell the world my name and share my pregnancy so early. I’m still searching for some of those old blog posts, as refreshing my website over and over the last few years, I let some go into the archives. Now that we’re heading back on the pregnancy and baby train, you can expect more prenatal-themed blogs over the coming years as well as overall wellness.

I’ve been suffering some serious nausea since nearly the day we found out the good news. At this time, I’m not sure how long it will last, but I will tell you, I’m going into it with a bit of a different mindset. I’m doing EVERYTHING advised supporting pregnancy nausea, particularly eating around the clock (literally every 2 hours), squeezing in walks outside when I can, drinking sparkling water, and seeing my holistic practitioners support me with the right supplements and physical adjustments.

I’m also working a lot on breathwork and meditation, as well as practicing endless gratitude that I already work from home and have a supportive family who can continue to hold down the fort while I lay in bed for days at a time.

It’s so hard to keep quiet about our news during these first few months because everything I’m feeling is written all over my face. It’s all I can think about all day. My #1 focus is trying to relieve nausea and getting through the next few hours, so I’ve been rewatching Friends, New Girl, and as many romantic comedies and chick flicks that I can while I rest.

I’m also actively working to release any guilt that creeps up about laying in bed (literally for days and days), hardly able to fold laundry or put groceries away. My husband is incredibly supportive and helpful, and in my hormonal waves, I get really emotional that I just can’t do the things I would normally do.

This is so difficult for moms. Most moms find it hard to accept help. Most moms want to do it all because it’s what we’re supposed to do. Receiving is a beautiful practice, and I put a lot of effort into developing this over the last few years. Graciously receiving help, compliments, even opinions (like when my husband chimes in when I least expect it with something extremely insightful.)

“Can I bring anything when we come by?” Yes, yes you can.

“Can I help you with that?” Sure, please do.

Can I lay in bed all day nibbling fruit and crackers while my husband handles all the meals, chores, and child-caring duties, and works from home? Yes, yes I can.