When I found out I was expecting, I began to have an overwhelming sense of pressure… pressure not to gain too much weight. Pressure to work until the very need. Pressure to not ask for help or not complain because this is what I wanted. Once I hit the third trimester, I felt pressure to not get an epidural like many women in my family. Once I delivered, pressure to snap back. Pressure to breastfeed. Pressure to still keep all the others balls juggling. Pressure to be the best mom ever.
Now, were all those pressures self imposed? Maybe. But can you relate to some of these never ending demands? Especially when comparing yourself to someone you know closely, it’s hard not be judgmental. But what I’ve come to know is everyone’s journey is different. Even between pregnancies.
As a child, I was precocious, talkative, and very inquisitive. Years of being made fun of for being quirky and different, made me become introverted and very self conscious. As an adult, I became obsessed with success, being almost perfect, and riddled with anxieties. The never ending pressure made me who I am today, but I also missed opportunities to just relax and enjoy the little pleasures of life. So back to the pressures…
In order to mitigate these feelings, I’ve focused on what’s most important, the health and well of my children. I strive to give them a childhood that they will think of and smile with fondness. A childhood filled with eerie few, love, support, family and friends that will enrich them. A childhood full of all things that will positively influence them and help shape them into good humans and great self sustained adults.
How do you deal with pressure and anxiety? Are these external or self imposed?
Mommy Guilt 
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