The Mommy Network

When you hear that you’re pregnant for the first time, a barrage of emotions hit you like a 22-wheeler truck without brakes. Hopefully for moms-to-be, extreme joy is the first and over-riding emotion. Thereafter, a little bit of nervousness does follow – after all, you’ll be embarking on a brand new journey that’ll change the course of your life forever.

After passing the first few crucial and critical weeks (which were difficult as I’m terrible at keeping secrets and after declining champagne a few times, all my friends were suspicious), I settled into the idea that a little one was on its way. By month 8, I went into panic mode, as I had not done any shopping and had left everything “last minute” by my friends’ standards. Enter (and cue dramatic orchestral music) the Mommy Network!

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I was summoned to a Baby City shopping expedition with my friends – both new mom’s who had babies under 1 year old. I told them I’d be fine, that I had a list and that I’d do the essentials shopping myself. I hopped in my car (actually rolled would be more accurate– the baby bump had started entering a room way before me!) and walked into the shop – I was so overwhelmed by all the brands and baby paraphernalia that 5 minutes later I walked out empty-handed, teary and rescheduled the shopping expedition with my friends (Nats and Mari) as guides.
 
Essentials lists are available to download here and here.

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This was my introduction to the Mommy Network – the legions of moms who have been such a support to me throughout the journey of motherhood. It is a daunting journey, but with so many fellow mothers at your side, the fear does dissipate. From my darling friend, Natalie, who organized the most incredible baby shower for me, to Leigh who arrived at my house with a huge quiche for dinner and actually washed the dishes and held my boy, while I took a shower. I have been blessed with incredible women who have been as available as possible to answer my questions about the right temperature of bath water and warmed breast milk, despite having their own little people ruling their lives 🙂

My mom has been the head of my Mommy Network – she has been holding my hand every step of the way – arriving at our house at 5:30 some mornings so I could have a bit of rest and a shower. She has cooked countless pots of food, looked after my boy while I indulged in a glass of champagne or 3 with my girlfriends and helped me maintain my sense of humour despite countless nights of broken sleep. I am able to be a sane mom because of other moms and that made me think of that beautiful Xhosa saying – “Umntu ngumtu ngabantu” – a person is a person through others. Motherhood is a journey best shared!

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12 Comments

  1. Thu, 29 May 2014
    Reply

    Love it! Just beautiful!

  2. Kim
    Thu, 29 May 2014
    Reply

    That’s beautiful indeed! Support like that makes raising a child easy. Always a word of advice and comfort for when you sometimes feel inadequate as a mother. The journey at times can be overwhelming for some moms who have to do it all alone. This post reminded me of just how very blessed we are to have people who support us in this journey of motherhood. They say no two children are the same and we will discover that as they grow older not all the advice you receive is applicable to your child. They mean well when they give advice and after all it’s the thought that counts in everything they say and do. I have learned to listen and smile instead of saying things like “but Adam is different…”

  3. Romaine
    Thu, 29 May 2014
    Reply

    You are Blessed to have your mom around, enjoy her and appreciate her.

  4. Bianca
    Thu, 29 May 2014
    Reply

    It was only after the birth of my first child that I knew the extend of my mother’s love for me. It is amazing being a mommy and a true blessing to still have my mom to share motherhood with. Glad you are enjoying your journey as a parent. God bless!

  5. Janine
    Thu, 29 May 2014
    Reply

    It is good to have a support system especially when it is your first baby , my mom and sisters were my rock when I had my 1st born 8 years ago now that I was bless with another little baby girl it becomes easier we have been doing well although when she cries my husband gets nervous can make quite a big noise for a small person

  6. Lynne
    Fri, 30 May 2014
    Reply

    I’ve recently become a mom again after a 15 year gap..it’s like being a first time mom all over again..I’m coping quite well. I appreciate the small things in life much more now, like enjoying a cuppa coffee in 5 mins or taking a shower at 2 in the afternoon because baby needed me more..but yet it’s an amazing journey even if it is only 2 short weeks..take care mums and enjoy your little angels..

  7. Shivonne
    Fri, 06 June 2014
    Reply

    Wow! You’ve blogged your experience so well that I, being newly wed and seriously thinking about motherhood, babies and all that, am not so afraid of this life-changing phenomenon anymore. The strong support system is something that comes through very strongly and that’s really great. May it continue to get easier and more rewarding for you!

  8. Nqobile
    Fri, 06 June 2014
    Reply

    Your blog is a God sent for a first time career mom like me (due in Spring). it feels great to have a reliable reference point like this. I’ve truly enjoyed every post and it helps me minimize time with my own research & action list. Thank you. Enjoy your bundle of joy

  9. Halbede
    Fri, 06 June 2014
    Reply

    Awesome read, Im 4 weeks pregnant now a mommy network sounds like a great idea support, support and more support is all a person needs. Wonderfull friends and family you have indeed.

  10. Gugu
    Fri, 06 June 2014
    Reply

    I can identity with last minute shopping. As a new mom, now I stock up months in advance – nappies, wipes, clothes. If I think I’ll need it in future, I buy it.

  11. Jenny Mcbain
    Fri, 06 June 2014
    Reply

    Luv luv this website. Thks a mil fir sharing on fb and making us aware.

  12. Evelyn
    Wed, 25 June 2014
    Reply

    Such an amazing read. And the best part is…It only gets better! Every moment with your little boy will make you realize just how precious life is with him around.

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