Heather Propsom (33), Sage (3), and Thora (5 mos)
Sturgeon Bay, WI | Asheville, NC
Heather shares -
“I look back at old photos of myself in which I'm a little more slim and toned. I envy those times but then realize I was flooded with insecurities back then, too. Since then my body has produced new life twice over and has allowed me to feed both children. What could be more fulfilling than that? My body is an asset, a tool, not just some figure to be picked apart for its imperfections.
Adjusting to a second child has been more difficult than I expected. Thora's birth was arguably pretty wild (she was delivered by our doula on the side of the road a couple miles short of the hospital) and, in retrospect, it took a bit to process what had happened. Then the compromised sleep surfaced anxieties that used to lurk pretty deep. Now life is heavier, there is obviously more responsibility, but there's also a ton of joy and with it the realization that these moments of early parenthood are fleeting. I'm also incredibly lucky to have these healthy and resilient kiddos to call my own.
I have to remind myself frequently to stop fixating on the unknown. Don't expect the worst or even the best for each and everyday. Let it happen. Parenthood is a funny game of trying to control the uncontrollable. So instead, just try to be totally present for your children everyday even if it's just for a half hour of reading time.
My husband and I have been very fortunate - no issues getting pregnant, healthy pregnancies, natural births without major complications, I’ve been able to breastfeed too (not that that is such a walk in the park) Yet, like every baby, every birth and every one, I have unique circumstances and struggles to share. My mother died of metastatic breast cancer 4 weeks after I became a parent. That experience pulled the proverbially rug right out from underneath me. It's hard not to be jealous of peers who have their moms to turn to in those early years of parenthood. I've found myself drawn to other women and other women's stories for this reason.”