You’re Doing Great

Or not as bad as you think

“Mom, you’re doing great.”

These are the comforting words from our pediatrician Dr. Shah at our two week baby visit.

Having another woman say this to me is extremely affirming. Regardless of whether it’s my first baby or my fourth, having another woman tell you, “you’re doing a great job,” is something that can have a positive ripple effect not just on self-esteem, but also on the family.

I know that as writers, we often try to create a community of readers here on Substack, but when you’ve gone through the transformation of surviving birthing, you also crave the physical proximity to other women who have done what you've done, and are suriving and thriving now that the kids are older… you need a cadre of experienced women telling you, “You got this!” The confidence that comes from experience as well as expert opinion (other mom-doctors-women who know you personally) helps me feel like yes, maybe I can figure this parenting thing out.

The 9 months of growing a human culminates in bir…