When Sharing is Hard - New Mom Edition

This isn’t directly poly related, but it is parenting related so I hope that that can connect with some of you readers.

A month ago, Little Nugget was born! It was truly an incredible day. Since then, we have been lucky to have family and friends show up to help around the house, provide us meals, and shower our sweet girl in cuddles and love. It was wonderful feeling all the support.

However, one thing has been harder than I thought, and not just with my community but with the mechanic and gardener as well….sharing (I know, it’s ironic I say this as a poly person). For 9 months, it was just Little Nugget and me. I could tell people she was kicking, or having the hiccups, but they didn’t truly know. I didn’t have to share the sensation; it was all mine. Now, I am sharing her adorable sleepy faces, her fussing, her cuddles.  

I think as moms, this feeling is bittersweet. I am so glad so many others now get the chance to love her like I do. And, I miss the moments just us; feeling her wiggle in my belly and test the limits of her small space. So now, I cherish the sleepy eye-bats in the middle of the night, the tired sighs shared between just us as the world sleeps and we curl up in her nursery.

Moms, what are the moments you struggle to share? What are you grateful for with your support? It is important to hold and make space for both feelings.

Partners, what is it like being with the baby your partner carried for so long? How has the adjustment been? Are there moments you find yourself jealous or on the outside? If so, how can you communicate those with your partner.