Love is often described as unconditional, selfless, self-sacrificial or even tough, painful and unreciprocated. Society expects a mother, especially a new one, to immediately shower her new born child with all the love a human can possibly feel and show. No one stops to consider the hours prior to this joyous moment. The pain and emotional turmoil the woman has endured.
"Mummy, I'm completely dependent on you!"
Seconds after my first daughter was born, she was placed gently on my chest. My first thought was…wow she’s purple! Next, she’s slimy!
I can laugh about it now, after 31 years. But it was a scary moment.
In the days that followed, my hormone levels were like a roller coaster, I was exhausted from sleep deprivation and to top it off, the perpetual feeling of being a milk dispenser. It was hardly the environment for any affectionate feelings.
And yet…
When I cuddled my baby each time she cried from hunger, colic, wet or soiled diapers, loneliness or just boredom, my heart melted.
I looked into her eyes and it said, “Mummy, I’m completely dependent on you”. I can’t help but love this little human totally. I want to protect, guide and teach her unconditionally, selflessly. I want to sacrifice for her…
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