When I knew I was going to have my son, Liam, everything changed. I stopped smoking and drinking – I made a commitment to eat really healthy. I also began to research everything I could find about pregnancy; pintrest became my best friend. However, I knew I also needed to change the environment I was around. This choice was the most difficult. Choosing to remove myself from dysfunction also meant loosing someone I love. He didn’t agree with what I wanted for our son. I wanted safety, I wanted love, I wanted happiness, I wanted a calm enviorment, I wanted to give my son the beginning I never had. I changed so quickly when I knew I was going to be a mom, I had no choice. I guess I shocked him, I can understand. I couldn’t wait though I needed to do what I had to.
I want to be the best me I can for Liam. With that comes giving up a lot of things I did before I had him. It also means walking away from whatever is unsafe and unhealthy. Its difficult sometimes when my friends ask me to come out and hang with them. Or ask me when I won’t be breastfeeding anymore so I can drink. My son is only 2 months old so me not being around is not really an option. I also do not have anyone that can really watch him at this point, he is always with me. With this however, I get to see him explore the world in a different way everyday. I have not missed one of his smiles. I love this, it will definitely be a struggle when I go back to work in a month.
Being a young mom, doing this pretty much on my own is so difficult. I can’t tell you how many times I have cried. I also cannot tell you how many times I have smiled. At this point I have also really started to look at my goals and priorities. Ones which I need to do not just for my son but also me. Looking at everything that I need to do can be really overwhelming, but it helps when I remind myself that I can accomplish them, and that it doesn’t have to happen over night.
My world is no longer about just me. It’s no longer about just living in the moment and doing whatever I want. My world is now about making my son’s world safe, healthy and beautiful. Everyday I probably do something wrong, but I also probably do something right!
Stronger Generations Initiative
An initiative of Brigham and Women's Hospital's Center for Community Health and Health Equity
Stronger Generations Initiative 
Awesome job you did trying to learn as much as you can! You’re absolutely right, your world isn’t just you anymore, but don’t be afraid to make some time for yourself too. It might be tough right now, but it’ll get easier as time goes on. I firmly believe that we have to be healthy people to be good parents, and there’s simply no way to be healthy people without doing something for yourself once in a while. Plus, once Liam gets older you’ll find plenty of stuff you both can do together, and that’s when the real fun starts!
Awesome advice from a very wise young dad! He’s right, to be the best parent for Liam, you need to be the best YOU.
You’re a great mommy ! I agree with the daddy up there. It’s not just you anymore but remember to always take a little time for yourself too. Everything in life should be balanced. It’s a big change, it’s a big job & it can be overwhelming at times but it does get easier as they grow older & you see their routines & personalities.