Nova Scotia Lactation Consultant, Doula, and Matrescence Support

Dear Mother to be,

(Perhaps soon, perhaps far off beyond the middle distance, or perhaps unknown when…)

Let me share some of my reflections with you as a mother-now,

This won’t be a “just wait until…” followed by a horror story, I promise.

In the final months of my pregnancy, while I anxiously awaited my baby’s arrival, I often wondered if I had what it takes to be a good mother myself; I received a card from a baby shower with a note that read “May you honour the many ways in which you already mother.” And this meant more to me than the writer likely even knew.

You see, I had been waiting for this for as long as I can remember.

From the time I was barely big enough to hold a baby in my arms myself, I fell head over heels for the littles in my family and community.

I quite literally, but almost subconsciously, chose a career of “mothering.”

I wore many hats of a similar style; Early Childhood Educator, teacher, birth doula, postpartum doula, Family Resource, and later Lactation Consultant.

I’ve spent so many years kissing boo boos, celebrating milestones and developments, displaying artwork, wiping tears and holding in big warm hugs. I’ve cooked gallons of postpartum soups and many dozens of muffins, sung endless lullabies, spoke countless words of encouragement.

And at the end of each day, this work made my heart full. This is what I was truly meant to do, and I loved it.

As I continued on my life path, visiting jobs and education, and life and relationships along the way, a persistent little thought would circle back to these tasks of mothering and whisper “me soon.”

I ached.

Surely, me soon?

Now that I am a mother, I think of the many ways that I have been “mothered” by the women in my community-many of whom have birthed their own children, many who have not, and many who are patiently and eagerly waiting their turn. The community that it takes to raise a baby is full of mothers.

So to the mothers-to-be, someday, who are mothering by investing in their communities and raising children as members of “the village” right now; I see you.

And if you are waiting and aching and wondering, like I did, if you have what it takes, I’m here to reassure you that you are made for this. You are ready. Your time for transformation fully into this identity is coming. You are mothering right now.

Don’t forget to honour the many ways in which you already mother.

With Love,

Taylor Chinenere, IBCLC.