I teared up reading this! We feel so self-conscious and can’t help but compare ourselves in early motherhood. I love how you open the doors of each stereotype to humanize that particular “kind” of mother, and, in doing so, reveal to the reader how *she* might be perceived. The piece also connects us and, like another comment said, illustrates how motherhood is the great equalizer. Okay that was a long way of saying I’m glad you shared this here! :)
Beautiful and honest, eloquent and humble. Perfectly your style, Charlotte. The comparisons and self-criticisms don't end, even when the strangers are considered friends, and the babies are all grown up!
Haha I was the chatter too! Always cracking jokes about how my baby was on a 48 hour bender. So funny I can recognise all these “types”, or at least my initial judgments of them, in my own mother’s group. Out of 15 or so, we ended up with 4 of us who are still so close 9+ years later. It really is a life line. ❤️
Adored this — thank you for sharing it. Baby classes are a special kind of saviour in year one, and I can relate to pretty much everything you’ve described so perfectly here. It’s a beautiful reminder of the humanness in motherhood and how vulnerable you can be sitting in those rooms.
I’m excited to have stumbled across your Substack — looking forward to following along!
Tears, tears, tears. To be alongside a mighty force of mothers is like no other. The real ride-or-dies in this chapter of life. Thank you for sharing this (again), Charlotte! ❤️
I love this. I wonder what “type” of mom they might have thought you were at first!
Oh I was the chatter, for sure 😂
I teared up reading this! We feel so self-conscious and can’t help but compare ourselves in early motherhood. I love how you open the doors of each stereotype to humanize that particular “kind” of mother, and, in doing so, reveal to the reader how *she* might be perceived. The piece also connects us and, like another comment said, illustrates how motherhood is the great equalizer. Okay that was a long way of saying I’m glad you shared this here! :)
Thank you, Katherine. It's amazing how quickly we can judge, only to find that we're not so different after all. I'm pleased you enjoyed the piece x
Oh how I love this. All these tender spots are our way in.
Thank you, Isabel <3
Beautiful and honest, eloquent and humble. Perfectly your style, Charlotte. The comparisons and self-criticisms don't end, even when the strangers are considered friends, and the babies are all grown up!
They really don't, do they? I still find myself comparing myself to others daily (and always seem to find myself lacking)
That's how we grow, I guess, but sometimes it's important to reframe it to see yourself for the wiser person you're becoming.
❤️❤️
Haha I was the chatter too! Always cracking jokes about how my baby was on a 48 hour bender. So funny I can recognise all these “types”, or at least my initial judgments of them, in my own mother’s group. Out of 15 or so, we ended up with 4 of us who are still so close 9+ years later. It really is a life line. ❤️
Haha, I don't think I ever shut up. Then I'd go home and worry that I'd overshared... Destined to be a blogger (again) clearly.
Absolutely 😂
A different tone, yes. But 100% your voice? Yes! Love this, Charlotte!
Thanks so much Amanda
Love this.
Thank you!
As a new mum of 3 months, I relate! My baby classes are already my lifeline during the week 💕
Ah a tiny one! How's it going? I used to plan my entire week around baby classes, I wouldn't have known what to do without them
Loved this! 🧡🧡🧡
Thank you, Danielle x
Adored this — thank you for sharing it. Baby classes are a special kind of saviour in year one, and I can relate to pretty much everything you’ve described so perfectly here. It’s a beautiful reminder of the humanness in motherhood and how vulnerable you can be sitting in those rooms.
I’m excited to have stumbled across your Substack — looking forward to following along!
Thanks Kiya!
Tears, tears, tears. To be alongside a mighty force of mothers is like no other. The real ride-or-dies in this chapter of life. Thank you for sharing this (again), Charlotte! ❤️
I completely agree!
Motherhood … the Almighty equalizer!
Isn't it just!