Oh. It is a real thing. It comes in all different shapes and sizes.
It can start from before a baby is born- guilt of not being able to breastfeed is something I talk to a lot of new mothers about. But it can develop from our own expectations of what we perceived motherhood to be like.
Mum guilt can trickle through most aspects of your day:
“I don’t think I’m doing enough tummy time!”
“I just don’t have the energy to give her a bath tonight!”
“I know I should stop giving bottles/soothers”
“I feel so bad leaving baby with my partner to go see my friend..(pre-pandemic!)”
I have found the more children I have, the more guilt I feel. Always questioning if each child is getting enough one to one attention, have enough of the right sized shoes and clothes or watching too much tv/not enough time outside, being able to afford each child’s hobby, being equal and fair to everyone. It can be endless!
Right now, I am really feeling that ‘Working Mama” guilt. Being pulled in so many directions and putting the children’s need for attention over taking time for myself when, on reflection, I know I totally am in need of it.
The one positive I take away from it, is that it means we care so much.
It is time for us to make peace that it is impossible to be Super Mum-Super Partner-Super Friend-Super Worker all at the same time. It’s a balancing act and something has to give.
We got this. Yet what we got maybe a different thing each time!
What is feeding your Mum Guilt the most these days?
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