Mama, you weren’t meant to replace the pacifier. The pacifier was meant to replace you.
You weren’t meant to replace the swaddle. The swaddle was meant to replace you.
You weren’t meant to replace the electric bassinet. The bassinet was meant to replace you.
Everyone will try to replace you and they even create the studies to prove that their product mimics you but it’s not YOU. It’ll never be YOU.
No product can replace
The soothing hum escaping your lips. No sound machine can compare.
Your warm body perfectly cradling your sweet child. No swaddle can compare.
Your strong arms, back, legs gently rocking your baby with a thousand different motions. No bassinet can compare.
The sweet taste of your milk, the familiar smell of your skin and the softness of your breasts. No pacifier can compare.
These products may be “proven” to work but they don’t have your heart, your compassion, your patience, your tenderness, your wisdom, your awed eyes, your gentle touch, your scent, your kind smile.
You are irreplaceable.
These few months are the closest you’ll ever be with your sweet babe and then they’ll never return.
Breathe in the sweet scent of your baby.
Hold them tight in your arms.
Sleep with them by your side.
Let them nurse for comfort and closeness.
Sway with them in the night.
Your baby doesn’t only sleep and eat.
They memorize your features.
Your eyes bring them warmth.
They KNOW you by your scent.
They feel safe in an unfamiliar world in your arms.
Your baby wants you and ONLY you.
It’s okay and it’s normal and it’s GOOD to want to be everything for your baby.
Written at dawn after rocking my daughter back to sleep for the fourth time that night.
