Why Should You Never Doubt Your Mother’s Instincts?

I always heard of the term mother’s instincts but never really understood what was it and how does one acquire it. My mother always had it I know. She would call when I wanted to talk to someone, she would know what I was feeling or what I wanted to eat. But then she has always been a super woman and I always knew I would never be able to come close to that.

Then my life, my daughter arrived in May, 2016. She was taken to the NICU as soon as she was born and was given to us only after 48 hours. But when I held her in that hospital room trying to feed her, the mother’s instincts kicked in. I did not see it walking in from the door or maybe it was always there and I did not realise. I have no answer to the question from where and how? I guess the angels bring it with themselves. I had the responsibility to raise a little life and make her into a beautiful human being so I wanted to do everything perfectly and this is where I had to trust my mother’s instincts.

What is Mother’s Instincts?

As per Wikipedia, mother’s instincts are the maternal bond that forms between a mom and her baby. The bonding between a mother and the child depends on emotional and physical factors. The bond starts developing during pregnancy and carries through life. A mother knows a child like no one does and thus, it are her mother’s instincts which help her know what is the best for them.

Mother’s instincts are in short like a gravitational pull which a mom feels for her baby and his welfare.

In the race to be perfect, we mother’s lose confidence in our decisions. It is normal to doubt your motherhood abilities, but remember you know the best for your child. I have seen and heard many mothers doubting themselves, but I will say always trust your mother’s instincts. Whenever I am sceptical about anything related to Little Miss A, I just trust my instincts. I feel it is very rare that a mother’s instincts can be wrong.

Why Should You Trust Your Mother’s Instincts?

No One Knows Better

Trust yourself, there is a reason God chose you to be a mother to your child. You are the chosen guardian of this angel. You know the baby since the time you conceived them and thus, there is no one else who would know them like you. Each child is different and they do not come with a manual. Each child has their likes and dislikes and of course, a temperament. Only a mother understands these. Everyone around you will tell you things about your child; ignore them, because you are the only one who knows the truth.

Your First Feeling is Important

I still remember I was 34 weeks pregnant and Miss A had not moved for over 24 hours. There was a feeling I had which said there was something wrong and without telling anyone I went to the doctor who confirmed my doubt. One day later, she was born. This is the first time I knew, what I feel for this child is important and this is the mother’s instinct people talk about.

More than often, people might term your reactions as over reactions, but just trust yourself. Yes, you may realize later that you were being hyper and paranoid for no reason, but there will be times this first reaction will save you and the baby. These times when you know what the baby needs is what will build a beautiful relationship with your baby where you both will know what the other one feels and wants.

All Advices are Not Right

Every second person you meet will have an opinion about you, your baby and your parenting style. What they think and feel is their problem and not yours. Judgements and criticism should not bother you. Enjoy motherhood. You have a distinct parenting style which is customised for you and your baby. See what suits both of you and go ahead with it. Even if you are wrong, you will find a way to rectify it.

(You may like to read our post, The Need to Filter Advice for New Parents)

There is No Rule Book

There is no correct way to parent a child. You choose what is comfortable to you and your child and there is nothing right or wrong about it. Your parenting style is a reflection of your personality and beliefs. Just work on raising this amazing human being God has sent for you and do not bother with always being the perfect mother, because there is no word as “perfect mother’. You will make mistakes, but these mistakes are just speed breakers on your adventurous trip with your baby and this will just ensure you slow down and enjoy your drive more.

(You may like to read our post, I am a Guilty Mother, I Do Not Follow Rules)

You are the Best In the Whole Wide World

Just before I sat down to write this post, my daughter had a tantrum and she was upset with us. My husband was trying to settle her and he said may be it is time she needs new parents. Her tune changed in a second. Kissing and hugging us, she said, she did not want anyone else as we were the best in the whole wide world. Thus, remember, there is no other mother your child knows and would not want to know, making you the best for them. Whenever they need someone they will choose you as there is no one better than you to help them. If your child can trust you, why can you not? Your instincts are a gift so trust them.

Your Love is the Purest

The love of a mother is love in the purest form; selfless and may be divine. It is because of this, you will rarely do something intentionally which is wrong. All that your baby wants from you is your love and care. This will make them content and calm. You need to nurture them with love. Colours, shapes, numbers and alphabets will be done but to learn to love and live is important. Trust your instincts and teach them the right things.

Conclusion

I have said before too, but I will say it again. Mummies, you are fantastic and are doing an excellent job. Trust your mother’s instincts as this will keep your baby safe. A mother is like a shield for the child, protecting them at all steps. There is nothing more potent than your love for your baby and your connection with each other is the most powerful. Maternal instinct is God’s gift to you so trust it and enjoy motherhood. Just remember,

A mother’s instincts are amazing. Trust these instincts. They can tell you what to do long before your head can figure it out.