Motherhood is nothing like it used to be prior to social media. Never were there “bumpdates,” or baby name hashtags. Judgement was at bay because the harsh virtual world and all of its criticism wasn’t sitting in the palm of your hand.
Snacks had less “fatal” ingredients, and the pressures to keep up and constantly be a better mom “like her” used to look a lot different than it does today.
In a recent visit to the doctor, mommy-blogger Melissa Fenton was reminded of the joys of being a first-time mom.
“I had an appointment today with my OB/GYN. (Nope, not pregnant- I’m well beyond child bearing years.)
With me in the waiting room sat a couple- clearly eager first time parents- flipping through pregnancy magazines and looking anxious and excited. When I got to my exam room, I realized they were in the room right next to mine, as I could hear their muffled voices and nervous laughter.
And then I heard the most magical sound in the world.
Thump thump. Thump thump. Thump thump. Thump thump.
It was the loud and unmistakable sound of their baby’s heartbeat coming through on the fetal doppler.
As I listened, I took a deep breath filled with gratitude that I was once lucky enough to hear that sound from my own womb, then I smiled- remembering how 20 years ago I first heard the sound of that sweet beat, and how it filled my soul like nothing else had before. It filled my soul with instant and immeasurable joy.”
Melissa says as quickly as her heart beamed for this sweet young couple, it became sad with sorrow because of what “modern mothering” means for that wide-eyed, excited mother.