Diary of a Dyspraxic Mother - Entry 2
Dear Diary,
Becoming a mother is an exciting and transformative journey, complete with its own set of challenges. As a woman with dyspraxia, a condition that affects my coordination skills, I eagerly embraced the miracle of pregnancy while bracing myself for the hurdles that lay ahead.
One of the prominent struggles I encountered revolved around maintaining balance as my baby bump continued to grow. Coordination has always been a challenge for me, but adding extra weight and a shifting centre of gravity only intensified my already delicate equilibrium. Tasks such as walking, climbing stairs, or even getting in and out of bed required more focus and concentration than ever before. It was both physically and mentally exhausting, leaving me longing for a sense of stability.
Pregnancy is a time when self-care becomes paramount. Yet, as a dyspraxic mother-to-be, simple activities like washing dishes, taking a shower, or even tying shoelaces became major obstacles. The level of fine motor control needed to accomplish everyday tasks seemed insurmountable, creating frustration and diminishing my overall sense of self-worth. Seeking assistance from loved ones became crucial, but it also highlighted the importance of understanding and compassion from those around me.
Preparing a safe and cozy space for the arrival of your little bundle of joy is an integral part of pregnancy. However, as a dyspraxic mother, transforming these nesting instincts into practical action proved to be quite challenging. Assembling nursery furniture, organizing baby clothes, and even folding blankets became daunting tasks due to my difficulties with coordination and spatial awareness. I often found myself longing for the spontaneity and ease that comes naturally to others.
Pregnancy is notorious for triggering feelings of anxiety, but adding dyspraxia into the mix heightened this emotional rollercoaster for me. The constant worry about accidentally harming my baby due to my lack of coordination was overwhelming at times. It required a considerable amount of self-reflection and support from my partner, family, and friends to overcome these anxieties and build confidence in my ability to become an excellent mother despite my condition. Something that proved more challenging after birth, but has certainly settled somewhat after some time.
The late stages of pregnancy brought forward a host of unique challenges for me as a dyspraxic mother-to-be. However, through these hardships, I have learned valuable lessons about perseverance, self-acceptance, and seeking support. Pregnancy, coupled with dyspraxia, may require additional effort and adaptations, but it does not diminish the love and care I am capable of providing to my child.
As I prepare for the next chapter of my journey as a new mother, I embrace both the triumphs and tribulations that lie ahead. Alongside other incredible mothers who face their own diverse challenges, I know that our journeys are united by a profound love for our children. Together, we redefine what it means to be exceptional parents, showing that obstacles can indeed be overcome with patience, determination, and above all, unconditional love.
Yours empathetically,
A Dyspraxic Mother
