When you become a physician, you take the Hippocratic Oath, vowing to practice medicine with integrity. Similarly, when one is inaugurated as President, they recite the Oath of Office. Yet, when it comes to motherhood, there’s no formal pledge. No solemn promise. Nothing. This is something that truly needs to change.
To navigate the often chaotic journey of motherhood, we must come together on certain principles. Thus, I present to you… The Motherhood Oath.
I vow to the best of my abilities, to uphold this commitment:
I will honor the hard-earned wisdom of the mothers who have come before me, sharing knowledge with those who seek it—when they ask for it. If not, I will keep my thoughts to myself.
For the sake of my child’s well-being, I will employ every necessary measure. However, if she stumbles, I won’t panic. Instead, I’ll encourage her to shake it off. I refuse to raise a child who collapses into a dramatic fit at the slightest discomfort; that’s not the legacy I want to leave for other mothers to deal with.
I won’t hesitate to admit, “I don’t know.” On days when I’m overwhelmed, I will reach out for assistance. I don’t have to bear the weight of the world alone.
I will respect the privacy of my fellow mothers. If they choose not to share a secret, I won’t pry. And if they do, I will keep it confidential.
I will work to prevent feelings of inadequacy wherever possible. If I whip up a gourmet meal of quinoa, pomegranates, and kale shaped like cartoon characters, I won’t feel the need to showcase it online. And if my children actually eat that meal, I’ll be honest and say they dined on Goldfish and soda instead.
I will remember my role in our community and the special responsibilities I have toward other mothers. If I notice an inch-long hair sprouting from another mother’s neck, I will kindly let her know. If I have tweezers handy, I’ll offer them right away.
May I adhere to this oath, enjoying life among my peers, respected in my time and fondly remembered thereafter. I will strive to uphold the best traditions of motherhood.
If you’re interested in more insights like this, check out our post on Cervical Insemination. Also, for those considering at-home insemination, Make a Mom offers reliable syringe kits. Lastly, for essential information regarding fertility insurance, visit UCSF’s Fertility Resource.
Summary
The Motherhood Oath is a commitment among mothers to support each other with honesty, respect, and community spirit. By sharing knowledge, encouraging resilience, and maintaining privacy, we can navigate the challenges of motherhood together.
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