Lifting Each Other Up #SisterhoodUnite

A few weeks ago, I helped spread the word about a new movement by Similac called The Sisterhood of Motherhood (if you haven't seen the video yet, you must!) In short, the program's goal is to encourage a new conversation amongst mothers, minus the judgment that often comes with our parenting decisions. And it's a conversation worth having. The amount of time and effort spent writing, talking and re-hashing stay-at-home moms vs. working moms, attachment vs. free range parenting, breastfeeding vs. formula moms... the list goes on... it's EXHAUSTING.

I've been on both sides of the stay-at-home vs. working mom debate. I felt the "tisk tisk" judgment from some when I went back to work after my children were born. While nothing was ever said outright, I actually felt passive aggressive comments to be even worse (they came from every which direction) - and never mind what I was feeling inside, which was almost always conflicted. Then, I was laid off when Vivian was about a year and a half. Suddenly I found myself on the other side of the debate, and I wasn't quite sure how to feel about it.

Even though I do receive work as a freelance writer and blogger, I still feel that because I'm at home, there are some who think I'm sitting around eating bon bons all day (I'm not, for the record). Silent judgment is tough. And it's almost worse when it comes from inside, as I think I'm my own toughest critic. I've really struggled with achieving that work-from-home balance while trying to be a "present" mother at the same time. And in this age of social media oversharing, I often feel the frustrating need to "keep up" with the moms who are seemingly doing it all. What a ridiculous waste of time, wouldn't you say?!

I'm so happy that I was selected for this campaign with Similac, if only to remind myself that when we only see differences, when we only contrast and judge each other, we miss out on all that we have in common -- and first and foremost as mothers, that's the love we all have for our children. Confidence in ourselves, in our decisions and our worth are reasons to lift ourselves up, not tear each other down.

Here's to embracing the here & now & lifting each other up in this sisterhood of motherhood.

Disclosure: I've partnered with Similac for The Sisterhood of Motherhood Program. As part of this program, I received compensation for my time. All opinions expressed are my own. Similac believes that consumers and bloggers are free to form their own opinions and share them in their own words. Similac’s policies align with WOMMA Ethics Code, Federal Trade Commission (FTC) guidelines and social media engagement recommendations.