The Phrase that Hits

 In the weeks and months that follow a birth, it's normal to see a variety of health care providers, for both the baby and the mom. They all ask in slightly varied ways how you're "doing" - and by doing they mean coping. For this postpartum season, I've found myself answering the same way, and being fully understood by every provider:

"It never feels like too much."

They all knowingly "mmm," and some seem relieved. They understand that I'm not never overwhelmed, but it is never too much. That I face hours of exhaustion, but it's never too much. I fall behind in house work and personal care, but it's never too much.

What made it too much before? A 2 week paternity leave. Unhealed abdominal muscles. A pandemic and remote learning. Maybe even being so young. I don't regret any of those postpartum seasons, but I can't say I remember much of how they truly felt. It's been too much in other seasons, but this just isn't one of them.