‘I never understood the concept of ‘it takes a village,’ until I needed one.’: New mom reflects on importance of supportive community ‘even when things are great’

“I never really understood the concept of ‘it takes a village,’ until I needed one. I remember all of the faces of the women who attended my baby shower.

So many women; many of them were mamas who had come before me. I felt so celebrated that day and so supported by this new community I felt I had already become a part of.

I remember a lot of the advice I was given; soaking it all in because as confident as I felt about this new adventure, I was nervous.

And then she was here, and all of the things I felt so confident about became worries and insecurities. We were getting very little rest and I felt like I didn’t really know what I was doing.

But I will never forget the friend who brought me home-cooked, ready-to-heat meals and the friends and family who came by in the first stages when I was feeling so vulnerable and it would have been easier to stay away.

Now she is older. She’s growing so quickly and this stage is so entertaining and joyful. I needed my village when I was figuring motherhood out and when I was at my worst.

But you realize in life that as much as you need ‘your people’ when things are rough, you also need them around when things are great.

I will never forget the friends who brought over Easter baskets and the friends who ask how she is when we see each other, even when she’s not around.

The friends and family who check in and show interest in this little person who is a such a reflection of me.

Because becoming a parent means everything and having a village around to share in the beauty of it all is the best feeling in the world.

So, thank you to all of the people who have shared in this experience with us. We really couldn’t have made it this far without you, and I promise you I’ll never forget what it means to us…and to her.”

This story was submitted to Love What Matters by Sashya Zahaby from Quebec, Canada. You can follow her journey on Instagram and TikTok. Submit your own story here and be sure to subscribe to our free email newsletter for our best stories, and YouTube for our best videos.

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