Being a mom didn't always come natural to me... why I love being a mom

[@heyshayla]

Please add what YOU love about being a mom! It took me a while to get into the swing of things and took some work to figure out what I needed to gain back my identity. One of those things was LEARNING, which is why I partnered with Skillshare for this video The first 1,000 people to use this link will get a 1 month free trial of Skillshare: skl.sh/heyshayla02221

[@ASMRKay_]

I’d love a version of this but dad addition, if Seth is willing too We’re expecting our first in May and my husband is getting a little nervous because he’s never taken care of a baby.

[@swozzie1]

That unconditional love...

[@alyssapraiswater6422]

I challenge you to set a reminder in your phone for whenever you are about 5-ish weeks postpartum to re-watch this! I just went from 1 to 2 last fall and I feel like the 3-7 week window is when I would have needed to be reminded of some things amidst the chaos!

[@heyshayla]

@@alyssapraiswater6422 I love this advice!!

[@mbutler2905]

Being a mom had helped build my confidence a ton. Like I don’t feel bad saying no to events I don’t want to go to, walking away from toxic situations, and in general just realizing that I made a human, hear me roar!

[@notme1255]

I love that you're talking about this. My husband and I are starting a family and I feel like I don't hear the positives from many women around me. I'm in a corporate office environment for now and most of the women here are empty nesters or self-described "modern" women in my age group who never want kids because they "just hold you back"... 🙄 I honestly wish I hadn't believed that lie for so long and I wish we had started our family sooner. We're both so excited 😁 Thanks Shayla

[@kayoss2306]

I wish we started our family sooner too. I'm holding my first baby, my 10 week old baby boy right now, and I know that nothing else I experience in life could possibly match the feeling when I see him smile at me, it is magical ❤️

[@nancyguo01]

Wow this is what I am searching for. I wana be a mom but try to find references online mostly are negative. I still believe motherhood is the most beautiful

[@llamatacos8365]

My favorite thing was the respect it gave me about myself. I realized for the first time in my life how important my husband was, and the kind of love I have for him and my baby. So my time with them became so important so for the first time I was strong enough to put boundaries up for myself from other people.

[@CarlyMitchell937]

Thank you for this! Keeping it real is important, but I think there’s a trend towards speaking primarily negatively about motherhood in the name of “keeping it real,” and it feels like so many mom influencers low key hate their kids. This video was such a breath of fresh air!

[@heyshayla]

YES!! Thats how it's been feeling a bit lately!! And I do not want it to be like that! I'm glad you understood what I was saying and that you liked the video! You should also check out instagram.com/tessaromero_/ on instagram. I just had her on my podcast and her positivity is off the charts lol

[@emilys3638]

YES! This!! I definitely recognize the value of authenticity but I do find that a lot of people seem to be using this "keeping it real" line as an excuse to just complain and vent, and it is NOT a healthy thing at that level of negativity. Sure, parenting is hard and there ARE struggles, but the trend is leaning too far towards focusing on the difficulties lately, without even offering solutions or encouragement. So I totally agree and really appreciate videos like this which celebrate it! And Shayla doesn't sugarcoat, she's telling us the REAL good stuff! "Tell it like it is" doesn't have to be a negative thing! Lol!

[@MrsAPeterson]

I love sleeping with my baby. We bed share and it has brought so many extra hours of sleep and I am glad more people are ‘admitting’ it!

[@alexandralawson1728]

Omg yes 100%! I’m 30wks pregnant and today my 4yr old son and I took the longest nap it felt sooooooo good we both slept so well! I loved it

[@AC-iw5mv]

Sameeee

[@laurengallego1709]

Yes I think bedsharing is just necessary for survival let alone being great to have snuggles and seeing your baby safe next to you all night

[@alexandralawson1728]

@@laurengallego1709 yes 💯

[@Sprickles58]

The constant evolution of motherhood always amazes me even when it’s hard. My son just turned 1 and I was just feeling like “yeah, I got this, I know what I’m doing” but it’s changing again. I can tell he’s starting to have strong emotions and get frustrated and I’m back to feeling like I don’t know what he wants because his wants are changing. But I know I’ll grow with him as I follow his lead and I’m excited to see where we end up. ( I Can’t wait for him to start talking)

[@jgeorge4919]

I do not have baby in my arms yet. STILL pregnant. But I enjoyed the positive list thing from a realistic perspective. I’ve heard SO much about how I’m going to be miserable in this last month, I’m not going to be able to handle childbirth, I’ll have to have a c-section, I’ll get no sleep…it’s seemingly all negative. So I appreciate the positive video.

[@ateliersparks]

the last one made me cry because i could not agree more.

[@caitchristensen10]

First time mom here with a baby girl who is 6 weeks. 💕 Loved everything about this video, especially the last point. I need reminders that this truly is an amazing journey! I am grateful to be a mom, but it definitely has its moments of being really hard. Especially the breastfeeding journey 🙈 But currently looking down at my baby in my arms who just fell asleep while nursing. What a beautiful moment. ❤️

[@heyshayla]

Oh man. It is quite the journey I did a video on this too, I hope you find helpful/ encouraging ❤️ m.kzbin.info/www/bejne/m4XHpnmhrdWFqsk

[@unraveledmotherhood]

Breastfeeding is hard sometimes, especially the beginning saying a prayer for you now mama.

[@ASMRKay_]

One of the biggest things I love about you is how you speak your truth. Co sleeping and bed sharing isn’t for everyone but I love that you continue it because it works for your family and brings you all joy. You’ll never get these moments back. I’m a couple weeks behind you in this pregnancy, with my first, and I’m so excited to share my pre baby activities/ hobbies! And that was so cute when Aleah told you to ‘hurry please mama’ (Sorry pregnancy brain on how you spell her name!😅)

[@heyshayla]

Haha there are 10k ways to spell it. Ive just started to write AJ 😂😂 Yay!!! We’re getting closer 😅😅

[@unraveledmotherhood]

love this comment, so true bed sharing isn't for everyone, but it is a great option (we do a hybrid version hah)

[@silverscapes9628]

My son is only 4 months old, so I can’t speak too much from experience, but I love the cuddles. I cosleep as well for a number of reasons. You’re actually the one who taught me it’s okay. The rest of my family thinks it’s weird. My grandma keeps trying to give me advice on getting him to sleep on his own, and maybe one day I’ll try it, but right now, I can’t. I love the cuddles too much, and it breaks my heart when he cries because he’s alone.

[@hollymatthews8807]

RIE parenting is one of the best things that happened to my parenthood journey! My enjoyment of motherhood increased exponentially when I started learning and embracing RIE principles. Love your content, Shayla!

[@rmelper]

Wanting to do more of these principles with second baby, especially avoiding propping up/facilitating mobility that they're not capable of achieving independently. What do you feel was particularly valuable to you?

[@lindsaystudebaker1727]

I also traveled the world and lived out of the country before having my baby. It’s been an adjustment going from being so “free” to being very grounded. I wouldn’t change a thing though. I’m going to share my passion for travel with my baby AND delight in having a daily routine. My favorite thing about being a mom is seeing my baby’s face light up when I walk into the room. Melts my heart every time 🥰

[@bbresnan7649]

Casually started crying when you said #11… couldn’t agree more!

[@heyshayla]

I think I did a little in the video too lol my face turns red 🥰

[@laurengallego1709]

I LOVE the open mouth baby kisses (I have a 16 month old son) and when he runs to me smiling for a hug 😍😍🥰

[@MayanPrincess3]

Pregnancy is definitely an emotional time. I cry at how beautiful my life is just looking at my 2 yr old and telling her all about being a big sister soon! It truly IS incredible. We are sacred vessels as corny as that sounds. It’s true. Love love this video 💕🥰💕

[@heyshayla]

I needed to read this

[@jessicacrane5553]

“Out of all the things that I have done (aka a ton) this is the one that has challenged me and changed me for the BETTER” Amen much needed ❤️

[@brittaniesch3391]

I had 4 children with my first husband. They are 17,16,14,13. I just had another baby last year. I don't know what it is about starting over but I'm enjoying everything about it. I'm more patient now I guess because I'm older, but this time I'm like ok little buddy. What are we exploring? I'm like you I love the cuddle cause I know how fast they end. I'm appreciating everything this time!

[@sofirebora22]

co-sleeping is the norm here... I´m with you, cosleeping is the best

[@annarocha3254]

I love being outside with my boys. My oldest is 15 months and my youngest is six weeks. I adore seeing my 1 year old explore.

[@alexissalomon755]

Wow, I feel so amazed at how much I relate to this. Thank you!

[@eirdoula]

It makes my heart so happy seeing you glow while you talk about the joys of motherhood. You are so honest and real❤️

[@kaylinharris8214]

Love the positivity!

[@MommaStroup]

❤️motherhood is amazing! You’re right, it is the best adventure! Very rewarding!…and it’s not just a pregnancy high. Breast feeding and sharing that moment with your child is so beautiful and rewarding!

[@allie3320]

Love love love this video, Shayla! My oldest just turned 5 & still will randomly climb into bed with us at 4am sometimes & it’s the greatest feeling in the world! I cherish those mornings I wake up to her putting my arm around her♥️ Having a second baby is a huge adjustment, but I know you’ll crush it! Remember to rewatch this video & remind yourself when you’re in the thick of adjusting to toddlerhood & newborn life😳☺️♥️

[@jenelleg423]

Hi, I really enjoyed this video! Going to be a new mom soon and have had a rough first trimester. This actually got me excited for this whole process again and I feel like there really is so much to look forward to.

[@sarahmarrufo2542]

I love cuddle time before bed with my son. Holding him and rocking in a chair while watching his eyelids get heavy is the most satisfying thing. No matter how the day has gone, it warms my heart to have that moment before he goes to sleep. And then I love that I still miss him after he goes to bed at night, even though I spend all day with him every day.

[@lil-mumma-adventures]

I get so resentful of my youngest child’s father. We broke up when I was pregnant.. we tired for our baby for years. So I hold anger that he gets to go off and be a part time dad. All the fun things and he takes credit for things that I do 100% myself. Sucks lol. Wow that was a rant haha! Thanks for this video. Very honest and that’s so helpful when us mummas can sometimes feel alone. I co sleep and I frickin love it! It’s actually the best

[@ASMRKay_]

I can’t imagine being in this position but I just wanted to say your baby will have so much love and respect for you once they’re old enough to realize. Obviously this doesn’t make it easier now but wow will they realize how much for a super hero their mama is when they’re old enough!❤️ Too bad they don’t give out medals for the amazing work you’re doing!

[@lil-mumma-adventures]

@@ASMRKay_ aw thank you! Very nice message xx

[@LayneCancer]

My favorite thing about mother hood is hearing her giggles, being the one she comes to when she’s scared/sad, and that everything she does she’s doing for the first time therefore everything is the coolest. On the rare occasion she goes grocery shopping with us, she’s as happy as a clam dancing to the music because she thinks the store is so cool 😂 The only “bad” part of parenthood for us has been her teething. Give me the sleepless newborn stage any day over teething lol

[@totustuus11]

You are SO RIGHT about the fun in the observing. I tell my husband all the time that our son, who recently turned one year, is so freaking INTERESTING. I only work twice a week so I spend most of my days with him and I enjoy just seeing him try things and love books and meet people when we are out. He fascinates me. I'm so curious about what he's thinking/feeling. It's not unlike the beginning of a dating relationship - all discovery and learning and wonder! Love love love. Thanks for the video!

[@thamayo25]

Hi, not sure if you like me saying this but you look so pretty (I mean brave lol)! Your skin is really glowing, it doesnt matter if preggo or not. Enjoy your last few weeks of rest and your new little family addition soon🥰

[@heyshayla]

woof I appreciate this more than you know. I felt like I looked so disheveled lol THANK YOU

[@victoriahastings2949]

My little boy is 6 months old. I love seeing him grow and learn, and I am 100% there with you enjoying learning so much. I sometimes feel overwhelmed by all the decisions you have to make as a parent, but I have been learning how to trust my judgement and be kind to myself about my choices. I think I’ve learnt how to be so much more gracious to myself and others since being a mother. I also just love making him laugh, and when we can both laugh together. I am so excited for a lifetime of smiles with him. Thank you for this video 🤍 xx

[@brendahusing2185]

Haven't watched you in awhile but you always make me smile! Keep it up mama! I can't wait to hear about your thoughts on having two kids and I'm sorry but I chuckled at your comment about things slowing down after your next is born 😆😆 Being a mom is the best 😁

[@rebekahingles2638]

My baby girl is 5 months and so far the thing I love most about being a mom is the feeling of being her everything. When she looks at me and just beams with joy just because I’m there is the most gratifying feeling. Knowing I am her whole world, her comfort, her nourishment, her best friend, and all she really needs, it is the best feeling in the world. It can sometimes be exhausting haha but I never want it to end ❤️

[@Dana-mb1hd]

I just love your VIBE and your videos!

[@kayladahlgren3514]

LOVE!! Your daughter will love watching this someday! What I love about being a mom is how much my kids have taught me about myself and my capacity for love. Each childs personality is so different and things that work for one, may not work for the other. Being on that learning journey has been a ride, and one that is so beautiful at the same time. ♥️

[@ameliamchenry2944]

Loved hearing this positive perspective from you! Motherhood is the BEST. I’m curious if you plan to cosleep with both of your babies (at the same time)? This is what I plan to do but it’s not the “norm” so I’d like to see what that looks like- if you are looking for future video ideas 😊

[@heyshayla]

I’m working on a podcast about this specifically!!

[@theharvestpodcast]

I’m a new mom and your videos have been so helpful 💜💜

[@Alissarowe44432]

Due in August. Thanks for this ❤️❤️

[@zlcoad1]

My 13yr old still loves to snuggle. I LOVE it so much!!!

[@dakeyahabersham4161]

I absolutely love how you don’t care what other people think about your choices as a mother!!!! I.e Co-sleeping. Love your response

[@madisonryanbrown2879]

I love this. And yes, second baby is SO enjoyable. My coming into motherhood was shiiiit for a million things including a traumatic, malpractice birth🥴 I didn’t enjoy a dang thing hardly with my son in the beginning. Number 2 though? Holy shit, I’m addicted to this chubby girl and have loved just about every part of it. It’s so enjoyable the second go when you know who you are as a mother and you don’t have to meet the new you that’s life altering. I just stared at my daughter the first 4 months in awe. I didn’t have any of the old thoughts of “god I can’t wait till you’re older so this isn’t so hard”. You slow down so much with the second, even though it all goes by so much faster🥺😩

[@MsMegancarter]

It’s nice to have a video like this cz as much as I get that all moms wanna be real etc and not say being a mother is sunshine and roses, it’s just swung so heavily the opposite direction. Now all moms on KZbin and even shows on Netflix are about how hard motherhood is and how much sucks. So this is nice. I don’t understand why society always has to swing hard in one direction or another. With everything. It’s stupid. Thanks for this

[@emilys3638]

AGREED!!! I've been noticing this too and it's not good... Whereas this type of video is realistic AND positive!!

[@claregoldade]

Love your videos! Also, can you do an updated video on how cloth diapering is going? I'm hoping to start cloth diapering my 2mo old this month 😬

[@heyshayla]

I have a few videos!! Search “cloth diaper” on my channel! I did a one year update. Or do you mean more recent than that? We’re starting potty training now 😵‍💫

[@claregoldade]

@@heyshayla yes! I've watched your other videos and have found them very helpful, I guess I'm just looking for more info as to how it has gone further than where you left off. But if there are no changes since your last video, that's all good👍

[@MultiDaisy1995]

I have definitely become more intentional with my time. I’m also finding that I can’t be a 50/50 person all day. I do best having an allotted amount of time for things. My wife & I co-slept with our baby for the first few months. Now she’s 4 months old & we co-sleep for some naps & After her early morning feed my wife puts baby girl on her chest so I can squeeze in a couple more hrs of sleep. ❤️

[@AnikaL0vesCotton]

My baby is a horrible sleeper. I get no sleep if I bed share. We went on vacation last week and it was torture to share a bed. I had a playpin but thought it would be nice to cuddle. I was wrong. I just got kicked and smacked all night long. And she rolled off the bed at night.

[@danyelleanderson9106]

I love watching them try to figure out English and use words in silly ways. That's what makes me laugh the most right now in life is hearing their crazy sentences haha. Mom tip, keep a paper hanging somewhere you can get to often and write the things they say! You don't think you'll ever forget but I promise by the next day you'll probably have forgotten. I also have a one-line a day journal that I now write them all in. It's a precious memory.

[@annarocha3254]

Ps. I hate the newborn stage. Every little thing about it. But I LOVE my sons and I am so thankful I get to watch them grown and change so quickly.

[@samadams6341]

I also LOVE cuddling, co sleeping, breast feeding all the adorable moments 🥰

[@leslieannking]

Do you miss traveling? One thing I really worry about is missing out on my dream of traveling and not having time for myself. Any tips or thoughts?

[@heyshayla]

I miss it a lot and there’s such little time for yourself unless you’re very conscious about it and have the support of people to help with your mini!

[@leslieannking]

@@heyshayla so true! Do you have tips for making time for yourself with a baby? Also, do you regret having children? I also think having help is so important. Do you plan on traveling again?

[@Daymickey]

Will you share your passion of traveling with Aliyah? I think she’ll love it 😊. If so where would you take her first?

[@heyshayla]

100000% We CANNOT WAIT to get traveling. I'm thinking Norway or Sweden honestly! I think it would be such a fun place to get outside!

[@yaliza.rodriguez3012]

You look like Mama Doctor Jones for a second 💗

[@MayanPrincess3]

Your belly is too cute. How is my belly way bigger at 21 weeks 😬 I probably have gestational diabetes for baby #2 lol Does anyone else have a giant belly the second time around or just me?

[@heyshayla]

My midwife constantly tells me how long my torso is. There’s an aggressive amount of space

[@franziskasummers2765]

Hmm the editing on this is somehow a bit… much. I love your channel just fyi☺️ I know you looked for someone to edit I wonder if this is a new person because it’s a bit hyper. Hope it’s ok to say this you’re amazing and the reason we do cloth diapers, blw and booked our first flight!💕🌸🌸

[@unraveledmotherhood]

"Motherhood stretches you in ways you didn't know that you can be stretched." After 3 pregnancies and births I have to agree. As a mom of four (including my step child). Motherhood has taught me how to be a better person. It almost forces you to be. I am totally failing all the time, but so grateful for little humans that encourage and love me anyway!

[@melindaswanson9670]

I love having a partner in crime. I love that I have company everywhere I go. I get to hang out with this cool little person and watch her experience the world.

[@Lala420t0kes]

Just here to say thank you for normalizing bed sharing!

[@dolcepescas6153]

There will come a day when all girls REALLY needs to know/hear that she's beautiful, but probably not till she's like 12-18. Boys on the other hand, will need to know/hear that they're capable, doing a great job, respectable

[@laninshki]

Who cares

[@hannahbesse6212]

Obviously you do since you're watching. Also, why do you feel the need to be so rude? Just click away if you don't like the video. But the title pretty accurately described the contents of the video... sooo back to point A.

[@ASMRKay_]

@@hannahbesse6212 silly them for commenting though. It just helps Shayla get boosted the more people comment. 😉

[@heyshayla]

🙌🙌🙌😂😂