Dear Momma,

You are a strong, beautiful woman, You’re doing everything right. Reading the books, cutting down on caffeine and alcohol, trying forms of Eastern and Western medicine. You’re feeling like your prayers are falling on deaf ears. Maybe it’s even brought your relationship to its knees.

Your friends and family are posting their beautiful pregnancy announcements and sharing photos of their precious newborns. Sure, you’re doing your best to be supportive. Like the photos, commenting your well wishes. Meanwhile, you’re at home staring at pregnancy tests willing for a second line to appear. Or searching online for the secret to conceiving, like doing a secret dance at midnight on ovulation during a full moon.

It’s almost like there is a club and we just don’t know the password to get in. You’re doing the things to get into the club, but you don’t meet the requirements to be let in to the inner circle. There are all these club events you see posted- the first ultrasound, maternity photos, and hospital tours- but you’re not invited, yet.

We want to be happy for the women invited into the club, but jealousy rears her ugly head and the ill wishes start. It’s okay to be hurt, and even jealous. You’re doing your best, and that’s all any of us can hope for.

In 2022, I’m wishing you all the sticky baby dust I can find. I’m praying for each of you that your time will come, no matter how you choose to proceed. I’m here to celebrate with you, to mourn with you, or to listen to you. I’m hoping that these new moms are showing you grace, and giving you space to mourn instead of shoving their happy news down your throat. I’m hoping that each of you have space to grow mentally and physically. I’m praying you get invited into the club, and get to see that sweet baby heartbeat for the first time. I’m praying for your health and happiness.

Best wishes momma, you’ve got this.