Why the hell didn’t anyone tell me it would be this hard? Am I the only mother who feels like she’s failing?

I was so excited to finally become a mom. I thought I had everything figured out, cramming for impending motherhood like I was studying for the SAT’s. I consumed book after book, preparing for birth and my new life. I was CLUELESS!!!

I had the birth I wasn’t expecting, our daughter didn’t latch and she never stopped crying unless she was asleep or held. I had heard it was hard but nothing like this.

Depressed, anxious and overwhelmed, I took to social media to share my journey and ask questions. I wasn’t prepared for the overwhelming response from other mamas out there telling me their stories or how they went through something similar. Most of these came in the form of DM’s because these mamas were still too ashamed to admit their thoughts/troubles/experiences.

I created The Mamas Table as a way for women to share their experiences with pregnancy and motherhood. To ask the questions that no one wants to ask for fear of that bs “mom guilt”. Since I’m also a chef, I wanted to share some easy recipes and have these conversations over a meal as well.

While Covid-19 has prevented us from gathering at the table with family, friends and strangers, we can still share a meal and share our stories. My goal is each week to bring awareness to a topic pertaining to motherhood. With food/good meals sprinkled in.

Thank you for following along on my journey. I can’t wait to hear about yours!

xo,

Mercedes “Cedes” Stahlberger & Skylar