Last Night Was Rough…..

I continued to sway my sweet girl and remind her that she was okay and very tired. I kissed her sweaty forehead, and for a brief moment, she was calm. So I kissed her again and again and again. I put my forehead against hers and then kissed her cheeks. She was silent. After 5 minutes, she was asleep.

Almost an hour of incessant crying and what ended up helping her? A gentle reminder that I was there and that this right here (sleep…) is okay, she is safe, and I am there. Right there. A human touch, a gesture of love, compassion, reassurance and connection. That’s it. And then she was out. She had been in my arms the entire hour she was crying, but the notion of feeling my heat, smell and/or skin on hers was the reassurance she needed.

Babies cry because they need something. Even if it is only a gentle touch that says I’m here and I love you. They aren’t meant to function like clockwork, they aren’t meant to be trained.

They are intended to have guidance and security as they navigate the world. Their world grows exceptionally bigger every single day – they need to know we are there. And always will be. And that their cries will be answered, never ignored.

It’s learning, growing and unconditional love. Always unconditional love. Learning at their own pace, not training. Growing through example and guidance, not solitary confinement. Unconditional love, every moment of every day. No restrictions. Laying your baby to bed does not excuse you from parental responsibilities, nor does your baby stop needing you in those hours. Simple as that.

Originally published here.

Emily Borries is a passionate, young writer whose works reflect her profound love for motherhood and family. After a traumatic delivery of her second child, Emily developed a deep appreciation for maternal health, both physical and mental. She intends for her writing to bring awareness and create a more fluent conversation in regards to both. Emily lives with her husband and their two young girls in Seattle, WA.