Having had no prior experience with small children I couldn’t even imagine what life would be like as a mom. 
Just after our baby boy Lars entered this world he lay on my chest looking at me and I had no idea how to hold him and what to do next. It didn’t matter. I let my intuition take over. Breastfeeding for example worked out simply and beautifully for us. So we kept going with it for the next 1.5 years just because it felt naturally and was oh so convenient.
However, I quickly found out that being a mom is not all easy. Maybe that’s why it all starts with going through labor. I found the birth itself so powerful that after it I felt capable of almost doing anything. Except that I couldn’t even stand up really for the first days if not weeks.
My husband stepped in and thus also developed a strong bond with our sweet boy from the very start changing diapers, dressing and bathing him and carrying him around in the baby sling. We didn’t have nor need a stroller.
Actually, we did not buy much baby gear up front at all and instead acquired things as we needed them. Boy, did that save a lot of resources, money, physical and mental space! We got most of it secondhand too since that’s more gentle on the environment and on our wallet.
We feel more than ever that we owe it to the next generation – and to our baby boy – to live more sustainably. We want Lars to still be able to experience nature, breathe clean air and drink unpolluted water. As humans, we forget just too often that we are part of nature ourselves and depend on basic natural resources.
Small changes were easy and fun to implement into our daily life, especially together as a family. Like drinking tap water, bringing our own bottles and shopping bags, starting to reduce our household waste by looking out for package free items and simply using a bar of olive oil soap instead of shower gel, shampoo, shaving cream, hand soap as well as for washing our dishes (it’s nontoxic too). Most of the solutions that are good for the planet are also good for our health. Every time we ran out of a product we were looking for a better alternative or decided we didn’t need it at all. Once we tweaked little things and got used to them in our routine we took bigger leaps. It feels really good and teaches our little one to live more intentional and responsibly. Just get started, take one step at a time and see where it leads you!
As family managers, moms need to not forget about their own balance in life as well. So after taking time off at first I then resumed working three days a week, continued volunteering at a nonprofit organization and am still writing my blog and giving talks. I keep our household and daily routines simple, chucked out the TV and don’t force to go to early intervention classes to free up time for things that are really important and enjoyable to me and my family. Lars goes to a day-care center five days a week and likes his time there with all the other kids and fun activities.
Before you ask, no, it doesn’t always work out smoothly. At times I feel overwhelmed from juggling so many things at once not having enough time or energy to do them all. But that’s OK! Sometimes we just need to rethink our priorities and let the rest go for a while. I also agreed with my husband that I get two hours to myself every weekend and so does he. I find it important to be content so I can be the best version of myself for my family as well.
The one on one time I spend with my little boy is very precious to me. I try to completely be with him and immerse into his world. Children are so incredibly funny, curious and loving! Lars slows me down, in a good way, as I’m learning to be very patient which isn’t exactly my strongest trait. I enjoy spending quality time with him playing, cuddling, discovering and getting a glance on things through his eyes.
For me being a mom is one of the most normal things in the world and at the same time so, so special.
________________________________Anne Tieseler Nachhaltigkeits-Bloggerin Dipl.-Ing. (FH) Innenarchitektur & LEED Green Associate Aktivistin bei Zero Waste Nürnberg by Bluepingu e.V. Mobil: 0163 7681533 E-Mail: [email protected] Webseite: grüneralltag.de