Embracing Parenthood

In this blog article, I wanted to talk about the additional layer of difficulty that comes with being a parent who has an ostomy. Managing my ostomy while navigating motherhood has required self-awareness, endurance, and fortitude.
I wanted to be open and honest with my children when I explained my ostomy, but I also wanted to make sure they knew in a way that wouldn't overwhelm or frighten people. 
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I explained to each of them, once age appropriate,  how sometimes our bodies work differently and that my tummy needed some extra help, so the doctors made a little opening called a stoma. It's nothing to be scared of; it's just a different way my body works now. Just like how we all have different hair colors or eye colors, this is just another thing that makes me unique. They may not fully understand what an ostomy is, but for now my hope is that they understand that everyone is different and that is okay. 

Encouraging questions was crucial. My children are  naturally curious, and I wanted them to feel comfortable asking anything they wanted to know. I used visual aids like diagrams and children's books to help them understand better. Seeing their understanding grow and their acceptance deepen was incredibly heartwarming.
But it wasn't just about explaining it to them; it was also about accepting it within myself. Parenthood is already a whirlwind of emotions and responsibilities, and adding the physical and emotional adjustments of life with an ostomy can feel overwhelming at times. However, I've learned to prioritize self-care, reaching out for support when needed, and embracing my body's new normal.

Balancing parenthood with self-care has been crucial. Whether it's taking time for a workout, going for a walk or run, seeking support from loved ones, or connecting with fellow ostomates through support groups, taking care of myself allows me to be the best parent I can be.

Yes, there are challenges unique to parenting as an ostomate, but there are also countless moments of joy, laughter, and love. My ostomy doesn't define me as a parent; it's just one aspect of who I am. And through open communication, patience, and understanding, my children have learned to accept and embrace this part of me, just as I have.

So, to all the ostomate parents out there: you are not alone. Embrace your journey, lean on your support system, and remember that being an ostomate doesn't diminish your ability to be an amazing parent. We are strong, resilient, and capable of navigating parenthood with grace, even with our ostomy pouches in tow.    

In my next post, I’ll talk about navigating pregnancy as an ostomate. 
​Thanks for reading! Xoxo