Mommy Guilt

I read in a book once something to the effect of 'as soon as a woman has a child, the guilt sets in.' And my goodness how true it is. One of the bloggers I stalk just did a post on guilt and it made me think about my own.


I remember, shortly after coming home from the hospital with Little d, standing in the shower and being absolutely terrified. I thought 'if something happens to her I will die.' And then I thought, 'I should hurry up and get out of the shower and get back to her.' Nevermind that she was in the loving care of my husband. I felt guilty for not being there with her. And I don't think I have stopped feeling the guilt since.


There's losing my patience guilt, and the wishing I could lock the bathroom door to sh!t guilt. Don't forget the I'm not paying enough attention to my husband guilt. (That thought never enters your mind of course until way after the shock of "I'm a mother!?!" wears off.)

Now that I have two kiddos the guilt is doubled, at least. I'm spending more time with one and not the other guilt. I'm giving the older one too much responsibility guilt. I need to eat before I faint, but the little one is crying to be held guilt. (This one is remedied of course by eating while standing with baby on hip and shoving nearest food in mouth.) I'm letting them watch too much TV guilt. The house isn't clean enough guilt. And the still popular, I'm not paying enough attention to my husband guilt.


I'm wondering when it goes away. Are grandmothers plagued by this guilt? Or does it finally let up as a reward for raising children to adulthood? I'm doubting it. But there is a positive to having guilt. It makes me strive to be a better mom.

I wonder if there is such a thing as Daddy Guilt? Well, babe? Are you reading this...is there? hehehe ;)