TRIBE FOUND

This blog was originally posted September 8, 2017.

Everyone should have a group of friends that they feel at home around. There are so many shirts and mugs and hand-painted pallet wood signs beckoning us to Find Your Tribe. According to Merriam-Webster there are a few definitions of the word tribe but basically your tribe is your support system, your comic relief, your shoulder to cry on. Your tribe is your friends and their friends that you know you can count on for a coffee date or to grab a beer, to watch your kids or to borrow a fancy purse because why would I own a fancy purse! These are the people who have enough in common with you that you can talk for hours but enough differences that you are interested in them and never bored.

As a new mom, many years ago, I was lonely and aching to make mom friends. None of my friends had kids and I really felt like I was the only one thinking crazy things and feeling overwhelmed with motherhood. My childless friends were there but not really there. Over time I met more people with whom I connected with on different levels, lots of them even knew each other and the tribe grew. I became a member of a tribe of birth workers as well and consider them my sisters as we all share a passion, not just a career to help families during pregnancy and childbirth. These groups of friends, family, colleagues, clients and like-minded people are now the tribe I learn with, laugh with (and sometimes at), grow and celebrate with.

Each person in my tribe holds a unique place in my life and in my heart and I hope that I can be half the friend to them that they are to me. I am a better person, woman and mother to have these people in my life. I encourage everyone to appreciate your tribe and be grateful for all the moments you share. If you feel that you are tribe-less, look no further, the Two Hands Birth Family will be your tribe. Tribe Found!

JESSICA RUSCETTA

Jessica is a doula, lactation counselor and childbirth educator. She is momma to 3 little humans, and wife to her wonderful husband, Nick. Jessica doesn't own any fancy purses. When she is not taking care of her family she enjoys watching Call The Midwife, cake and the occasional beer. You can read more about Jessica here.