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The Velcro Mom Chronicles: What My Newborn Taught Me About Slowing Down & Letting Go

 

If you happened to see a mom hesitantly hovering near a nursery entrance this week, holding on to a tiny human like her life depended on it—yeah, that will be me next week.

My almost four-month-old baby is officially starting nursery as I begin my postgrad journey, and I am officially deep in my Velcro Mom era (and even deeper in my feels if I'm being completely honest!)

Lessons in Slowing Down & Being Present

Before life speeds up again with deadlines, assignments, and business projects, my newborn has unknowingly been my greatest teacher in slowing down. In these past few months, I’ve learned to embrace the pauses—those quiet early morning cuddles, the mid-day giggles, and the long, slow moments where nothing seems to happen, yet everything feels significant.

For someone who thrives on structure and getting things done, adjusting to a rhythm dictated by a tiny human was an unexpected challenge. But in between the sleepless nights and the endless rocking, I’ve found a strange, beautiful stillness—one that I’m trying to carry into this next season of my life.

Peeling Myself Away (Literally)

But now, as my postgrad journey kicks off, reality is setting in. My schedule is about to get busier, my to-do lists longer, and my uninterrupted baby snuggles… significantly fewer. As I prepare to drop him off at nursery, I know I’ll be feeling all the feelings.

They say babies go through separation anxiety, but let’s be real—so do moms. As I hand my little one over to the wonderfully capable caregivers, I can already picture my hands resisting, as if my baby has magnetic properties and I’m made of pure steel. I’ll smile, wave, and then… just stand there. Waiting. Lingering. Mentally debating whether to casually blend into the decor so I can observe from a distance.

Spoiler alert: I will leave. Eventually.

The Battle of Logic vs. Mom Heartstrings

The logical side of my brain keeps reminding me: “You need this. Your studies need you. Your projects need attention. Your business needs to grow.” But my mom heart is screaming: “But he’s so tiny! What if he needs me? What if he misses me? What if he forgets my face by lunchtime?!” (Okay, that last one might be dramatic, but still.)

Here’s the thing—being a mom is about holding on and letting go at the same time. I want my baby to be in a space where he can grow, socialize, and be lovingly cared for while I chase my dreams. And I want to be fully present in my work, knowing he’s safe and happy. Balancing those two desires? That’s the real challenge.

Finding the Silver Lining

As much as I hate to admit it, a little space is good for both of us. He gets to explore a new environment, and I get to reclaim pockets of my time to focus on the many hats I wear—postgrad student, entrepreneur, lecturer, fitness coach, and now, slightly less clingy Velcro Mom (progress, not perfection!).

So here’s to all the moms going through this transition. If you’re struggling to let go, I see you. If you find yourself suddenly rearranging your schedule to “just pop in and check” (totally not me cough), I get it. And if you walk out of that nursery, fighting back tears but also secretly excited to drink a hot beverage uninterrupted for once—welcome to the club.

Are you a fellow Velcro Mom? How did you navigate the first nursery drop-off? 

Share your experiences in the comments—I’d love to hear from you!

With love,

A Momma who completely believes in you 💕

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