stepmoms. There are many women out there who would love to have a good friend to talk to about pregnancy and stepmoms. Stepmoms are a unique group, however, because unlike pregnant women, a stepmother can spend some of her time taking care of her baby, yet still be able to enjoy herself while doing so. In fact, many women who have stepmoms often find it easier to bond with them because they can talk about their babies without feeling guilty about it. Many stepmoms choose to share their experiences with other pregnant women. They can get tips for how to deal with difficult situations, they can find support groups, and they can read stories to learn about their loved ones’ experiences.
While these popular stories portray stepmoms as a negative stereotype, only a few ones explore the challenges and joys of being a stepmother. Yes, the initial few months postpartum are stressful, but in the long run, they also provide many critical benefits. Stepmoms can spend time with her children, she can help raise their children if her husband is not around, she can cook nutritious meals, she can do all the shopping, and she can even prepare baby dishes. If her husband is not physically present, she can take care of the baby while her children are cared for. Most importantly, being a stepmother is not about having custody of the child or deciding when the child will be old enough to move out of her parents’ house.
Often, stepmoms are not even given the opportunity to step into the role of wife and mother. When stepmoms’ husbands leave, stepmoms are often left in the dust. Although this can be frustrating, it is important for stepmoms to understand that being a stepmother does not mean she has to remain a nanny or live off welfare. She can maintain her education and pursue a career; she can maintain her relationships with her children; she can continue to raise her children in a way that is compatible with her husband’s lifestyle; and she can accept and understand her husband’s remarriage. If stepmoms accept their new roles as stepmother, their lives will change drastically for the better.
