I was given a copy of “Lose the Cape: Realities from Busy Modern Moms and Strategies to Survive“ for this review. The opinions stated here are all mine. “Lose the Cape” has been on my night stand for a few weeks now. I keep picking it up, every night. It is such a fun and relaxing read. There is something for every mom in “Lose the Cape”: new mom, mom-to-be, veteran mom, type A mom and easy-going mom. This book resonated with me on so many levels. Reading it was like going to coffee with one of my mom-squad members.
In the book they encourage moms to identify their own personal mom-squad. A group of women who rally behind you, encouraging, empowering and supporting you along your journey through motherhood.
Mom-Squad:
While I was pregnant with our first boy, Jacob (now 8), I recruited several incredible women to be part of my mom-squad. Some of them might never have realized how they influenced me, supported me and empowered me to become the mother I am today. Each of them opened my eyes to the different ways to love a child. Without judgement they answered my questions, led by example and encouraged me to find my own way.
Without my mom-mentors, without the sisterhood that motherhood brings to a friendship I would have been a nervous Nelly and unsure of myself. Instead, I had strong women pave the way, empower me to parent by intuition. They taught me to trust myself and my inner voice.
[bctt tweet=”#LoseTheCape is the glue in the sisterhood of motherhood! “]
My Mentors:
Of course my own mother has always been a great support and mentor, but three specific women come to mind as members of my original mom-squad.
My aunt Dina breastfed, cloth diapered, bed shared, wore her babies and home schooled over twenty years ago (before it was trendy and cool), while I lived with her and my uncle. She spent hours telling this impressionable 18 year old that it is your legal right to breastfeed in public and to never let anyone tell you differently. We talked every night, while she nursed my cousin to sleep, and although I was just fresh out of high school, new to the country and 12 years away from starting my own motherhood journey, I never forgot our talks.
My Danish/ American friend Sandra also spent hours chatting with me, while she nursed her oldest daughter. I met her when she was a new mom getting used to her life as a stay at home mom after having a successful career as an attorney. Sandra was incredibly giving of her advice, recommendations and support. I watched her blossom into a confident mother of three girls, raising them with her Danish background on the forefront of her mind. In time, I found myself emulating her ideals. Her parenting style felt comfortable and it reminded me of my own childhood.
Kara was my co-worker for a number of years, and she was pregnant with her second daughter when I was expecting Jacob. There is nothing that forms a bond between two women like being pregnant “together” and sharing the ups and downs of pregnancy on a daily basis. We practically had water-retention competitions and races to the rest room. She was the best example I had of a working mom in my circle of friends. She juggled work, life, pregnancy, marriage and hobbies with great ease and a positive attitude. She taught me the ropes of couponing and shared her best motherhood hacks and tricks. To this day I still turn to her when Jacob enters a new stage or phase. I know she has been there, done that.
Lose the Cape:
Lose the Cape is now a new member of my mom-squad, a mom-mentor. The book goes through all the aspects of motherhood you only talk to your best friends about. Without judgement or strong opinions the authors explain and lovingly nudge mothers to trust their intuition. This how-to handbook helps mothers realize that all the things they think are unique to their life, are really common to most families – and THAT is the glue that forms a motherhood sisterhood.
Personally, I loved how they covered the subject of intimacy with your partner after having a baby. (You are supposed to wait six MONTHS, not six weeks – right?! wink wink) They help mothers value and find ways to have “me” time. They address life as a single mother and they remind us all to shut off social media once in a while, (but not until you have shared this review on Facebook and Twitter!)
To learn more about the new #LoseTheCape movement check out the website and their social media outlets.
Lose the Cape website
Twitter
Facebook
Pinterest
This book is a perfect Mother’s Day present to a frazzled friend, or even as a special treat to yourself. Become someone’s mom-mentor: give “Lose the Cape” to a pregnant friend.
Who is part of your mom squad? How have the members changed over the years?
breadwinningmama says
Thanks for the great review and for sharing Lose the Cape with your community. The “Mom Squad” is actually my favorite chapter. It’s so important to have a community of supportive people in your life. 🙂
Mama in the Now says
Thank YOU for writing such a comprehensive book – I can’t wait to give it to some of my new moms. It is truly what I wish I had when I had our first born son – it covers everything!
Laura F. says
My mom and my sisters are the closest to me – when I need non-judgmental adivce they’re who I turn to!
Sarah P says
I need to pick up a copy of this.
Danielle G says
This is such a wonderful and important concept, and one that I really need to focus on! I’ll definitely be looking into this.
katbiggie says
What a great review! I am so glad that we are now part of your Mom Squad! The Mom Squad is pretty awesome!