MOTHERHOOD…a rewarding journey

“Motherhood is a choice you make every day, to put someone else’s happiness and well-being ahead of your own, to teach the hard lessons, to do the right thing even when you’re not sure what the right thing is… and to forgive yourself, over and over again, for doing everything wrong.” – Donna Ball

As a young woman, I always dreamed of becoming a mother. I had imagined myself holding a sweet and cuddly baby in my arms, singing lullabies, and watching my child grow and develop into a happy and healthy adult.

When I gave birth to my first daughter, I was filled with love and joy, but I quickly realized that motherhood was much more challenging than I had ever imagined. I struggled with sleepless nights, endless diaper changes, and constant feedings. I felt constantly swamped and tired, and I often felt like I was failing as a mother. I found myself feeling overwhelmed, exhausted, and disconnected from my baby. I struggled to sleep or eat, and I often found myself crying for no reason. I didn’t understand why I wasn’t enjoying motherhood like I thought I would, and I felt guilty for not being able to bond with my daughter.

As my daughter grew older, my struggles continued. I had to juggle work, my daughter’s care, and household chores, all while trying to maintain my own identity and interests. I often felt guilty for not being able to spend enough time with my daughter, and I worried that I wasn’t doing enough to help her daughter grow and develop.

I also struggled with my own emotions and mental health. I experienced postpartum depression and anxiety, and I often felt isolated and alone in my struggles. I felt like I couldn’t talk to anyone about my feelings, and I was afraid that people would judge me for not being the perfect mother.

Despite my struggles, I continued to persevere. I sought help from a therapist and joined a support group for new mothers. I learned to prioritize self-care and to ask for help when I needed it. I also found ways to connect with my daughter and make the most of the time we spent together.

Through my struggles, I learned that motherhood was not always easy, but it was also one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. I learned to appreciate the small moments of joy, peace, and solitude and to find strength in the love that I shared with my daughter. I also learned that it was okay to struggle and to ask for help and that being a good mother meant being honest, vulnerable, and resilient. It also makes you possess grit and perseverance.

Twelve years later, my daughter now has three amazing siblings, and I can’t believe I went through the process thrice after the first experience. Motherhood is a learning process, with lots of curve balls thrown at you, but I won’t trade the entire journey and my children for anything.

#MMBA4