I still remember the night before my son was born. My fiancé and I sat in bed, knowing that our world was about to change forever. We were excited, nervous, and had absolutely no idea what to expect. Everyone tells you about labor like it’s the most terrifying experience of your life, but for me, it wasn’t—it was intense, emotional, and exhausting. But what I wasn’t prepared for was the moment everything changed.
After 30 hours of labor, I needed an emergency C-section. It wasn’t part of my plan, and in an instant, everything felt out of my control. I remember lying on that operating table, heart racing, gripping my fiancés hand, trying to stay calm. And then—I felt a tug of pressure and he was here. Just like that, my entire life was split into before and after.
I looked at my son for the first time, and I expected this overwhelming wave of emotion to hit me all at once, like in the movies. But instead, it was quiet. A slow, steady kind of love. The kind that deepens every single day.
The Early Days: A Strange Mix of Loneliness and Togetherness
Those first few weeks of motherhood were a blur. My body felt foreign, healing from major surgery while also trying to care for this tiny human. My emotions were everywhere, and sleep? Forget about it. My fiancé was incredibly supportive, but even with him by my side, there were moments I felt completely alone.
It’s strange—motherhood is this beautiful, all-consuming thing, but at the same time, it can feel isolating. You spend so much time caring for this little person that you sometimes forget about yourself. The long nights, the constant feedings, the endless questions running through my head—Is he eating enough? Is he sleeping enough? Am I doing this right?
But even in those loneliest moments, I wasn’t truly alone. I had my son. And every time he looked up at me with those big, curious eyes, I knew—I was exactly where I was meant to be.
Now: Learning to Let Go and Embrace the Chaos
Fast forward to now, and wow—what a difference. My son is growing into this funny, wild, energetic little person, and I’ve grown right along with him. I still don’t have all the answers (pretty sure no parent ever does), but I don’t question myself as much anymore. I’ve learned that there’s no such thing as a perfect mom—just a mom who loves her child fiercely and does her best every single day.
I no longer obsess over schedules or compare myself to other moms on social media. Some days are beautifully smooth; others are a complete mess. And that’s okay. I’ve learned to laugh at the chaos, soak in the sweet moments, and give myself grace on the hard days.
If I Could Tell My New Mom Self One Thing…
I’d tell her to breathe. To stop overthinking every little thing. To trust herself.
I’d tell her that she’s doing better than she thinks, that she’s not alone, and that one day, she’ll look back on these early days and realize just how strong she really was.
Most of all, I’d tell her that the love she feels now, it’s only going to grow deeper, in ways she never could have imagined.
Your Motherhood Journey
Motherhood changes you in ways you can’t prepare for. It breaks you open, softens your heart, and teaches you patience you didn’t know you had. It’s messy, exhausting, and completely beautiful.
To all the mamas out there—whether you’re in the thick of the newborn stage, chasing after a toddler, or somewhere in between—how has motherhood changed you? Let’s reminisce together in the comments. ❤️