Motherhood

When I became a mother for the first time it was a mix of excitement and fear. My husband and I had dreamed of that moment, but when it arrived, I was filled with questions. I kept wondering if I would be a good mother, if I was truly ready for everything that was about to change.

During my pregnancy, one of the hardest parts was watching my body change and I started to feel like I was no longer myself. But there were also deeply beautiful moments, like feeling my baby move for the first time and giving birth was both magical and terrifying—it marked the beginning of a completely new chapter.

The first few days of motherhood were the most difficult. I didn’t know how to breastfeed, I barely slept two hours a night, and I felt physically and mentally exhausted. My body and mind were overwhelmed. But over time, I learned that this chaos was temporary, that you grow into motherhood little by little, and that the love born in that process is what keeps you going.

Now, I’m going through my second pregnancy, and it’s been even more challenging. I’m not just a pregnant woman—I’m a mom to a toddler who needs my constant attention. Some days I have energy to play, run, and be present. But other days, I can barely get out of bed, and the exhaustion feels like too much. I feel guilty for not being able to give more of myself, even though I know I’m doing my best.

Still, there are moments that fill my soul. Seeing how my son already loves and protects his baby brother, even without meeting him yet, is one of the most beautiful parts of this pregnancy. These moments remind me that it’s all worth it.

Motherhood has changed how I see life. It has made me stronger, more empathetic, and more aware of how precious time is as my children grow. It has also taught me to embrace my flaws and to love the new woman I’ve become, even though I still miss parts of who I used to be.

Even with my husband’s support, I often feel emotionally alone. During postpartum and now during this pregnancy, I’ve carried many intense emotions that no one else sees. Some days I explode from exhaustion, and then feel guilty afterward. It’s a hard cycle—but it’s real.

If I could give one piece of advice to a woman about becoming a mother, I’d tell her not to forget herself. Take time to rest, to listen to yourself, to care for your own well-being. A happy mom means a happy baby. And don’t be afraid to ask for help, because postpartum can be incredibly hard, and the loneliness that comes with it can feel overwhelming.

I wish the world understood that real motherhood isn’t perfect. It’s not always smiles, pretty pictures, and magical moments. Sometimes it’s tears, fear, frustration, and losing yourself a little before finding a new version of who you are. Real motherhood needs understanding, empathy, and fewer judgments.