Ever since I was a little girl, I’ve always loved kids. I’d always been that energetic person who would chase after children at family gatherings, entertaining them with games and stories. So naturally, when I became pregnant, I was over the moon with excitement. I mentally prepared myself for motherhood, reading every book and article I could find. I knew I would have to feed the baby, change diapers, and endure sleepless nights. But knowing these things in theory and experiencing them in practice turned out to be worlds apart.
The first few weeks after bringing my baby home were some of the most challenging times of my life. I found myself getting up multiple times in the night, my sleep fragmented and insufficient. The hormonal changes were intense, and my body, which had always been my ally, felt foreign and unpredictable. Despite all the theoretical knowledge I had, experiencing it first-hand drained my energy in a way I hadn’t anticipated.
As someone who had always been very active, I thought I’d bounce back quickly. I imagined myself resuming my regular activities within weeks. But reality set in, and I realized it would take longer than I thought. My body needed time to heal, and my mind needed time to adjust to the new normal. And that’s okay.
It took me a while to come to terms with the fact that everybody responds differently to postpartum recovery. There is no race, no deadline, and certainly no proof required to show that you’re doing a good job as a mother. It’s important to listen to your body and give yourself the grace to recover at your own pace.
I’m incredibly grateful for my husband, who has been a rock throughout this journey. He’s always been hands-on, whether it’s changing diapers, feeding our baby, or simply being there for me when I needed a break. His support has been invaluable, and his presence has slowly boosted my confidence and energy. With his help, I found the strength to start working and get back to my normal schedule, little by little.
To all the mamas out there, don’t worry if you find yourself struggling. We prepare ourselves mentally for motherhood, but the practical challenges can be overwhelming. It’s perfectly fine to take your time, understand your new reality, and relax. Mom guilt is real, but you will navigate through it. Stay strong and remember that you are doing an amazing job.
Motherhood is a journey filled with ups and downs, and it’s okay to take it one step at a time. Be kind to yourself, lean on your support system, and know that you are not alone. We may theoretically understand what’s coming, but living it is a different story—and that’s perfectly okay. Stay strong, mamas, and give yourself the time and love you deserve.
