Becoming a mother has been one of the most transformative experiences of my life. It has reshaped my identity, priorities and perspectives in ways I never imagined. The journey has been filled with joy, challenges and growth, teaching me important lessons about patience and the importance of community. But how has motherhood changed me?
The Joy of New Beginnings
Becoming a mother was an incredible journey that transformed every aspect of my life. When I first held my baby in my arms, I felt a rush of emotions that I’d never experienced before. The overwhelming love, joy and sense of responsibility were both exhilarating and daunting.
In that moment, I realised that my life had forever changed, and I embraced the journey with an open heart. The tiny fingers curling around mine, the first coos and smiles, all these moments made me feel an indescribable connection to this new life I’d brought into the world.
Each day brought a new adventure and a fresh perspective. The simplest things, like watching my baby girl sleep or witnessing her first attempts at crawling, filled me with a profound sense of wonder and accomplishment. Every milestone, no matter how small, was a testament to the growth and development of my child and a reflection of the love and care I poured into her. The joy of new beginnings wasn’t just about the big moments — it was about savouring the everyday joys and realising motherhood is a continuous journey of discovery and love.
Learning the Art of Patience
Motherhood taught me the true meaning of patience in ways I could never have anticipated. From sleepless nights and endless nappy changes to soothing a crying baby and managing unpredictable schedules, I was faced with challenges that demanded calm and understanding. As someone who thrives on routine, this was particularly difficult for me.
Pregnancy itself was tough, with fluctuating hormone levels affecting my mood and causing physical discomfort, such as varicose veins from degraded vein valves. These challenges required patience and resilience, especially when balancing my own needs with the needs of my unborn baby. My husband was a great help during this time, bringing me my favourite meals and even coming home one day with compression socks to reduce the pressure buildup in my legs from the varicose veins.
I learned to approach each situation with a steady and composed mindset, realising that my baby’s needs came first, even when I was exhausted or frustrated. This newfound patience wasn’t just about enduring the tough moments — but about embracing them as opportunities to grow and connect more deeply with my baby.
Embracing the Unexpected
Before becoming a mother, I prided myself on being organised and in control. However, motherhood has a way of upending even the best-laid plans. From unexpected illnesses to sudden routine changes, I quickly learned that flexibility was essential. Each day presented new surprises, whether it was a last-minute doctor’s appointment or a spontaneous nap schedule.
Embracing the unexpected became a daily practice, and surrendering to the unpredictability brought a sense of liberation. The freedom to adapt and go with the flow helped me manage the stresses and enjoy the spontaneous joys of each new day. After all, they’re only little once.
A Shift in My Relationships
I’m definitely not as good of a friend as I used to be, especially to my friends who aren’t yet mothers. The demands of motherhood often leave me with less time and energy to dedicate to my friendships. I find myself struggling to balance the needs of my baby with the desire to stay connected with friends and thrive in my career.
This shift has sometimes made me feel like I’m not as present or attentive as I used to be, and I worry that my friends may feel neglected. Maintaining the same level of connection has been a challenge, and I’ve had to learn to navigate these changes while finding new ways to stay involved.
Despite the difficulties, this experience has also deepened my appreciation for the friends who understand and support me through this transition. Those who have been patient and empathetic have helped me see the value of true friendship, even when time and circumstances are limited. I’ve learned to cherish our shared moments and be honest about my situation. While I may not be as available as before, the quality of our interactions and the support I receive from those who truly understand my journey have become even more meaningful.
Rediscovering Myself
Motherhood has been a journey of self-discovery, as I’ve had to reassess my priorities and passions in light of my new role. While my baby became the centre of my world, I also took time to reconnect with aspects of myself that had been on the backburner. I found new ways to engage in activities that brought me joy and filled my cup, such as exploring hobbies and taking time for myself. This process of rediscovery has allowed me to grow as an individual while embracing my new role as a mom, creating a balanced life that honours my identity and new responsibilities.
This newfound balance wasn’t easy to achieve, but being a mother doesn’t mean losing myself, rather, it means integrating different facets of my identity. I’ve learned to make time for self-care and personal growth, enriching my sense of self and ability to be present for my child.
A Deeper Sense of Purpose
Motherhood has instilled a sense of purpose that transcends anything I’d experienced before. The responsibility of nurturing and guiding my baby has given my life new meaning and direction.
Every milestone, every smile and every moment of connection with my little one is a powerful reminder of the impact I have on their life and the legacy I’m helping to build. This sense of purpose drives me to be the best version of myself.
It Takes a Village
Motherhood has made me acutely aware of the old saying, “It takes a village.” I’ve come to deeply appreciate the support network of family, friends and community that surrounds us. This collective network has been invaluable, from the practical help of babysitting and meal delivery to the emotional support and encouragement of shared experiences. Relying on others and accepting their assistance has lightened my load and strengthened my bonds with those around me.
Changed for the Better
Motherhood has changed me in almost every way. It has been an incredible journey of transformation, growth and discovery. It has taught me to embrace change, cherish the small moments and find strength in unexpected places.
While the journey has been challenging at times, it has also been deeply fulfilling, giving me a new sense of purpose and a deeper appreciation for those around me. As I continue to navigate this path, I’m grateful for the lessons I’ve learned and how becoming a mother has changed me. Motherhood is a lifelong journey and I’m excited for all that lies ahead.
ABOUT OUR CONTRIBUTOR:
Beth Rush is the green wellness editor at Body+Mind, a health and wellness brand. She covers topics like sustainable healthcare and all the ways human health is inextricably linked to planetary health. Beth is raising her own family on plant-based recipes and mindful nutrition. You can find Beth on Twitter @bodymindmag.