Becoming A Mother: Embracing the Journey into New Motherhood
Vanessa Heartfelt is supported by its readers. I may earn a small affiliate commission when you buy through links on this website, at no extra cost to you. Learn more.Hello, lovely readers!
I hope you had a chance to soak in the sunshine this past weekend. Isn’t it wonderful when we get to enjoy such beautiful weather? It feels short at times, especially when it changes so quickly, but those moments of warmth always seem to energize us. Inspired by this natural flow of change, I wanted to dedicate today’s post to the ever-transformative experience of becoming a mother.
Whether you’re a first-time mum or walking alongside someone embracing this journey, I hope my reflections resonate with you. Motherhood is a blend of anticipation, uncertainty, and endless love. Let’s dive in.
How Does It Feel to Become a Mother?
Honestly? It’s equal parts exciting and nerve-wracking. The unknowns can feel overwhelming; questions flood your mind from the moment you see that positive test:
Will I be a good mum?
Am I ready for this responsibility?
How will this change my life?
For me, those questions started swirling the moment I learned I was pregnant at around eight weeks. I remember feeling sick for days and brushing it off until my boss encouraged me to see a doctor. I was anxious on the way there, my mind buzzing with thoughts like:
How will my partner react?
What will our families think?
Am I prepared for this huge life shift?
The truth is, no one is ever completely ready for change; especially the life-altering kind like motherhood. But one lesson I learned early on is that taking things day by day is the key to keeping your mental wellness intact.
The Early Stages of Pregnancy
Pregnancy is a remarkable time of growth; both for the baby and for the mother. The moment I confirmed I was expecting, my top priority became keeping my little one safe. Everything from my diet to my daily routine adjusted to nurture the life growing inside me.
Ah, but then there’s the infamous morning sickness, which, as many mums will tell you, isn’t restricted to mornings. My little one kept me on my toes 24/7 with sickness that struck at the most unexpected times. While it wasn’t exactly enjoyable, I found comfort in knowing these symptoms were signs of a healthy pregnancy.
One thing I didn’t experience was the whole “eating for two” phase. I focused on eating enough (not too much), because I wanted to support my baby’s health while staying active. The weight gain talk, though, can be a tough one. As someone who wasn’t at my healthiest weight pre-pregnancy, it stung to hear those comments. But I reminded myself that my worth wasn’t tied to a number on a scale. I leaned into the realization that pregnancy is a unique experience, different for every mother, and what matters most is mental and emotional wellness.
The Magic of Baby Movements
One of the most awe-inspiring parts of pregnancy is feeling your baby’s kicks. Around the 16-24 week mark, those first flutters turn into undeniable movements, a precious reminder of the little life growing inside. I’ll never forget how my sister would jiggle my belly to get a response, it was our little bonding routine.
Watching your baby move, even from the outside, is one of the wildest and most beautiful experiences. It’s a daily reminder of the miracle unfolding within you.
Changes in Routine and Purpose
Pregnancy brings profound physical and emotional changes, even down to how you sleep. I’ve always been a curl-up-in-a-ball kind of sleeper, but as my baby grew, I had to adjust for both comfort and safety. It was challenging at first, but my body adapted.
I also found my sense of purpose evolving. I began each day with prayers for strength and the ability to keep my baby safe, realizing that this journey was molding me into the person I was meant to be. Motherhood revealed my purpose; to love, nurture, and guide this little soul entrusted to me.
Learning Through Motherhood
Motherhood is the ultimate learning curve. From feeding and changing to building routines and showing patience, every stage of your child’s development teaches you something new. I’ve learned to let go of perfection and embrace the idea of being a “learning mum.” After all, our babies don’t need perfect mums; they need present, loving ones.
Building a Supportive Environment
One of the greatest lessons I’ve learned as a new mum is the importance of your environmental wellness. Surround yourself with supportive, loving people who uplift and encourage you. Accepting help doesn’t mean you’re failing; it means you’re human.
Take time for yourself; read a book, enjoy a bubble bath, or simply sit in stillness. A clear mind and a calm environment do wonders for your well-being, and in turn, for your baby’s happiness.
Returning to Work: Balancing Guilt and Growth
The return to work after giving birth was one of the most emotionally challenging parts of my journey. The guilt of leaving my baby, even in the capable hands of my husband and family, was overwhelming.
What if he needs me?
What if something happens while I’m away?
Day one was the hardest, but I leaned on my support network, which included amazing colleagues and friends who checked in on me. Having that occupational support made a world of difference.
Final Thoughts
Motherhood is a journey of love, learning, and growth. For all the new mums and mums-to-be reading this, I leave you with these reminders:
You are doing better than you think.
It’s okay to take a break—you deserve rest too.
There’s no such thing as a perfect mom.
Love is the foundation of great parenting.
Motherhood is a gift, and your child is a precious reminder of life’s beauty. Cherish each moment, even the challenging ones—they shape the mother you’re becoming.
