“Motherhood: All love begins and ends there.” —Robert Browning
Becoming a new mom is an extraordinary journey filled with joy, wonder, challenges, and life-changing experiences. It’s a role that transforms your world in ways you could never have imagined.
As a new mother myself, I extend an invitation for you to join me on an enthralling exploration of the odyssey called motherhood. Together, we’ll navigate the enchanting chaos, the highs and lows, and the profound love that saturates each page of this extraordinary journey. Whether you’re a freshly minted mom, on the brink of motherhood, or merely curious about the adventures it holds, we welcome you to accompany us as we explore this remarkable chapter of life.
I became a mother at the age of 34, and as you can imagine, I received a steady stream of well-intentioned advice from my parents, in-laws, and relatives. Recognizing their genuine concern for my well-being and my desire to fully embrace this journey, I made the decision to take a significant break from my professional life. Not all mothers have the privilege of dedicating themselves entirely to pregnancy and the first year of their child’s life, so to those incredible moms who are successfully managing both roles, you are truly remarkable.
Our journey begins with excitement and anticipation. I can very well remember the moment when I first held the pregnancy test strip in my hand and saw the positive result. The realization that a new life is growing within, and the responsibility that comes with it, is both thrilling and anxiety-inducing. The anxiety stemmed from uncertainty whether this phase of my life would be smooth or bumpy. I want to reassure all the expecting mothers out there that this anxiety is a natural part of pregnancy, and you are not alone in experiencing it. It’s a phase that we all must navigate.
So, I encourage you to stay calm and focus on the positive aspects of this journey. Find activities that bring you joy and relaxation. In my case, reading romantic novels became my refuge, shielding me from any negative thoughts. If meditation helps you maintain your sanity, then embrace it. Whatever helps you stay in control, hold onto it tightly.
As the pregnancy progresses we all go through physical and emotional changes. The first ultrasound and the moment we first hear the baby’s heartbeat is an overwhelming experience. The rhythmic sound of that heartbeat still resonates vividly in my memory. Now, with my daughter being 15 months old, there are moments when I embrace her and revisit that special memory. I might come across as a bit eccentric, but after all, as mothers, we bring new life into this world. So, let’s embrace our eccentricities and cuddle with our little ones as much as our hearts desire.
As the delivery date draws nearer, the serenity and composure we held onto begin to slip away, and anxiety resurfaces with even greater intensity. Too many “what ifs” start racing through our minds, and it becomes difficult to rein them in.
In Kolkata, the majority of deliveries nowadays are performed through C-section, so I had mentally prepared myself for that possibility right from the beginning. I had heard about the pains and anxieties associated with natural delivery, so I was uncertain about which option I would have chosen if I had the choice. To be honest, I believe both methods have their own unique pains and challenges. Nevertheless, despite the immense toughness of this situation, we must gather all our inner strength to face this critical phase. The prospect of finally laying eyes on our little one serves as a beacon, enabling us mothers navigate through this pain with greater ease.
The first 3-6 months after delivery has its own challenges. The sleepless nights become your everyday companion and whether it’s because your baby demand it or because of the urge to check on your baby every now and then, it’s inevitable. For C-section moms, the challenge can be a bit more demanding, as their bodies are still in the process of recovery, and they must prioritize the care of their new baby over themselves. Those fortunate enough to have helping hands are indeed lucky (like I was, thanks to god), but for those without assistance, the challenge can become even more daunting, sometimes leading to postnatal depression (a topic worth discussing, although it will be addressed separately).
To summarize, “Motherhood” is a story of love, growth, and the extraordinary bond between a mother and her child. It’s an adventure that unfolds over a lifetime, with each chapter bringing new challenges and triumphs. Above all, it’s a testament to the beauty of this phase and the enduring strength of women who embark on this remarkable journey.
