From Me to Mama: How Motherhood Changed Everything
The morning after I gave birth, I looked at my nurse and said, “I can’t go back to work.” She laughed, told me I had months before I needed to think about that — but I did the exact opposite. I worried every damn day. I could not put two and two together in my head on how to make work and motherhood integrate (perhaps it’s the post natal depletion causing literal brain fog). I know plenty of moms make it work and I could have figured it out myself but it wasn’t what I wanted anymore. After years of being so career-focused, I suddenly had the biggest change of heart. The moment I held my baby for the first time back in July, my entire world changed.
The Identity Shift
The identity shift is so real.
The physical change is so real.
The emotional change is so real.
You’re literally a new person overnight, a new woman - a new MAMA! Once I stepped into the role myself, I was floored by the magic and chaos that is motherhood. Despite the years I’ve spent specializing in women’s health, working with mothers and personally preparing myself for this role I still knew I wouldn’t fully understand it until I was in it. Every day is different, new, hard and amazing all at once. I’m not only watching my son learn and grow, but I’m also watching myself in the process.
Mind & Body after Baby
As expected, motherhood has its ups and downs. I will admit I am a little less tolerant and resilient during this phase - however, I am proud to say I can still make fun and laughter in any situation. My body for sure feels like it has gone through a literal war. It’s stretchier, fluffier and looser than it’s ever been before! I am grateful for all the body image work I did years ago as it makes navigating this new body so much easier. Like anyone else, I sometimes feel uncomfortable or even upset seeing this different body, but I’m balancing it with self-compassion and kindness. I remind myself daily: this body created life — and that’s the most beautiful transformation of all.
Slowing Down
The lesson that has meant the most to me in this transition has been living life slowly. I love taking my time and really enjoying all the moments with him, even the tough ones. While those tough moments are TOUGH as fuck in the moment, I feel so damn strong afterward. I can honestly say I prefer a hard day at home than an easy day at the office; being a mama is the hardest yet most rewarding job I have ever done.
Choosing Change
As my maternity leave wound down, I made the decision with my husband to transition into a stay-at-home mama! It was tough to take the leap because my old identity was so engrained with my career, but it felt so right. It felt like a Rubik’s cube trying to figure out how to make it work, but we got it done. I am so excited for this new chapter, and have so much that I want to share along the way here! I’ll be combining my wellness expertise with my lifestyle, opinions and stories.
Motherhood changed everything — and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Here’s to thriving together one messy, magical day at a time, xo