Motherhood is a unique experience for every mother, and nothing can truly prepare you for what to expect once you have embarked on this journey. The transition is quick. One day, you’re pregnant in your last trimester, and once you give birth, your world is immediately turned upside down.
New moms can relate. Suddenly, your life is no longer your own, and you are accountable for another human life, one that is fragile and dependent on you for their survival. So you have no choice but dedicate yourself fully to the little one, sacrificing whatever free time you may have had previously.
Thankfully, it is temporary. You won’t have to churn up breast milk forever. Your baby will soon find its sleeping rhythm, which means you will be able to get some shut eye too! And you will learn to balance your personal time as your baby grows.
As you go through this postpartum phase, it is essential to know that you are not alone. Seven new moms share the things they wish they knew before becoming a mother!
Maria Ferica Medina Tolentino
Mom to Clark Felix, 3 weeks old
“You will have sleepless nights. Staying up late to party or hang out with friends is way different compared to staying up late for your newborn. Being a mom is a big responsibility and your newborn relies on you all the time, regardless of the time of the day or night.”
She believes, “It’s amazing to realize how we weren’t taught how to be moms, but for some reason it just comes out naturally. It’s innate in every woman.”
She adds that “grace under pressure” is how she describes herself about how she is handling postpartum. “There were so many changes not only physically but mentally and emotionally as well. In the game of motherhood, you have to accept and embrace these changes. You have to think positively and believe in yourself that you are capable of being a mother to your child. The important thing is that no matter the circumstances you may encounter, you just have to remain focused on the task at hand.”
Patricia Romo-Marcos
Mom to Eduardo Julien, 1 month old
“I didn’t know that it was going to be the biggest challenge of my life, demanding both physical and emotional strength. It is a 24/7 responsibility of feeding, consoling, diaper changing and more. But it’s also the most beautiful and fulfilling thing ever, watching this beautiful baby grow and seeing my husband step up as a father.”
Jiana Tan
Mom of Jamie Finn, 2 months old
“I wish I knew postpartum would be a lot more difficult than the actual delivery. I think postpartum challenges should be more talked about especially given the recent rise in mental health issues.
Aside from the painful physical after effects of childbirth, it’s also the realization of how heavily dependent your child is to you. So while you’re physically trying to recover, you have to get around breastfeeding and taking care of him. The pressure and responsibility can get overwhelming.”
Diane Yap Reyes
Mom to Pian Grace, 2 months old
“I wish I knew how sacrificial and selfless motherhood is. I was clueless and not prepared for it at all, but it was like a natural instinct to put Pian before myself always.
I still can’t believe what I’m capable of doing, just for Pian. How I always put what’s best for her, even if it will take a lot of effort—the interesting thing is, at the moment, it doesn’t even feel hard at all, but when I look back, I can’t believe I was able to do it.”
Alynna Asistio Carbonell
Mom to Ava Zafina, 6 months old
“How being a mom would really drastically change your life. I thought I’d be able to go back to work and go back to my life before… but being a mom changed my life so much. It’s overwhelming for sure, but it will all be worth it once you start taking care of your little one… I wouldn’t trade what I have right now for anything!”
Angela Muhlach-Hortaleza
Mom to Alexander Ron, 8 months old
“I didn’t know that breastfeeding would be very difficult. I had latching issues and hyperlactation which was very exhausting, draining and painful. I had postpartum depression and I realized that ‘Best is fed’ so I switched to formula after five months and I became a better mom as I was able to focus on my recovery. I am happier, and the baby is happier. Nowadays, there is so much pressure on mothers so do not let it get the best of you.”
Jenica Charmaine Ang-Teng
Mom to Samuel Collins, 8 months old
“That motherhood will completely change my life. It changed my priorities, I became more selfless; sacrificing my personal time, hobbies, and personal interests for my baby. Yet, it’s amazing to see how this feeling of unconditional love also bonds us stronger as a family.”