Happy Mother’s Day to All Superheroes!

All moms…married, single, divorced, widowed, artificially inseminated, adoptive, foster, etc. You are all superheroes and amazing sacrificial people that I look up to. It’s incredible what moms go through to bring another life into this world and raise them. I’ve always appreciated and respected my mom, but after my own journey to motherhood, I’ve gained a new level of respect and appreciation for her. She brought me into the world and then sacrificed so much to be the best mom possible. Our moms have done so much for us so don’t forget to make their day extra special today as we celebrate mamas.

We are unbelievably grateful to be able to carry a child, but unfortunately, it’s something some women will not experience. It’s something men just cannot comprehend. The bond we form with our child during pregnancy and thereafter is indescribable. But the thing that brings us so much joy also is such a huge sacrifice. Pregnancy takes a toll on our bodies. We end up with stretch marks, changed bodies, damaged body image and self-esteem, and in some cases, drastic health changes. For example, a friend of mine never had allergies in her 32 years of life before welcoming her little girl. After the birth, my friend developed such severe allergies that one short hike would send her into allergy-induced bronchitis. And to top it off, she had to cut out many of her favorite foods like chocolate, caffeine, and spicy foods. Some women lose their hair and it never grows back quite the same. I’ve kept most of my hair but my roots have become significantly darker so I’m missing my blonder locks. But still, these things are still all so minor compared to what some women go through. Some don’t make it through the birth. Some may never hold their sweet baby. So regardless of the physical toll pregnancy and birth takes on our bodies, I feel so lucky to have experienced it and to still be here to raise my little angel.

While pregnancy and birth is such a blessing to experience, some moms experience the long painful journey of adopting a child. But no matter how or when we become moms, one thing is the same, the real work begins after we bring our sweet little babies home. The sleepless nights, constant worries, dishes in piles, laundry in heaps, and the list goes on and on. This is why it is so important to have support whether it be from a significant other, family, or friends.

Happy Mother’s Day to all you amazing superheroes. Let’s celebrate how lucky your babies are to have you. And if you now struggle with body image like me, remember to love your body a little more. It has done some miraculous things and you’re gorgeous just the way you are.