In today’s post, I’m writing about a subject that is close and dear to my heart: motherhood. My son just turned one year old last month, but I still feel like a new mom. There is SO much to learn all the time. Learning about your child, their needs and personality, how to blend all the responsibilities of life with parenting, how to put your needs before another, etc, etc. It’s a lot, but it’s the greatest role of my life.

This site contains product affiliate links. We may receive a commission if you make a purchase after clicking on one of these links.

I didn’t post about motherhood, post many photos on Instagram, or share many details with even family/friends publicly because there was so much to adjust to. And with all of that to boot, I went back to work during that year of transition. Because of that silence and time to internally reflect and process, I have some things that I’d love to share with you now. These are lessons that I have learned in my motherhood journey so far, and maybe you’ve experienced the same. These lessons are not advice for how to live your life, parent, or that you should learn from me, but they are more for encouragement as you go about your own motherhood journey.

Lesson One: Your Journey May Not Look Like Anyone Else’s

This was and has probably been the lesson that’s been the hardest for me to accept. Some of the things that my husband and I are doing as far as parenting, working, childcare, etc., are very different than how we were both raised. I had an idea in my mind of how things would be once I became a mother, and I wanted it to look exactly how my mom raised me and how my sisters are raising their children. But because of life, where we are in our careers, and different needs that we have as a family, we’re just needing to do things a little bit differently. Listen to me closely, there is nothing wrong with doing things a little differently than others. (I’m reminding this to myself as much as I am encouraging you) It might just be what your season requires, and as long as you and your spouse are on the same page; that’s really all that matters. Different is not bad.

Lesson Two: Limit Your Sources of Information and Advice

I wish I could have told myself this when I was pregnant, haha! If you are someone like me who easily becomes overwhelmed with information (hello, fellow highly sensitive people), then this lesson is ESPECIALLY for you. Do not rely on the information or advice from a ton of people, or even look for much information through social media. I think that I did a better job of accepting advice from others during my pregnancy and motherhood journey so far, but did not do a great job when it came to social media. During pregnancy, I felt like so many people had more negative things to say about starting to raise a family, the changes it would bring to your life, and while I don’t think it came from a bad place; that’s not the narrative I wanted to hear. I just didn’t find some advice the most helpful or encouraging. I only sought out information and advice from my mom, my sisters, and a few very close friends and family members. I knew their hearts, intentions, and valued their experience as mothers already. Also. social media can be SO fake and only show the happy and filtered moments of life. I watched so many YouTube videos and Instagram reels about labor, delivery, and postpartum — but found that most of it was unrealistic, not helpful, and went right out the window once I was experiencing it. This is a lesson that I have learned for myself and it may not have been your experience; which is totally fine! But if you tend to be like me (sensitive), this lesson might be helpful for you too.

Lesson Three: You Will Not Have Motherhood Figured Out in a Few Months

There is something new that comes with raising a baby every single day. Just as one developmental stage is ending, another one begins. And just when you feel like you’ve figured out a stage and feel like you know what you are doing; it’s going to change again. Don’t be discouraged by this, but know that it’s completely normal. I would find myself becoming discouraged when I didn’t know how to handle something and think that I wasn’t a good enough mother to figure it out (which is a lie). Motherhood comes with a huge learning curve, and it’s like that for ALL mothers. Especially first-time moms. It’s like the saying “it’s a marathon, not a sprint.”

Lesson Four: Mom-Guilt Comes and Goes

Oh, the mom-guilt. I wish this was something that moms didn’t have to feel; but I know a lot of it has to do with hormones, maybe being away from your child, or maybe an experience of spiritual warfare. But, personally, I have found that I do not struggle with it every day. I did in the beginning of going back to work and when I’ve had to make some decisions about things involving my son, but once I was in a rhythm and routine; it was easier to manage. You are a GREAT mom and you are doing what is BEST for your child.

Lesson Five: The Seasons That Come With Raising a Child Are Fleeting

Oh my gosh, does time fly. I couldn’t believe a year had passed when we were planning my son’s one-year birthday party. I know that some of the stages of development, the nights with no sleep, and the frustrations that can come with motherhood are a lot; but time truly is a thief and it goes by so fast. Try to savor every moment that you can.

Lesson Six: Kids Are Resilient and Go at Their Own Pace

Every child is different and develops at their own pace. If your child is healthy, and your pediatrician does not have any concerns, do not stress if they take their time to reach certain milestones. I remember feeling so stressed out that my son wasn’t learning how to bring food to his mouth, and I was worried that he was not getting enough nutrition once he was the age that he was eating solid food. I’ll tell you, I just needed to give him another week, and now I have to make sure he’s not putting EVERYTHING into his mouth! Just as you are constantly trying to figure out your child, so are their little bodies! Kids are so strong and resilient; just be patient with the process as you watch them grow up.

Lesson Seven: You Might Be at the Pediatrician’s Office a Lot

I had no idea that we could be in the pediatrician’s office so much. Some visits have been for routine things, rule-out things, or just not sure what’s going on situations. I asked the office nurse once if this was normal to be in the office so much and assured me that it was. It is okay to be cautious about what might be going on when it comes to the health of your child. Especially during the winter months when cold, flu, RSV, etc. are so common; don’t hesitate to contact your child’s pediatrician with any questions or concerns.

Lesson Eight: You CAN Do This

You CAN do this!! On the days that might seem so hard, tell yourself, “I can do this.” I remember telling myself this over and over when I was in labor, and after he was born; I felt like I could do anything. There are still some days that I feel defeated by certain things, but I always remember the moment I felt my strongest and it’s the best encouragement.

Lesson Nine: My Husband Is the Greatest

I‘ll never not think this. I can’t even fully describe what it’s like to see him as a husband and father. He’s been so good to me during all of our life changes together and has been my best support and encouragement. He was involved with every detail as we prepared for our son, he has done research over topics that we wanted to know more about, he was my rock during labor, and he has been the most present, loving father to our son. He is very opinionated, thoughtful, and does not rush into making decisions when it comes to our family. I could go on and on, but then you might be reading a more mushy-gushy post than I intended; so I’ll just leave it there. I love you, babe!

Lesson Ten: Motherhood Is Worth It ALL

It is worth it! All the hard work can take in pregnancy, labor and delivery, feeding a child, sleepless nights, and the frustrating moments; it’s worth it! There is no greater feeling than holding your child the minute they are born, seeing them look at you smile for the first time, having them walk to you and hug you, or say “mama.” I would do it all over and over again. I am so thankful for my little son and for the gift of getting to be his mama.

I would love to know what lessons you’ve learned in your own motherhood journey! Please let me know in the comment section below! I’ll talk to you again soon!

---