Motherly Stories - Essays About Being A Mom - Motherly
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Motherly Stories

Motherhood changes us. Celebrate the ups and downs with these honest, insightful essays about becoming—and being—a mom.

mom hugging daughter - she's happy because she believes in therapy for moms

Therapy made me a better mom—and wife

I was so used to giving even when I was on an empty tank. But in the end, I was doing myself (and everyone around me) a disservice.

Updated Apr. 27, 2023
sad woman crying into her hands

Grieving the loss of my father was complicated by motherhood

Even though I’m a rational person, my heart couldn’t process death being forever. 

Updated Sep. 07, 2022
Prince Louis making faces at Platinum Jubilee

To the mama raising a ‘wild child’ like Prince Louis

I know what it’s like to constantly wonder whether you’re doing right by your child, whether you’re giving them the space to be who they are while also teaching them to respect the world around them. 

Updated Sep. 07, 2022
mom kissing baby on the cheek

When depression makes you feel like an awful parent

"Depression looks different from person to person, just like parenting styles differ from parent to parent."

Updated Jun. 06, 2022
pregnant woman with hand over her belly

What’s it like to be pregnant and chronically ill?

"For me, it’s meant the risk of long-term immobility because my Symphis Pubis is at risk of rupture and I can no longer walk. It means another four and a half months minimum of immobility to go. If the SP ruptures it could mean further more extreme long term disability, loss of mobility, incontinence and need for surgical intervention."

Updated Jun. 06, 2022
mother, father and daughter laying on bed smiling

5 things we want our child to always know about our home

Because these are the walls that shaped him. And they will continue to shape him as he travels through the years.

Updated Sep. 07, 2022
no-gift birthday party: diverse group of kids around birthday cake

If you love ‘fiver parties’, you’ll really love this alternative to a no-gift birthday party

We’ve been doing giving parties in our family for several years now and they are downright magical.

Updated Sep. 07, 2022
mom holding son's hand, walking

This is who I hope my children become despite our complicated world

Despite a world so torn, I believe we can raise children who are strong, resilient, successful and happy.

Updated Dec. 05, 2022
kids having a lazy parent summer reminiscent of 90s summers with their parents

A ‘lazy parent summer’ is the only way I want to summer

Lazy parent summer means cutting myself—and my family—some slack.

Updated May. 08, 2024
Nicu mom holding baby

You’re allowed to feel the grief and joy of being a NICU mom

Grief and gratitude are not unique to themselves. They share space, overlapping in even the most unexpected areas of our lives.

Updated Sep. 07, 2022
woman holding coffee mug, looking out a window

Motherhood is filling your cup—and draining it at the same time

Two steps forward, one step back. But always in motion.

Updated Nov. 29, 2022
kids' preschool graduation

I wasn’t prepared for the emotions of watching my child graduate preschool

If there’s anything that motherhood has taught me, it’s that what they say about blinking is really true. The next milestones and changes and seasons of parenting come before you are ready for them to. 

Updated Jun. 05, 2024
concerned mother taking care of her kids since she's the default parent

How to lessen the load as the default parent

As hard as it is to be the default parent, many of us find it just as difficult to relinquish control. Sometimes, we resent the fact that we’re the ones making all the decisions for our family, yet we don’t let anybody else make them.

Updated May. 01, 2023
mother hugging child- my child came out as gay

My child came out at 16. Here’s what I want other parents to know

When I became a mother, my goal was to let my children know they had the freedom to be who they were and that their mom would never turn her back on them.

Updated May. 20, 2024
postpartum anxiety: mom with newborn baby

How motherhood myths impacted my struggle with postpartum depression and anxiety

Postpartum depression and anxiety were closely aligned with the myths of motherhood I had been sold my entire life.

Updated Jun. 01, 2022
smiling daughter laying her head on father's shoulder- letter to my dad

To my father: Thank you for showing me what to look for in a man

When I look at my husband, I see the same similarities of a devoted father and husband. Of a man who would do anything for his family despite the unpleasantries that life may throw his way.

Updated May. 01, 2024
two women in hospital room- our surrogacy journey

Our surrogacy journey didn’t go as planned—what we want others to know

We truly believe that despite our journey going differently than planned, we needed each other in our lives.

Updated Jun. 01, 2023
mother holding daughter

My daughter and I both have a disability—and I still struggle with ableism

Her disabilities are not anyone’s inspiration. And while her job is not to teach others, she has unintendedly moved me to accept my own disability.

Updated Jun. 01, 2022
mom hugging son

To all the moms hurting right now: Please give yourself permission to grieve

There is collective power in our grieving hearts right now; let’s normalize not feeling normal.

Updated May. 31, 2022
mom sleeping in bed alone

My motherhood boundary: I don’t share my bed with my kids

Some might call this selfish; I call it setting healthy boundaries for myself.

Updated May. 31, 2022
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