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.

Privilege White American: mom feeds two babies

Motherhood without fear: It’s a ‘privilege’

A South Carolina mom’s Instagram post is resonating with moms who are…

Updated Mar. 04, 2022
woman holding a heart with her hands over her stomach- postpartum body

I learned to let go, respect and love my postpartum body

I looked down at my formerly-flat, newly-deflated belly after giving birth to my oldest son, and I thought to myself: is this what my body is going to be like, now? The changes your body experiences during and after pregnancy can be shocking, but I learned to find the beauty in it.

Updated Jan. 23, 2023
photo of father with mother holding baby after giving birth

Mamas in Ukraine—and around the world—achieve the impossible

And while she was acknowledging her own pain she also said, “I could be giving birth in Ukraine right now—someone probably is doing that right now.” Women give birth in war zones, in hiding, in abusive homes, sometimes completely alone.

Updated Sep. 13, 2022
Stay-at-home mom: young mom and daughter looking in mirror

What I wish I knew about being a stay-at-home mom

If I could rewind the clock, there are a few things I wish I could tell my new-stay-at-home-mom-self. But of course, I can’t. So instead I’ll say them to you.

Updated Nov. 29, 2022
photo of mom and baby laying on a bed

Mama, when the news breaks your heart

How are you talking to your little ones about the news?

Updated Sep. 13, 2022
hold my baby close; photo of Katelin Farrell-Davis holding her baby

Tonight, I’ll hold my baby close

Mothers elsewhere, everywhere, hold a weight so unfathomable every waking hour—their children, those guns, the amount of 'fight' left in their bones.

Updated Mar. 02, 2022
postpartum: mother holding crying baby

To the mama struggling with postpartum: It doesn’t make you any less of a mother

Truth is, the postpartum period is hard, and we don’t talk about it enough.

Updated Mar. 03, 2022
mom kissing baby on the cheek

How what’s happening in Ukraine has changed my perspective on motherhood

“I hold my little one closer during these times, a privilege that stirs up the feelings of guilt, as I know many mothers don’t have the pleasure of doing this right now. The dishes can wait. The clothes that need to be folded can sit a bit longer.”

Updated Apr. 06, 2022
World is scary, and I'm emotionally maxed out

We are mothering in a terrifying world with broken hearts

The world is scary and loud. It all just feels like too much. But listen, mama: we can’t pour from an empty cup. 

Updated May. 25, 2022
Falling short: Work from home mom and child

To the mama who feels like she’s failing at everything, you are enough

Sometimes motherhood feels like one long list of things that you’re falling short on. But know this, mama: You are more than enough.

Updated Nov. 29, 2022
mom hugging son wearing a backpack

To the mama just starting the co-parenting journey: The handoffs were the hardest part for me

It’s painful to watch families go through the early part of settling into a post-divorce co-parenting routine. Whether you’re an a-list celebrity or just plain suburban somebody like me, it’s not easy. Here's how I learned to adjust.

Updated Aug. 16, 2022
postpartum depression: mom with ppd and baby

Stop telling me I won’t have PPD again

I'm pregnant again, and some of my friends and family have decided to tell me that “this time will be different.” More specifically, that this time around I won’t have postpartum depression. 

Updated Oct. 31, 2022
woman with son

Postpartum anxiety stole my joy. Here’s how I got it back (and then some)

My first year of motherhood came with a flood of persistent and overwhelming worry that prevented me from enjoying simple pleasures.

Updated Feb. 13, 2022
mother not in love with baby

I was not in love with my baby right away

I needed time to get to know him.

Updated Jan. 20, 2022
loving mom with child

You don’t know what love is before you have kids

I never knew that I could love someone so much before having kids.

Updated May. 12, 2023
smiling mom in bed with two kids- new year's resolution list

I’m done with New Year’s resolution pressure

Don't forget to celebrate your little accomplishments as well as your big ones.

Updated Dec. 18, 2023
couple snuggling with christmas mugs- no gift christmas

My husband and I don’t buy each other Christmas gifts—and we’re happier this way

I simply don’t want stuff anymore for the sake of stuff.

Updated Nov. 27, 2023
man hugging woman from behind in front of christmas tree - words of encouragement for mothers

All I want for Christmas is to hear ‘good job’

Wouldn't it be nice if we all pulled our heads out of the fog to thank the mothers in our lives?

Updated Nov. 28, 2022
woman holding toddler

Dear husband: What I need you to know as I transition to being a SAHM

Dear husband, As you know, I recently decided to step away from…

Updated Apr. 03, 2023
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