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.

To the mama happy about sending her kids back to school—I’m with you

For me, the end of summer isn't the end of the party—it's the beginning.

Updated Jul. 22, 2025
mom and son wearing masks and hugging

To the mama sending her kids back to preschool—your little ones are going to be OK

I'm anxious about post-quarantine preschool—but I'm determined to make it special.

Updated Feb. 07, 2022
woman crying taking a selfie

This mama reminds us that becoming a mother is the birth of a human AND a new woman

"You go from the highest your hormones will ever be in your life to the lowest all in one swift moment."

Updated Nov. 29, 2022
mom holding newborn baby after birth

When I tell you about my difficult birth, here’s what I need you to do

Please don’t say, “At least the baby’s healthy.” 

Updated Nov. 07, 2022
mom looking at newborn baby swaddled up - easy baby

Please stop telling me how ‘easy’ my baby is

I struggle every single day to love and care for my daughter, more often than not to the point of tears. Being told I have an easy baby invalidates those feelings.

Updated Dec. 01, 2022
mom holding newborn baby- getting sober

Getting sober saved my motherhood (and my life)

I'm not trying to escape anymore. I'm here.

Updated Jan. 03, 2023

Want to be a happy parent? Let go of these 15 things to find joy

5. Your need to look perfect. There’s no such thing as a perfect parent. Embrace your imperfections.

Updated Jun. 28, 2022
mom holding a baby on the couch drinking coffee

This mama nails ALL the emotions of the newborn bubble

"You are allowed to say that it's a lot. It does not mean you are not grateful. It does not mean you do not love your child. It does not make you any less of an incredible mother. All it means is that you are human."

Updated Jan. 21, 2022
mom holding baby after a shower

Today I didn’t hold you―not like I should

"How did I forget to take the time today to smell your head? To kiss your cheek another time. To look into your eyes and watch your mouth as you learn to curl it into a smile..."

Updated Jan. 31, 2022
mom making bed while two siblings play on the bed

Quitting social media made me a better parent

I gave up social media to be a better parent. Now my kids and I are happier—and safer.

Updated Mar. 23, 2023
epidural birth story photo

My birth story: An unplanned epidural and C-section

It wasn't what I planned. It wasn't what I was prepared for.

Updated Oct. 07, 2022

Dear mama, you were never meant to do it all

Mothers everywhere are suffering from caregiver burnout. It's time to stop.

Updated Apr. 22, 2022
mom holding baby while toddler plays beside her

To the mamas who are ‘touched out’—I see you

If you've ever felt like you couldn't take one more minute of physical contact—even from the people you love most—this one's for you.

Updated Aug. 23, 2022
woman raising her first while holding her newborn after giving birth

A pep talk for pregnant mamas from a doula—you can do this

This is a historic moment. YOU are the women giving birth to babies born during a global pandemic. YOU are superheroes.

Updated Sep. 14, 2022
mom hugging son

My child is nonbinary—and I’m so proud

Our kids are challenging the gender binary. Here's how I supported mine (and grew in the process)

Updated May. 03, 2022
mom holding toddler against her shoulder

Did I love you enough today?

In the moment, the chaos is so real, but when it's over, it's over and I just want to wake you up and say, "HEY! You did good today, kid."

Updated Mar. 23, 2023
black couple posing together- how to talk about juneteenth

How (and why) to talk to your kids about Juneteenth

Now is the perfect time to start teaching your kids about Juneteenth—and the history of race in the United States.

Updated Jun. 05, 2024
mom holding newborn baby in her palm

I just had my second baby and I miss making mom friends

I know things will go back to normal, eventually, but I feel so cheated out of the postpartum experience I wanted to have.

Updated May. 20, 2022
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