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.

little girl laying down smiling- my greatest accomplishment is being a mom

To my child: My greatest accomplishment will always be you

No matter what, nothing I do in life will ever be as great as being your mom.

Updated Jan. 11, 2023

An ode to my first pair of mom underwear

Every time I go to throw them away, I feel a pang of guilt. This underwear saved my life. Okay, maybe it wasn't that extreme, but it did bring me comfort. This package of underwear was the first step towards regaining some semblance of dignity and normalcy after giving birth. This underwear propelled me into motherhood.

Updated Feb. 03, 2022
mom taking a picture of baby sitting in a high chair

I don’t post photos of my child on social media

A mom shares her parenting views on social media choices, emphasizing respect for privacy without judging others.

Updated Mar. 28, 2025
little girl sick in bed- mom is sick

To the mama whose entire family is sick (including herself)

If Mom goes down, you have to call for reinforcements. Heck, even if Mom doesn't go down, call for reinforcements.

Updated Nov. 21, 2022
woman standing on a beach

This is the year I take better care of myself

The truth is, when I don't take care of myself, I can't take care of anyone else.

Updated Jan. 20, 2022
mom holding a baby for the camera - an essay on depression and anxiety during pregnancy

Jessica on depression and anxiety during pregnancy

I was disconnected from the baby and her kicking made me furious. Isolation and shame overwhelmed me. Where was this pregnancy glow I had been promised?   

Updated Sep. 28, 2022
woman working on the floor of her house

To the mama who has to cram in work after bedtime

In a perfect world, we would be applauded for our commitment to our families and discouraged from logging on after hours.

Updated Jan. 20, 2022
excited little girl sitting on ottoman pouf next to christmas tree-family secret santa

Giving fewer gifts made our Christmas so much better

Christmas day has turned magical again.

Updated Nov. 01, 2022
toddler crying

How I figured out what my child’s tantrum was *really* about

He was crying about chicken nuggets, but it wasn't about the chicken nuggets at all.

Updated Feb. 02, 2022
mother and son opening oven door and holding tray of holiday cookies- missing my mom on thanksgiving

My mom taught me how to create the perfect Thanksgiving—and I miss her every year

I spent the morning of Thanksgiving, or sometimes the night before, picking bread for stuffing. It was a ritual I started helping mom with at a very young age.

Updated Oct. 25, 2022

My child’s Down Syndrome diagnosis changed who I am for the better

I once thought life was about checking as many boxes as possible and grabbing as much happiness along the way. I have since come to learn a good life is one full of love and purpose and my child with Down syndrome has given me both.

Updated Oct. 04, 2022
toddler playing with a dandelion

I have a 2-year-old—and here’s everything I’ve learned so far

Strangely, the longer I'm a mother, the less I seem to know, but I'm certain the last two years have taught me five valuable lessons that I'll keep with me long after my babies are grown.

Updated Jan. 28, 2022
child embracing moms face

In case you need it today, mama: You are more than enough

Mama, that you are not alone. We're all in it with you and sometimes we just need a little reminder that we are enough.

Updated Feb. 03, 2022
mom holding son

How I adopted my son—and fought to become his mama

We traveled by air and past oil rigs to visit the right offices. We sat in an intense courtroom proceeding with a magistrate and lawyer, nervously answering the court's questions.

Updated Feb. 02, 2022
mom consoling a crying child

6 ways tantrums can bring you closer to your toddler, mama

You can use them to bring you closer to your toddler. ❤️

Updated Jan. 20, 2022
mom kissing baby and the other mom kissing the other woman- my baby

You’re my child forever, but only my baby for a year

I could probably switch the wash over to the dryer and get those towels that have been sitting in there folded and put away. But as I watched your chest gently rise and fall, I realized something.

Updated Dec. 22, 2022
little girl in deer costume- halloween excitement

Honestly, Halloween is so much better when you have kids

What's not to love about candy, silly costumes and hilarious little kids who get amazingly excited about this weird, special day?

Updated Oct. 03, 2022
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