Are the "joys of motherhood" a myth or a key to "forever happiness"?

We often see pictures of happy moms cuddling their babies, making us think that being a mom always means happiness. But what if I told you that this picture of a beautiful scene hides a much more subtle and complicated truth?

Where did we learn the idea of "ideal mom"?

So many pictures and stories show mom as the best job in the world that it's hard to disagree or discuss.

We often see many happy moms with their cute babies on social media, making motherhood look perfect and easy. But for many moms like Sanya, it's not like that.?

After having her baby, Sanya felt pressured to quickly get back to her pre-pregnancy body because of all the ads and articles she saw made her feel she was failing as a mother.

Society tells women they can "have it all," but the reality is tough. Moms face hard choices and sacrifices, feeling pressured to be perfect. Behind closed doors, many moms feel isolated, overwhelmed, and guilty.?

So, what are the significant Challenges of Motherhood?

While we've all heard stories of crying babies, have you ever thought about tired and bleary-eyed mothers? Imagine being awake late at night, comforting a crying baby repeatedly.?

Sleep deprivation is a big part of early motherhood, with constant feedings and comforting,? affecting moms' physical health and mental well-being.

The financial demands of diapers, childcare, and medical bills piling up quickly can be overwhelming for Mothers who have to carefully budget and make tough choices between necessities and extras to provide for their children.?

Remember leisurely brunches or quiet moments with a book? For many moms, those luxuries become distant memories. The constant demands of motherhood leave little time for self-care or personal hobbies, leading to feelings of isolation and burnout. Despite the immense love for your baby, you can't help but long for the simple pleasures of life before motherhood.?

Motherhood is a rollercoaster of emotions, hormonal changes, social pressures, and endless advice and judgment from others. With everyone having an opinion on how to raise your child, it's natural to feel uncertain in your role as a mother.

Returning to work after having children and Balancing job demands with childcare responsibilities can feel overwhelming, leading to guilt and inadequacy.

Okay, but wasn’t it obvious to them already? What's the big deal?

Motherhood is a double-edged sword, filled with love and fulfillment, but it also limits personal freedom. Despite preparations, the journey remains unpredictable.?

With a child, carefree nights out and spontaneous trips transition into playdates, pediatrician visits, and endless childcare tasks.

Many mothers still feel profoundly isolated despite the abundance of baby talk and parenting resources. Perhaps non-mother or male friends fail to grasp the new reality, or you're the only parent in your social circle.?

Just when you think you're getting the hang of motherhood, postpartum depression hits hard. It's not just the fleeting "baby blues"; it's a profound and painful condition affecting countless women globally, clouding a joyful time.?

Worries about your child's well-being plague you from day one, leading to chronic stress and physical symptoms like headaches and muscle tension. And let's not forget the physical changes – from pregnancy scars to exhaustion – all often unnoticed or unappreciated.

Devoting oneself to children's needs can lead to a profound identity crisis. Who are you beyond being a parent? Moreover, arguments over parenting styles, lack of time together, and exhaustion can create distance, making intimacy and connection feel out of reach.

No matter how hard you try, you may feel like you need to catch up as a parent. Guilt becomes a constant companion, with worries about being good enough or making the right decisions for your child's future.?

Still, there’s no denying the fact that motherhood is the “ultimate Happiness”!!

"Happiness” is personal and subjective, influenced by various factors; hence, it can not be dictated by external expectations or norms.

While some find joy in motherhood's chaos, others struggle to align expectations with reality. Automatically linking motherhood to unending joy oversimplifies its complexities. Motherhood is filled with love, joy, frustration, exhaustion, and sometimes even resentment.?

Despite their seemingly perfect lives, celebrities also face motherhood challenges. From A-list actresses to chart-topping singers, many high-profile mothers have openly discussed their struggles with balancing fame, work, and family.?

Research studies consistently highlight the impact of motherhood on maternal well-being, with alarming rates of postpartum depression, anxiety, and burnout worldwide.

What needs to be done now?

1. Take the time to listen to mothers without jumping to conclusions or offering unsolicited advice. Sometimes, they need someone to lend an empathetic ear without judgment.
2. Instead of saying, "Let me know if you need anything," offer specific help. For example, cook a meal, babysit for a few hours, or help with household chores.?
3. ?Make an effort to check in on mothers regularly; a simple text or call to ask how they're doing can show that you care and are there to offer support.?
4. Validate their feelings by acknowledging that motherhood comes with challenges and reassure them they're not alone in their experiences.
5. If you’re a mother, value your well-being and practice self-care without guilt or shame. And if you’re family, celebrate the milestones and achievements of mothers, no matter how small, to boost their morale and self-esteem.
6. Take the initiative to educate yourself about maternal mental health.?
7. Speak up against motherhood stereotypes whenever you encounter them and promote a more inclusive and understanding attitude towards mothers.
8. Lastly, be patient and empathetic towards mothers, especially during difficult times.?

True happiness in motherhood comes not in striving for perfection but in embracing the messiness of the road. By reframing our understanding of happiness, mothers can develop greater resilience and fulfillment in the everyday moments of parenthood.