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Motherhood: A Profound Physical Journey
When I close my eyes, I can still envision the person I used to be: well-dressed, energetic, and free from pain. She appears focused and full of life, a stark contrast to the reality I now face as a mother. While the joys of parenthood are immeasurable, the physical toll it has taken on my body is undeniable.
My experience of motherhood has transformed my life in countless wonderful ways. The love and curiosity of my children rejuvenate my spirit daily. Yet, I would be remiss if I didn’t acknowledge the significant changes my body has undergone since their arrival.
Initially, I knew sleepless nights were part of the package. However, I was unprepared for the profound loss of my former self—specifically, the pain-free existence I once enjoyed. Motherhood has challenged me physically in ways I never anticipated.
In the early days, I woke each morning feeling like an elderly person, with persistent aches and pains. My journey began smoothly enough, though my pregnancy was marked by extreme fatigue due to carrying twins. Soon after, unexpected complications arose, including cholestasis—a rare liver condition that caused severe itching and swelling—and pre-eclampsia. The swelling in my legs and feet added to my discomfort, and maintaining a normal appetite with two growing babies pressing against my stomach was nearly impossible.
Upon entering labor, I hoped the worst was behind me. However, I faced a traumatic experience during delivery, including a hemorrhage that required 12 pints of blood and an eight-day stay in the ICU. The aftermath included a blood clot the size of a baseball, a month-long battle with incontinence, and terrifying heart palpitations. Perhaps my most challenging experience was a poorly executed episiotomy that left me struggling to walk or sit comfortably for six months.
After navigating this painful chapter, I was determined to care for my newborns, putting my pain aside. Yet, it didn’t take long for discomfort to resurface. Just two months postpartum, I tore a disc in my spine—a painful setback for someone who had enjoyed a healthy back prior to motherhood. This excruciating pain lingered for seven months, making rest a luxury I rarely attained.
As time passed, my right hip also succumbed to strain, causing additional weeks of discomfort. The following summer, as my twins began teething, I encountered a new affliction: vertigo. Although dizziness is often overlooked as a form of pain, the sensation of being on a relentless, whirlwind carousel resulted in severe headaches and nausea. This condition lasted for five agonizing weeks, during which my doctor struggled to alleviate my suffering.
Despite these challenges, motherhood has unexpectedly bolstered my physical resilience. Strangers often express astonishment as I deftly manage two tantruming toddlers or effortlessly collapse a double stroller using only one hand. What once might have been perceived as weakness has evolved into a display of strength that surprises even me.
Ultimately, I wouldn’t trade my new body for my pre-motherhood self. The body that bore two children simultaneously is now a source of pride, and I embrace its capabilities, even amidst the discomfort. It has proven to be stronger than I ever imagined possible. If pain is a temporary side effect of this journey, then I accept it as part of the process.
For those considering the path of motherhood, be advised: it will be one of the most significant physical challenges you will ever face. But as the saying goes, no pain, no gain—perhaps originally coined by mothers themselves.
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