The Ups and Downs of Motherhood

     In this motherhood journey, I learned and still learning the ups and downs every single day. When I discovered that I was pregnant with my only child, fears, worries, and questions kept swirling on my mind. Growing up in a big family, I said to myself that despite the challenges and hardships that will come along the way, I have my mother and my family who will always be there to support me. 

     Lo and behold, when I gave birth to Kenzo, the first person that guided me on what and what not to do was my mother. She gave instructions, reminders, and advises on minor mishaps and how to handle them. My sister-in-law was also there to check me from time to time. It's a very challenging role for first time mothers to do all the tasks by herself. From staying up late in the wee hours of night to check if  it's time to change the diaper, to feed a crying baby, and to find ways on how to tame a colic-y one. But all these sacrifices are worth it seeing the baby smile and feel loved through the gestures of this precious one. A decade and a half has passed and I'm still experiencing the ups and downs of motherhood but I'm loving the journey. Indeed,  “There’s no way to be a perfect mother and a million ways to be a good one.” —Jill Churchill. Sharing more why there are no “on/of” and “pause” mode on motherhood after the jump.

The Ups and Downs of Motherhood 

     While Kenzo is growing and developing, so am I. There were instances that I feel the need to be a perfect mother for my son. Showing this, telling that, but most of the time, I don't need to be one. It's physically, mentally and emotionally draining that's why even if I already know what to do, sometimes it doesn't fit in the situation. Being a self-confessed OC mom, I tend to break down and feel guilty that the effort I put in rearing my son is not enough. But I feel relieved and thankful that there's a support system around me offline- my husband, my mother, my sisters, in-laws and online- the community where I vent out my frustrations and learned the nitty gritty of all things motherhood. 

The Ups and Downs of Motherhood 

     In this ever changing world, I'm grateful and blessed of having a reliable support system. Just like other moms, I tap into the power of peer support. A “network” of other moms — communities online and offline – where moms support and empower other moms. This mother's day, I would say thank you to one and only mommy group/community that I feel at home- Madiskarte Moms Philippines. Here, I feel that I have fellow moms who is passionate and willingly glad to help and share tips, advice, how to's and everything and anything in between being a mom. With Madiskarte Moms PH, I can definitely say to all the moms in our community that "No matter what happens, we're here for you. You can rely on us." Feeling the motherhood pressure? Watch this heartfelt Mother’s Day video from PLDT Home, click HERE :)