The Unspoken Journey Of Motherhood

Motherhood is a lot, and I think we don't talk about it enough.

The fact that everybody's experience is never the same—from trying to conceive to the endless changes in your body and emotions—is something we should acknowledge more often.

The journey through pregnancy is unique for every woman.

From back pains to tossing and turning at night, the weird cravings, shifting appetites, nausea, nose enlargement, dark skin pigmentation, swollen feet, and the unforgettable sensations of feeling a little one kick inside your belly. And, of course, the necessary wardrobe transformation.

I always find it fascinating to hear about the different cravings women experience during pregnancy. Mine was chewing ice blocks—oh my Lord, it was the most satisfying thing ever!

Did anyone else have a weird craving like mine? What was yours? Please gist me

Just when you think the journey is over, you realize it's only the beginning—the birth.

A newborn arrives, bringing with them a love so profound, yet accompanied by an immense responsibility. The days of breastfeeding, healing, and body transformation begin. Your motherly instincts heighten, and the long, sleepless nights become part of the new routine. The journey is certainly easier when you have a solid support system and a present spouse, but even then, the challenges are real.

Then comes the next phase—your little one begins to grow. From the cry-eat-sleep cycle to crawling all over the house, then suddenly running everywhere! You quickly learn that even a split second of looking away can lead to an adventure you didn’t see coming.

Yet, as the strong women we are, we still push forward, going about our “normal” days as business or career women like nothing has changed. The world expects us to show up, and we do—balancing it all with remarkable strength. (In fact, I’ll have more to say soon about the unpaid care work that often falls on women and the volume of women who lost their lives on the journey to motherhood )

This is not to paint a picture of doom and gloom but to celebrate mothers—especially as we commemorate them on Mother’s Day. It’s also important to recognize that there is a rising number of women opting for alternative methods to experience motherhood, whether through cesarean sections, adoption, or surrogacy.

Motherhood transcends the act of giving birth; —it’s about nurturing and raising which doesn't necessarily have to be biological. No woman should feel “less than” for how she chooses to bring a child or children into her world.

So, wherever you are on your journey to motherhood, know that you are seen, appreciated, and celebrated. You are stronger than you know.

As Barbara Kingsolver beautifully put it:

"Sometimes the strength of motherhood is greater than natural laws."

Before I wrap up, I want to take a moment to honor my wonderful Mum – Iya Mayowa, also known as Mummy London , and to celebrate myself – Iya Anuoluwapo, a.k.a. Mama Call2luv . Together, with stakeholders, we have supported over 2,000 pupils of the Call to Love Community in various ways.

Omowunmi with children from Call To Love Initiative

Happy Mother’s Day to every phenomenal woman walking this sacred path. You are extraordinary.

Cheers,

Omowunmi