Honoring Every Motherhood Journey: A Therapist’s Reflection on Mother’s Day
- Sabrina Zera
- 5 days ago
- 4 min read
Mother’s Day is often framed as a joyful celebration of the mothers in our lives — but for many, it brings a complicated mix of emotions. Whether you are longing to become a mother, navigating pregnancy, adjusting to life postpartum, or finding your place as a non-traditional mother, know that motherhood is not a one-size-fits-all experience. It’s a deeply personal and evolving journey, and wherever you are on that path, your experience is seen and valid.
Beyond the flowers and commercialized celebrations, Mother’s Day can highlight the cultural and emotional complexities tied to motherhood. It’s a day that can amplify mental health challenges — from the quiet struggles of aspiring mothers to the unique pressures of pregnancy, postpartum life, and the often invisible realities faced by non-traditional mothers. As therapists, we know that honoring mothers in all their forms also means holding space for their mental and emotional well-being, because nurturing mothers means supporting their mental health, too.
The Aspiring Mother
If you are trying to conceive, coping with infertility grief, mourning stillbirths or miscarriages, or navigating the adoption process — you are not alone. This part of the journey often goes unseen, and Mother’s Day may be especially difficult. Approximately 1 in 6 couples struggle with infertility, and 1 in 4 women experience a miscarriage. These challenges can be remarkably isolating and can place strain on relationships. In therapy, we often work with aspiring mothers to process grief, reduce isolation, and navigate the impact on partnerships.
Feeling: You may be carrying sadness, anger, loneliness, or even a sense of failure.
Experiencing: The ups and downs of hope and heartbreak can feel like an emotional rollercoaster — physically, mentally, and emotionally taxing.
Needing: Compassion and understanding. Shame grows in silence, and the support of others can help lighten the burden.
The Expecting Mother
Whether you just learned you are pregnant or are approaching your due date, whether expecting your first child or adding a sibling — pregnancy is a profound transformation. You are creating life, birthing a baby, and also becoming someone entirely new. While postpartum depression is more widely recognized, fewer people know that rates of depression and anxiety are just as high during pregnancy. Therapy during this stage can help address fears, identity shifts, and relationship changes.
Feeling: A range of emotions, from excitement and anticipation to nervousness and fear.
Experiencing: Physical changes, emotional highs and lows, identity shifts, and at times loneliness and doubt — even when surrounded by support.
Needing: Gentleness. Be kind to yourself. Whatever you did today was enough. It’s okay if this journey looks and feels different than you expected.
The New Mother
New motherhood includes everyone from freshly postpartum mothers to toddler moms and even new stepmothers adjusting to layered, often unspoken roles. The first few days postpartum mark the most significant and rapid hormonal shift documented in the human body. While postpartum mental health challenges can arise anytime in the first year, the most common onset is around three months. Importantly, postpartum anxiety is even more common than postpartum depression. Research shows that education, screening, and therapy can make a meaningful difference. Visit the “Our Team” section of our website to connect with a therapist. For additional resources, visit Postpartum Support International.
Feeling: Overwhelmed, exhausted, joyful, uncertain, isolated, or misunderstood — often all at once.
Experiencing: Hormonal fluctuations, evolving relationships, and the reshaping of identity.
Needing: Support and reflection. This is a time for both nurturing and grieving — grieving the version of life or motherhood you imagined and nurturing the one you are stepping into.
The Non-Traditional Mother
Motherhood comes in many shapes and forms. Maybe you are a stepmother, non-biological mom, queer or non-binary parent, or foster parent. This day may bring an array of emotions, from celebration to a quiet sense of invisibility. Non-traditional mothers often navigate unique challenges, such as lack of societal recognition, blended family complexities, or parenting in a heteronormative world. Therapy can offer a space to reflect on your experiences, find validation, and navigate your role with confidence.
Feeling: Grateful, joyous, conflicted, or underappreciated.
Experiencing: Conflicted feelings — perhaps this isn’t the journey you imagined, or maybe you feel both celebrated and overlooked.
Needing: Permission to honor whatever feelings arise.
Support For Your Motherhood Journey Can Be Simple — Here’s Where to Start
Reflection: Honor your journey so far.
Journal: What has your path looked like? How has it felt? Where do you envision it going next?
Therapy: Talking through your experiences can provide insight, relief, and healing.
Physical Health: Prioritize rest and nourishment; they matter more than you think.
Gentle Movement: Engage in physical activity that feels good for your body today.
Nourishment: Choose foods that fuel you both physically and emotionally.
Mental Health: Acknowledge how you are feeling and what you need.
Meditation: Spend time quieting your mind.
Social Support: Stay connected with friends and family; share your experience openly.
Community: Find people who are on a similar journey — whether through support groups, playgroups, or online spaces.
To Every Version of the Mother — You Are Seen
Wherever you are, your motherhood journey deserves to be seen, supported, and honored. This Mother’s Day, meet yourself with gentleness, compassion, and empathy. If you’re curious about how therapy can support you in this season, we invite you to connect with one of our Marriage & Family Therapists at Waterloo. We are here to walk alongside you, wherever you are on your path.
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