Jasmine Sweet
What has surprised you about motherhood?
The level of strength that moms operate on to take care of ourselves and our families. We show up and deliver on every front no matter the circumstances—sick, tired, etc. It’s one of those things where you think you can’t, but your superpower is you can, and you did when it’s all said and done.
What’s one thing you love about motherhood?
I love the opportunity to laugh and to learn. I’ve never laughed so much in my life at myself—at figuring things out and at my daughter, who’s laughing with me (and at me, I’m sure). Either way, we laugh and cry and evoke all the emotions together, and it is the most beautiful experience of my life.
What’s one thing you’d tell new moms?
It’s easy to get so wrapped up in the to-do in your head that you forget to say things out loud! I’d tell a new mom to speak up for herself. Say loudly and proudly how you feel and what you need so that you can help yourself first and foremost and others can pitch in. There should be no shame in your mothering journey, from navigating life as a working mom to how you close down shop with your baby and your family at night.
Ashley Wilson
What’s one thing you love about motherhood?
Feeling the deepest, most pure love I’ve ever felt when my kids hug me or tell me they love me. Feeling the deepest, most pure joy I’ve ever felt when my kids are laughing.
What has surprised you about motherhood?
Coffee doesn’t even begin to work anymore. The exhaustion is beyond anything I thought possible. Motherhood tests me in every way imaginable, and I’m so much stronger than I ever thought possible. The crazy part is, I’ve never been happier to be this tired.
What’s one thing you’d tell new moms?
It’s hard to describe motherhood in a few simple words or thoughts, but one thing I’ve learned is that it is life-changing. There’s no going back. I mean that in the most beautiful, but relentless way. Not only do you birth a new baby, but a new you.
Rupali (Polly) Patel
What’s one thing you’d tell new moms?
You got this! Be kind and patient with yourself. I know you’re busy raising a tiny human, but make sure you look out for yourself too. There is no magic formula to be a perfect mom. Do what’s best for you and don’t worry about what others will think.
What surprised you about motherhood?
The unconditional love I feel for my kids. When I was dating my husband, I thought it was the best feeling ever. I thought this was it as our love grew for each other, but then there is the love of being a mother and the love I have for my kids. It is love like no other.
What’s one thing you love about motherhood?
Seeing the confident, free-thinking, creative people they are helps me remember that the little stumbles in parenting mean very little in the long run.
1 of 2
2 of 2
Hunter Premo
What has surprised you about motherhood?
I’m surprised by how funny a two-year-old can be. I’m also surprised about how much energy he can have at 5 a.m. I’m still trying to figure out how I can channel that same energy when I wake up. Each phase brings a whole new set of joys and emotions, and I can honestly say I’ve enjoyed each one more than the last. It truly does just keep getting better.
What’s one thing you love about motherhood?
Whether it’s taking time to dig up worms with him in the backyard or reading an extra five books before bedtime, Remy constantly brings me back to what is most important in life. He always reminds me to slow down and take it all in when life seems busy. We watch the birds fly, stare at the clouds, take afternoon naps, and spend as much time outside as we can. It is an honor to see the magic of everyday life through his eyes.
What’s one thing you’d tell new moms?
Trust your gut. There has been nothing more powerful to me than tuning into my intuition as a mom. It can be hard in today’s world with so much information available, but you know your baby better than anyone else in the world. Own that power and step into your confidence as a mom. Also, the dishes, laundry, and every day chores can all wait. You’ll never remember that night you washed dishes, but you might remember having a kitchen dance party with your toddler.
