Motherhood is tough. But for some, it is tougher than the rest. At IFORHER, we applaud their courage and determination for not giving up on the struggle of motherhood.
Do you believe motherhood is easy? This inspiring story of a mother overcoming her disability and fighting against postpartum depression will make you reconsider your thoughts.
This mother shared her inspiring story with HoB.
“When I was 12, I got electrocuted while playing and had to get my right arm amputated–I underwent over 40 surgeries on both my arms. It hindered everything, from writing, to wearing my uniform, to just walking outside; No outing was complete without strangers staring.
Luckily, over time, I started doing things on my own and felt more confident about my arm. And at 25, I married my college sweetheart who never saw it as a hindrance.
5 years later, we had our daughter, Meher. It was the happiest day of my life. But over the next 3 months, my life changed completely.
I could barely hold Meher–someone always had to hand her to me. I couldn’t change her diaper, and I wasn’t even producing enough milk to feed her. I felt like a bad mother; I failed to do the most basic things for my baby.
Even my body changed. I had saggy breasts, a belly bulge and gained 10 kgs. I felt ugly and irritable.
I stayed up all night having meltdowns. I’d snap easily and had ugly fights with my husband and mom. I’d often tell them that they didn’t understand what I was going through.
All I could think about was life never being the same again. I knew I was experiencing postpartum depression, even though I wasn’t diagnosed.
Things started getting better 2 months later. Meher grew bigger, so I felt more confident holding her. I even started trying to change her diaper. To cope with the stress, I started new shows and went on drives with my husband and friends in the evenings after Meher slept.
But I’m not a 100% there with being able to care for Meher on my own. I’m still not able to bathe her. Yesterday I was home alone with her, and it took me 5 attempts to change her diaper. Even after that, it wasn’t on her right. But I’m setting small goals for myself everyday, and getting there slowly.
It’s been 7 months, and I still get mood swings, but Meher’s coos and grunts lift my spirits–she’s always smiling! I’m looking for the small wins, the little things to look forward to–like right now, my husband and I are planning a holiday with Meher hopefully next year. I can’t wait for sunny beach days with our baby–the first as a family!
Motherhood is beautiful, no doubt, but it isn’t always rosy. Our bodies change; our lives change. But the one thing that remains constant is the love–and that always pulls us through.”
At IFORHER, we are in awe of this inspiring mother about how she is fighting like a true warrior despite her challenges.
Heroes are not born, the tough times reveal the heroes within us. As this mother shows us how real heroes look like, we hope her story will inspire you to fight your own battle with more determination and courage.