A mother’s candid post about feeling overlooked after welcoming children is striking a chord with many.
Nothing can truly prepare you for the journey of motherhood. While reading parenting books, registering for essential items, and baby-proofing your home can help, certain experiences are simply beyond preparation. These are not things anyone can fully prepare you for either.
“I started to feel invisible soon after my daughter was born,” shares a heartfelt post by Sarah Thompson. Like many mothers, Sarah found that her sense of self faded once her children came into the picture.
“One day, I decided to wear only one earring,” she recalls. “Anyone who knows me would tell you that this isn’t my usual style. It took seven months before anyone noticed I was wearing just one earring.”
While this may sound trivial, it has deeper implications. For instance, my own mother, who used to call me every year at 1 a.m. on my birthday—the exact time I was born—forgot to do so for the first time after my daughter arrived. These moments happen to mothers frequently; it’s not that anyone means harm, but we often find ourselves taking a backseat to our children’s needs.
“Seven months of socializing, and no one truly looked at me,” Sarah writes. “It hit me that as a mom of two young kids—always out and about or labeled as ‘just a stay-at-home mom’—I had become invisible. I felt overlooked not just by society, but by my family and friends, and if I’m honest, even by myself.”
Motherhood can be all-consuming. Between the daily grind of managing life and navigating new responsibilities, it’s easy for our identities to get lost. And heaven forbid we speak up about it; then we risk being seen as “martyrs,” right?
“My phone conversations (when I could manage to have them) would often revolve around ‘how are the kids? How’s the husband?’ Rarely did anyone ask how I was doing,” she reflects. “I suppose everyone assumed that if my family was alright, I must be too.”
Raise your hand if you can relate.
It’s completely valid to crave recognition and to be seen as more than just a mother. This post carries a vital message, highlighting how quickly our own needs and identities can slip into the shadows.
“We need to let the bond that connects us as mothers be strong enough to support us when we’re feeling down. So, if you’re feeling overwhelmed, invisible, or as if you don’t matter, remember: you truly do.”
You are invaluable and likely the glue holding everything together. Let this wise reminder from a fellow mom serve as a beacon—you are not invisible. You exist, and your presence matters too.
For more on family planning and conception, check out this great resource from Kindbody. And if you’re interested in at-home insemination, this post from Make a Mom offers helpful insights. Additionally, for fragrance-free options, Intracervical Insemination has some excellent recommendations.
In summary, the journey of motherhood can often lead to feelings of invisibility. It’s essential to recognize that while we focus on our children, our own identities and needs also matter.