You dreamed of the day when you would start your family. You planned and set goals, then counted the weeks and days until you could finally hold your baby in your arms. Those little ones are absolutely perfect! Silky soft skin, innocent trusting eyes, and that amazing baby’s breath. So many feelings rushing in and through you. It was amazing, a thrill, everything you dreamed it would be…and more.

SO MUCH MORE!!!

To say that motherhood is labor-intensive is true both literally and metaphorically. Nine months of pregnancy is followed by birthing labor that can be a difficult experience, to put it mildly. For me, the pregnancy seemed to last forever and flew by for all the people watching, waiting, and expecting this precious little baby to come. Then labor can also seemingly last forever, an average of 8-12 hours for the first-time mom (I remember it so clearly!). After months of life-altering pregnancy and then the physically and mentally grueling labor, you would think moms would get a much-deserved rest. At least that is what I thought…but that just doesn’t happen.

Once your baby is born, the real labor begins.

I am definitely not trying to make motherhood sound bad. It is without a doubt a rewarding and fulfilling experience that mothers all over the world would not trade for anything. Women who become mothers form a unique relationship with their children that dads can only envy. Many formerly reluctant mothers develop an instant understanding of this natural bond and the future life they are going to willingly sacrifice for their child the very first time they hold their defenseless, helpless offspring in their hands.

Motherhood – The Hardest Job in the World

As a mom, you are hiring on for the hardest job in the world. You never get a paycheck in this new workplace, even though you are on-call 24/7/365 for the entire lives of your children. There aren’t any sick day allowances or vacations. Your bosses wear diapers, scream at you, throw food on floor, stomp their feet, and wear school clothes. Even when your child grows into a responsible, contributing, adult member of society any mother would be proud of…the caring doesn’t stop.

You worry, think about, sympathize, empathize, and long to interact with your children every single day. Whether you enter the workplace like 70% of US moms or you stay at home, your kids are never far from your thoughts.

And though you don’t get paid in hard, cold cash for your lifetime dedication to your children, the job does pay priceless rewards.

• Seeing your baby smile when she looks at you.
• Hearing “mama” for the first (or thousandth) time.
• Watching your child show compassion for another when she/he doesn’t know you are watching.
• Hearing your child say, “I love you” … at any age!
• Healing a boo-boo.
• Hearing the giggles and laughs that are contagious and light up your soul.
• Just watching your child be a kid.
• Watching your “baby” graduate from kindergarten, grade school, high school, college.
• Getting an unexpected “just because” phone call from your child.
• Bonding in a special way when your child becomes a parent.
• Spoiling the grandchildren your child blessed you with.

Experiencing the full spectrum of motherhood emotions gives a mom a full life. All human emotions are felt at one time or another, and all those miraculous ups and devastating downs. The hardest job without a paycheck means one day you question every “mom decision’ you ever made, and the next day you can’t imagine feeling more happy, rich, proud, and positive feelings for all your hard work.

The season of motherhood won’t get you a fat 401K, retirement pay, or other traditional workplace benefits. Actually, it is often a thankless job. Even so, you know there is no other job you would trade for being a mother. There are going to be tough days. Heck, there may be weeks and years when you want to throw in the towel because the mom-job is so difficult. Regardless, there are a lot of reasons moms couldn’t imagine a fuller, more rewarding, and complete life than raising and loving their kids.

Those are my thoughts and experiences. Do you feel motherhood is an unpaid labor of love? What are some of your most challenging moments? What are some of the best moments you have with your children that makes it all worth it? I would love to have this conversation!

Wishing you well,

Dr. Jessica