Welcome to ‘Inspirational Stories’, a Heartcore Space dedicated to amplify the voices of women from all walks of life. Here, we celebrate the diverse and powerful narratives that shape our experiences of womanhood, motherhood, and the essence of femininity.

Through the heartfelt words and authentic journeys shared by this community, I aim to cultivate a sense of togetherness and empowerment, fostering a deeper understanding of the multifaceted nature of femininity.

Here’s to the beauty of collective storytelling and the profound impact it has on our lives and the lives of those around us!

ⓒ Lize Helsen

Introduction

The decision to embark on the transformative path of motherhood often brings a multitude of uncertainties and internal conflicts.

This is the story of a woman who discovered the immeasurable depths of her own power, both in the act of giving birth as wel as in the tender embrace of motherhood itself.

Through the lens of her deeply personal narrative, she shares the evolution of her perceptions—from initial doubts to a profound awakening—in a journey that unveiles her innate strength and resilience.

Embracing my power within

Before I got pregnant, I was really torn between wanting kids and not having any. I know why most people want kids, but I didn’t quite know why I had to make such a drastic change to my life.

I was really curious about the biological part of pregnancy and giving birth. Could my body, with my partner’s help, really bring life into the world? What was it like? And did I really want to let go of this amazing life experience?

I was still not sure, but decided to take the plunge and get pregnant. The experience of pregnancy, and especially birth, was more than I could have ever imagined… and motherhood opened up a whole new world of feelings and perspectives that I didn’t even know I had.

Being pregnant, giving birth, and being a mother was one of the most transformative experiences of my life. As time went on, my view of the birth experience changed. Like most women, I saw childbirth as a life-threatening and extremely painful experience where a woman loses her dignity and just goes through the motions. Fortunately, I thought, I had the choice to surrender to the hands of the doctors and have myself anesthetised so that I did not have to go through the unbearable pain.

However, with a lot of self-reflection and research, I came to the realization that childbirth isn’t the worst thing that can happen to you. In fact, it’s one of the most exhilarating, powerful and overwhelming things you can go through in your life! My body is designed for this. I trust my instinct. I will find strength trough pain. I am present, I can do this.

My son came into the world calmly and unassisted, on a beautiful journey where no words, judgments or instructions were needed. Everything was instinctive and natural, a perfect symphony of my mind, body and baby. I was in a state of trance where I was fully immersed in the present moment and lost track of time. I shut down my thinking brain and let my instincts take over. I have never felt so pure, so ‘mammalike’ and so powerful.

When I became a mom, it was also a lot different than I thought it would be. Yes, my whole life changed. I got lost in motherhood. I put all my time and energy into my baby, away from my relationships with myself and my partner. My needs were secondary to my baby’s needs. But none of this felt like a loss. None of the many hours of walking, sitting in my bed, doing nothing felt like a waste of time. I did not mourn my loss of independence, and I did not try to rush my baby’s independence either. My needs aligned with my baby’s needs, and I accepted that co-dependency as it was and welcomed each small step toward independence when it was time.

Did I feel fulfilled, content and at ease during this time? Absolutely not. But when I think about it, it was only a short time in my life. I’m sure my independence, me-time and focus on myself, my partner and environment will come back eventually.

If I had to describe my experience of having a child, I would say that it is an unending, highly frequent and renewable source of joy, happiness and love that I have every day.

Now my firstborn is 3 years old, and just when he was getting his own space and personality, and I was re-evaluating myself and my life, I became pregnant again. I don’t know if life is going to give me another chance to have a magical, empowering birth, but I will accept whatever my birth is going to be. And as far as motherhood goes, here we are once again, starting over… ready to get lost again.

Thank you, Tessie. For sharing your wisdom with the world. You are Golden.

With love,

Lize

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