Why Every Day Should Be Mother's Day

A mother is irreplaceable. We only get one in this lifetime, but many of us tend to forget this. As we grow up, we spend less and less time with our mothers. A mother isn’t just someone who gave birth to us, or clothed and fed us when we were babies. Your mother is your protector, your teacher, your friend and your number one fan. They deserve so much more than what we could ever give them and their sacrifices can never be repaid. One day out of an entire year is not nearly enough to show just how much our mothers mean to us. Here’s why every day should be Mother’s Day and why you should be celebrating them daily. Difficulties of Pregnancy and Childbirth There is an old saying that a daughter will feel closest to her own mother when she is giving birth to her first child. This will resonate most deeply to all the women who have gone through the pains of labour and childbirth. It is only through this selfless act that a woman truly knows what her mother has gone through to bring life into the world. If you are currently childless and may not know what it's like to be a pregnant woman and a woman undergoing childbirth, perhaps the following will enlighten you. Pregnancy When you’re pregnant, your body will literally transform to accommodate the child. Your organs move, your hormones fluctuate, and your appearance changes. But it’s not easy being a human chrysalis. Pregnancy comes with its own physical and psychological changes. Some common but difficult side effects of pregnancy include weight gain, shortness of breath, back pain, heartburn, constipation, swollen ankles, insomnia and frequent urination. Imagine going through this for nine months. Some women may also experience diabetes, high blood pressure, anaemia and even depression. Many stories talk all about the mythical 'pregnancy glow' but they will rarely talk about the morning sickness, the sleepless nights, the loss of appetite. Pregnancy is no walk in the park. Childbirth Some women have compared labour and childbirth pain as the worst pain they’ve ever felt in their life. While epidurals are commonly used, there are still plenty of women who don’t take them. Without epidurals the mother will feel everything, even with local anaesthesia. About only one in ten women take epidurals, so the majority of mothers do experience the full pain of childbirth. Even if you do make it out alive, there will still be the side effects of pregnancy to come. Your body will experience some post-pregnancy changes after childbirth. Some common ones include haemorrhoids, vaginal discharge and swelling, breast pain, hair loss, hyperpigmentation, incontinence, and of course, stretch marks. Just know that your mother still went through with having you despite knowing all these facts. The Challenges of Raising a Baby A mother’s job begins at childbirth and doesn’t stop, ever. Even after her child is grown. But the first few weeks after a baby is born is always the hardest. She will have to depend on so many people in order to carry out her first duties to the new child. But eventually, a new mother will have to face motherhood on her own. Even with her husband by her side. There is no doubt that this was what your own mother experienced. Raising a baby is not all sunshine and rainbows. The diaper changes, the night time feedings, the sore breasts, the sleepless nights. A mother will need to change many things in her life to accommodate a baby and it’s not just about setting a nursery in the spare room. Not to mention when the baby eventually grows up, you'll have to start finding them a good kindergarten, buy them textbooks and school clothes, and pay their tuition fees. These responsibilities become all the more difficult if you are a single mum. Despite the insurmountable challenges, many women succeed in raising happy, successful adults. Some have even gone on to become great leaders and visionaries who are changing the world for the better with their ideas. And many of them will have their mothers to thank for. As the saying goes, the hand that rocks the cradle rules the world. A Mother's Responsibilities A mother’s responsibilities are numerous and never-ending. Popular media might have some people thinking a mother’s job is merely to cook and clean. This is untrue. Mothers do cook and clean, but they also clothe, feed, educate, discipline, comfort, encourage, inspire, and do a hundred other things for their child. No one can take the place of a mother, or reduce her responsibilities to labels and stereotypes. This goes to all kinds of mothers, whether you’re a stay-at-home mum, or a working mum. There is a common misconception that stay-at-home mums have it easy because they don’t have to 'work'. But the truth is they work every day all day—from the moment the child wakes up the moment they fall asleep. For working mums, having a day job doesn’t exempt them from their motherly duties. Even with a dad around, your mum will always want to make sure dinner is made, the house is tidy and the homework is done. The physical, emotional and financial cost of raising a child is unimaginable. A mother’s work is never done. Every Day Should Be Mother’s Day If we could celebrate Mother's Day every day, we should; even in the smallest of ways. And it shouldn’t just about be cakes and balloons and Hallmark cards either. Honouring your mother shouldn’t be about material things and pageantry. You can of course show your mum gratitude for all they’ve done by giving them gifts and money. But chances are all your mum needs is your acknowledgement, respect and love. So, shower your mum with all the attention and affection you can muster as often as you can. Let’s celebrate our mums and make every day Mother’s Day. For more insightful stories and fun recipes, stay tuned to Motherhood Story!

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