My name is Sofia, and I’m from Virginia, USA—well, I’m a military kid, so let’s just say Virginia. I have two children, ages 4 and 1, and while both pregnancies started normally, my journey to motherhood became anything but ordinary.
During my first delivery, there was an emergency that changed everything. That complication made my second pregnancy high-risk about midway through. I had to get a cerclage and was put on pelvic rest for months. When my second baby arrived, he spent a week in the NICU. Those days felt like forever, but they also showed me just how strong I could be when I needed to be.
The thing that surprised me most about motherhood is that I’m constantly learning things from my kids. I thought I’d be the one teaching them everything, but honestly, they’ve taught me just as much—about patience, about living in the moment, about finding joy in the smallest things.
I’m definitely a different person now. I don’t remember who I was before becoming a mother, and that’s not a bad thing at all. Motherhood has changed my perspective on everything—what matters, what doesn’t, how I spend my time, what I’m willing to fight for. It’s shown me that I can do hard things and still excel in life. I can run my businesses, show up for my kids, take care of my body, and keep moving forward even when it feels impossible.
But let me be real—balancing being a mama with running my businesses and staying organized has been a huge challenge. I need to practice more patience and grace with myself because managing my emotions has been a lot harder, especially during postpartum. I try to make time for myself each day, even if it’s just for 20 minutes. Because here’s what I’ve learned: if I am not good, then no one will be. Taking time for yourself isn’t selfish—it’s necessary for everyone in your family.
Every single day, my kids are what bring me joy. They’re hilarious and make me laugh constantly. The things they say, the things they do—it’s pure comedy and pure love all at once. I am so grateful for having two healthy children. Just spending time together, going to the park, riding in the car, laughing—those are the moments I hold onto.
I’m incredibly lucky to have a strong support system—my partner, my family who live close by, my friends, and my community. They’re all there for me. Connecting with other mothers has been huge for me too. Most of my clients are mothers, so I’m able to connect with them and train them in a way that really understands what they’re going through. We get it. We’re in this together.
Some of my proudest moments as a mother have been giving birth to both kids naturally, breastfeeding both to over a year, teaching them healthy habits so they eat nutritious foods, and having them watch me be fit and healthy. That last one means everything to me because I truly believe that your kids watch how you do things, not what you say. I’m not sure if I heard that from someone or saw it as a quote somewhere, but it stuck with me. Lead by example. Show them who you are through your actions.
When challenging days hit—and they will—I take a deep breath. I pray. Those two simple things help me stay grounded more than anything else. I remind myself that this is just a season and that I’m doing the best I can.
I try to be pretty open on social media about my struggles, but I don’t always post the bad moments. I’m not a perfect mom, but I do my best, and I am able to apologize when I am wrong to my kids. Showing vulnerability and that you’re human is key. Our kids need to see that we’re real people who make mistakes and own them.
My journey hasn’t been without loss and hardship. I had one miscarriage before my first child. Both my pregnancies, births, and postpartum periods definitely shaped who I am today. I struggled with postpartum depression and anxiety after both babies. At first, nothing helped except sleep, eating correctly, going to therapy, leaning on my support system, and just riding the wave. And praying. So much praying.
To new moms navigating this journey, I want you to know: give yourself grace. There is a light at the end of the tunnel, I promise. And please accept help from others. Put your pride to the side. You don’t have to do this alone, and you weren’t meant to.
If you’re in the thick of it right now—whether it’s postpartum fog, balancing too many things, or just trying to survive the day—I see you. You’re doing better than you think. Your kids don’t need perfection. They need you—showing up, trying your best, and loving them through it all.
Thank you for letting me share my story. To every mama reading this: you’re not alone, and you’re doing an amazing job.
With love, Sofia (@sofitfia)
@Sofia, thank you for being real enough to say what so many mothers feel but never say out loud — because it shows us that grace is not something we earn, it is something we owe ourselves.
