So Motherhood Is Exhausting and Lonely? You Don’t Say

Look, I’m glad someone’s finally saying it out loud. I really am. But I couldn’t help rolling my eyes a bit while reading this like, “Wow, another exposé on how pregnancy and motherhood are physically brutal and emotionally isolating? Groundbreaking stuff….”

Of course mums are struggling. Of course they’re sleep-deprived. Of course the pressure to “enjoy every moment” while bleeding, leaking, and operating on three hours of broken sleep is pushing women to their breaking point.

We’ve been screaming this into the void for years, usually while someone tells us to try yoga or nap when the baby naps.

The article shares quotes from real mums like Asha, who says she cried herself to sleep most nights. That part hit. Not because it was shocking, but because it’s so painfully common that we could all slot our names into that sentence and not miss a beat.

Then there’s the stat about mothers losing 400 to 700 hours of sleep in the first year.

Honestly?

That sounds low. And what does the medical system do about it?

Mostly, it pats mums on the head and tells them it's just part of the gig. If you dare say you’re not coping, chances are you’ll get handed a generic brochure, maybe a side-eye, and told to be strong.

The most frustrating thing?

This article reads like a revelation, but for mums, this isn’t news. It’s just Tuesday.

What we need isn’t more wide-eyed reporting on the fact that we’re suffering. We need systemic change. Actual maternal mental health support. Postnatal check-ups that go beyond “are your stitches healing” and ask “are you okay?” And for the love of coffee, let’s stop treating sleep deprivation like a badge of honour.

So yes, thank you for finally putting it in print, but also… where have you been? The toll of motherhood has never been hidden to the women living it. It’s only been ignored.

What do you think? Did this article strike a nerve or just state the obvious?

Drop your experience in the comments because if anyone gets it, it’s other mums.