Tough Mothers 2023: Happy Mother’s Day

All week this week, leading up to Mother’s Day, we have been sharing stories from mothers in our community about what it’s like to mother while leaking. Their experiences of grappling with uncertainty, grief, and resiliency as they navigate illness and parenthood illuminate how learning to be vulnerable, flexible, and creative honors the “tough mother” in all of us. Below are links to all of the stories we featured.

Ryne

Ryne leaned on wisdom from her own mother to survive difficult times

Shannon

Shannon spoke frankly about the challenges of parenting with a spinal CSF leak

Jennifer

Jennifer encouraged other moms to keep going, despite how mothering with a spinal CSF leak means things look differently than what you had in mind

Laurie

Laurie recognized the importance of not giving up in pursuit of diagnosis and treatment, and learning to being flexible when it comes to parenting

Laura

Laura spoke about her daughter’s excitement over her early recovery process

Anne

Anne talked about the importance of asking for help

Jane

Jane talked about grieving the loss of who you wanted to be to your children

Further Reading:

See our “Tough Mother” profiles from 2022:

Ketura spoke about the importance of appreciating small moments.
Kellye spoke about the importance of letting things go.
Lindsay spoke about learning to “ride the wave.”
Sanela spoke about letting your kids help you in their own way.
Cara spoke about finding silver linings.
Kat spoke about learning to be in the moment.

See our “Tough Mother” profiles from 2021:

Tough Mothers: Becky
Tough Mothers: Michelle
Tough Mothers: Monica
Tough Mothers: Stacy
Tough Mothers: Elle