“The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.”
– Eleanor Roosevelt

HONORING MOTHERS:

Mother's Day holds a completely new meaning for me this year. It's no longer just about cutting a cake and hugging my mom. In fact, the very definition of motherhood has shifted in my perspective.

During the initial three months of my final year, navigating the long corridors of Lady Willingdon and Lady Aitchison Hospitals, I have gained profound insights into the realities of motherhood. Mothers heavily pregnant, mothers in labour, mothers undergoing c sections, mothers breastfeeding, mothers trying hard to conceive, mothers dealing complications of IUDs, single mothers, home-makers, mothers managing between work and family.

A mother endured intense uterine contractions during a prolonged labor that had lasted over twelve hours. As a primigravida – experiencing pregnancy for the first time – the ordeal was particularly challenging for her. Witnessing her struggle was a new and moving experience for me. However, when the resident presented her with her precious baby boy, a wave of joy swept over her. Despite the pain she had endured, her face lit up with a radiant smile mixed with tears of happiness. In that moment, it was evident that all the suffering had been worthwhile to hold her newborn son in her arms.

Another touching experience occurred in the operating room while observing cesarean sections. Observing the precise incision through the layers of the abdomen and the safe delivery of the child was truly remarkable. Each layer carefully opened to reveal new life entering the world. It's undeniable that only a mother can willingly endure such sacrifices for the well-being of her child, even if it means risking her own health.

We had a mother who was suffering from PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome) and had finally conceived after a thirteen-year wait. The infertility consultation room buzzed with stories of perseverance and hope. It was a place where couples shared tales of enduring long waits, navigating through hopeless nights, clinging to prayers, and exploring the latest advancements in medical science – all in pursuit of their dream of parenthood.

During my rotations, I observed the critical role that fathers play in the care and health of both the mother and child. Their involvement can make a tremendous difference. I found that couples where the father is supportive and nurturing significantly ease the overall experience of pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum care. The presence of a caring and involved father not only provides practical support but also contributes to the emotional well-being of the entire family unit.

At times, I can't help but feel that mothers possess some sort of divine power. It's as if our umbilical cords remain connected to her indefinitely. Her embrace feels like a return to the safety of the womb, where every need is instinctively met. It is as though she can read our hearts, understanding our deepest desires and fears without a single word spoken.

As Kipling beautifully says:
If I were damned of body and soul,
I know whose prayers would make me whole,
Mother o' mine, O mother o' mine!

This year, let's celebrate the most profound sentiment that God has bestowed upon us – motherhood. Let's reflect on the immense pain and sacrifice someone endured to bring us into this world. Take a moment to write a heartfelt thanksgiving note to her, acknowledging her presence and everything she has done for us. And for those who have lost their mothers, can we truly say they are gone? Their love, guidance, and influence remain eternally embedded in our hearts and memories, shaping who we are and how we navigate the world.

Happy Mother’s Day!

Areesha Ahmad,
Punjab