When I first found out I was pregnant, I experienced a whirlwind of emotions—excitement, fear, and everything in between. Even though my pregnancy was planned, the moment it became real, it felt entirely different. It was no longer just a thought or a dream; it was my new reality. And while the idea of becoming a mother was thrilling, it also came with uncertainty.
From the very beginning, I knew I wanted my daughter’s birth to be as planned as possible. That sense of control made me feel safe and comfortable. Like many first-time moms, I envisioned the perfect birth experience—holding my daughter for the first time after a smooth, vaginal delivery. I didn’t dwell on the possibility of things unfolding differently because, throughout my pregnancy, there were no signs to suggest otherwise.
Telling my family in Lebanon that I was pregnant was one of the most joyful moments. I still remember the tears of happiness, the endless words of advice, and the excitement as we prepared for my daughter’s arrival. It felt like everything was falling into place. But as I would soon learn, motherhood—starting from birth itself—is full of unexpected turns.
As my due date approached, I was told I needed an induction. I had never heard the term before, and I didn’t fully grasp what it meant or what I was about to go through. I had no idea that this decision could ultimately lead to a C-section.
Two days after being induced, my body still wasn’t progressing as expected, and before I knew it, I was being rushed in for an emergency C-section. It all happened so fast—I felt unprepared, overwhelmed, and powerless. The noises, the urgency, the lack of time to process what was happening—it was all too much. I had envisioned one experience, yet I found myself living another. And it wasn’t just the physical pain that made this difficult; the mental and emotional toll was just as heavy.
I had my C-section on a Wednesday. In the days and weeks that followed, I found myself struggling with more than just physical recovery. My postpartum journey became a challenge I wasn’t ready for. My body felt foreign to me. My emotions felt tangled. I wrestled with the fact that I hadn’t been able to choose the path that felt right for me. Also the feeling of sadness added a load of guilt and pressure as community expects you to be happy and only feel the gratitude.
It took me a long time to come to terms with my story, but through that process, I learned a few invaluable lessons.
For any moms who may be going through something similar, here’s what I want you to know:
1. Accept Your Path
You are not yourself right now, and that’s okay. This period is filled with overwhelming emotions, new responsibilities, and often a sense of helplessness. But it won’t always be this way. You will feel like yourself again. You will find your strength again. Be patient with yourself, and don’t pressure yourself to feel or heal in a certain way.
2. Build A Support System
Surround yourself with people who uplift you. This is crucial. I was fortunate to have family and friends who validated my feelings rather than judged them. That support gave me the energy to keep going, to process my experience, and to build back my confidence. If you don’t have a strong support system, seek one out. Communities like Madinat Mom exist for this very reason—to remind you that you are never alone on this journey.
3. Embrace Your Unique Journey
It may take time to make peace with your story, but your journey is uniquely yours. Motherhood doesn’t come with a script, and no two stories are the same. Though it may not have been what you envisioned, your experience has shaped you into the strong and resilient mother you are today. Finding gratitude in the unexpected can be challenging, but when you do, you’ll realize just how special your path truly is.
Motherhood is a series of unplanned moments, each shaping us in ways we never expected. And while the journey may not always be what we envisioned, it is still ours to embrace. If you are in the midst of your own unplanned moments, know that you are not alone. There is strength in your story, beauty in your resilience, and so much joy waiting for you—even in the unexpected.
You Are Not Alone!
If you’re navigating the challenges of postpartum recovery, birth trauma, or simply adjusting to motherhood, Madinat Mom is here for you.
This community is a space where you can find support, encouragement, and resources to help you through this journey. You don’t have to do this alone—connect with Madinat Mom today and discover a village of moms who truly understand.
You can watch Hiba’s Full Story on Youtube or you can listen to the audio version through the Podcast Tab on the Madinat Mom Website.
