Dealing with diaper, and tantrums, a mother showers all her love and care to her children. The joys of being a mum are there, but it is not always a pleasant experience. A mum often needs to sacrifice many things, including her career for the sake of her children. Yet, she is always happy to be a mother. So, how does it feel like giving birth and nurturing the young ones. Some celebrity mums share with Sabitri Dhakal, their experiences of being a mother: The experiences I was 19 years old when my first child, Saugat was born. I feared his well-being because he really had to struggle. After 10 hours of extreme struggle, I gave him birth through c-section. Holding my baby in the arms on the second day made me forget all the pain. The feeling of being able to give life and then nurture with love itself is very rewarding. Nothing can be as heavenly as this. There are occasional moments when my child gives me a wake-up peck. I become more alive to life in these little moments. Hardest moment Probably one difficult moment I can share is having to let my elder boy go for his higher studies. The feeling of not getting to have his physical presence with me loomed over for a long time. Other than that, both my children have always been very well behaved and gentle so there were not any hard moments as such. Balancing work and family My two sons (Saugat and Saumya) are grown-ups and do not need my attention like younger children do. They have always been my first priority though and somehow I have been able to create a balance by being there for them whenever they want me. As I was doing my Masters degree when I had my second baby Saumya, I took sabbatical for few years and this was a deliberate choice that has never been regretted. For me being with my children in their growing years was more important. Later as the children grew, I did fulfil my dreams and aspirations. Changes felt Let me quote here as a ‘single mother’, it’s the other way round. My children grew ahead of time with the upheavals I faced. They have loved, embraced and accepted me so well that I feel cocooned and safe. I feel more responsible as a mother into what kind of individuals my boys grow to become. We have developed a strong bonding also as friends over the years.

— Saguna Shah, Educator, Founder of bOOkahOlics

The experiences I mentally prepared myself for being a mother only after being pregnant. I was 24 years old when my son Amogh was born. Giving birth was a painful experience, but it felt wonderful to become a mother. I felt like I created someone. I am able to give my love and care to the child. I can help him in different activities and be his friend. Hardest thing It is difficult to balance my career and the role as a mother. You need to give time and attention to the child. I never felt free while working when my son was young, because my mind was always divided between work and child. Balancing career and family It wasn’t difficult for me to pursue my career after being a mother. I used to take the child to the theatre in Gurukul, where I worked. Colleagues there would take care of him. I also kept a caretaker when Amogh was young. I still am working in films and theatres, while taking care of my child and my husband Mani Ram Pokharel takes care of our son when I am working. Changes felt I never felt lonely when my child came in my life. My love for my mother has increased after I became a mum because I have realised a mother’s responsibility in upbringing of her child. And I have started to think about my son’s future before planning about my career.

— Aruna Karki, Theatre Artiste

The experiences I became mother at the age of 21, and it was a different experience. Looking at the child, I felt something new and strange. There was more love towards the child. Being a mother itself is a rewarding thing. I feel one becomes a complete woman only after being a mother because one learns to become sensitive, and careful. Hardest thing It is not difficult to be a mother; rather it is a wonderful feeling. Changes felt I became more responsible after being a mother. I was carefree and used to think about my career before being a mother. However, after my daughter Kabita (now 21 years old) was born, my perspective about the things around me changed. I became more responsible and sensitive. I am more concerned about providing quality education and culture to my child. Balancing career and family It was a challenge for me to give time to my daughter when she was young, as I used to be busy shooting films. After returning home from work, I would cuddle up with her though. Nonetheless, my mother Komal KC has been a great help in taking care of Kabita and helping me to balance my career and role of a mother.

— Karishma Manandhar, Actress

The experiences After getting married in 2002, my husband GP Timalsena and I waited for two years before becoming parents — in this duration we knew each other better, made our careers and readied ourselves to take the responsibility of being parents. And, when I gave birth, the feeling was inexpressible. It was one of the beautiful moments in life. When I looked at my first child I felt her lips were similar to her dad. When the doctor said “another Miss Nepal was born”, I didn’t believe that she didn’t cry after her birth. The feeling of loving, caring and nurturing children is the rewarding thing of being a mum. Hardest thing Being a mother is a great challenge. If a child feels difficulty in any thing (like their first vaccination), it becomes difficult for the mother too. When young, they need to be protected from different things like hurting themselves, and it is not an easy job. Changes felt I learnt to be patient. I always used to be in a rush before I was a mother, and did whatever I liked. I became a changed person after giving birth to my two children — Ugeshna, 12 and Ugen, 20 months. I felt like I had reborn after being a mother. Balancing career and family Had it not been the support from my husband and my parents — Urmila Khadgi and Uttam Khadgi, it would have been difficult for me to move ahead in life balancing the dual roles. When my daughter was eight months old, I gave up the opportunity of being an emcee in a US tour, and I do not regret it. Later, I started taking my daughter with me in my workplaces in Nepal, India and Sri Lanka. I take my children with me so that they can be with me even when I am at work.

— Usha Khadgi, Miss Nepal 2000, and Owner of UR Stylish Boutique

The experiences It was an exciting moment to become a mother of twins — Lozaa and Lunibha. It was quite sentimental and peaceful feeling to hold two children soon after their birth. Being able to show my love and care to two children at the same moment is a rewarding experience. Hardest thing Being a mother of two of the same age is challenging. There must be two people on standby to take care of the children. When one falls ill, the other too becomes unhealthy. You need to be more attentive and careful while taking care of the children. Changes felt I have taken a break from my job after giving birth to my children. I have gained weight too! I was carefree and spoke whatever I wanted to, but now I think before speaking because I am a mother now and I must be responsible. Balancing career and family Though I haven’t given up painting, I have postponed my exhibitions in Bhutan as I need to give time to my children. I create artworks when my children are asleep. My family members have helped me a lot in taking care of the children.

— Bipana Maharjan, Printmaker