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

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