The Shared Motherhood Experience and A Hysterectomy at 37 with Rachel Lee
Welcome, Thrivers, to another heartfelt and inspiring episode of Thriving Parenting. Today, we’re diving deep into the beautiful, chaotic, and transformative journey of motherhood with a special guest, Rachel Lee. Rachel is an award-winning photographer, a mom of three boys, and a passionate advocate for embracing every facet of motherhood—the good, the bad, and the messy in between.
In this episode, Rachel opens up about her evolution as a mother, the challenges she faced, and the pivotal lessons she’s learned. From struggling to bond with her first child to finding healing and joy in her third, Rachel’s story is a testament to resilience, growth, and the profound transformation motherhood brings.
The Rocky Start: Navigating Early Motherhood
Rachel’s journey into motherhood began with what she described as a "survival mode" experience. After a traumatic first birth and the challenges of parenting a reflux baby, Rachel was left feeling overwhelmed and unprepared.
“I went from being confident and independent to feeling like I wasn’t cut out for parenting,” Rachel shared. “Sleep deprivation, breastfeeding struggles, and the weight of expectations made me feel like I was failing.”
Despite the hurdles, Rachel gradually reframed her perspective, recognizing that hard seasons are part of the journey. She learned to embrace the difficult moments without seeing them as personal failures—a mindset that would later transform her approach to motherhood.
The Turning Point: Rediscovering Joy in Motherhood
Rachel’s story of transition from surviving to thriving is deeply relatable. After her first child, she firmly believed she was “one and done.” But as her son grew, she found joy and fulfillment returning, which sparked the possibility of having another child.
“I realized each birth and each child would bring a different experience,” Rachel reflected. “I leaned on that belief and decided to embrace the unknown.”
Her second child brought healing—a chance to bond and experience the joys of early motherhood she hadn’t felt before. By the time her third child arrived, Rachel’s mindset had shifted. She was more prepared for the ebbs and flows, recognizing that every tough moment is temporary.
Motherhood and the Colors of Life
As a photographer, Rachel channeled her experiences into a powerful project: The Colors of Motherhood. This initiative showcases the diverse and often unseen realities of motherhood through evocative photographs and personal stories.
“I wanted to create something that represents the raw emotions of motherhood—the feelings of being unseen, overwhelmed, or lost—but also the love, joy, and connection,” Rachel explained.
The project features 14 mothers from different walks of life, each sharing their unique story. From single parenting to postnatal depression, Rachel captures the essence of their emotions in stunning images that spark conversation and connection.
One of Rachel’s own photographs, titled Overwhelm, powerfully depicts her feelings during a challenging period. In the image, she is surrounded by her children and husband, their arms pulling her in different directions—a striking representation of the demands placed on mothers.
“The image shows how I felt—like I was giving everything to everyone else and had nothing left for myself,” Rachel said. “It’s raw, vulnerable, and honest.”
A Life-Altering Decision: Choosing Herself
After years of enduring painful periods and other health challenges, Rachel made the courageous decision to undergo a hysterectomy. Though the process was daunting, it marked a turning point in her life.
“By week three post-surgery, I felt like a new person,” she shared. “It gave me the energy and capacity to truly thrive as a mom.”
Rachel’s story highlights the importance of self-advocacy and the power of prioritizing one’s well-being—not just for oneself but for the family as a whole.
Rachel’s Wisdom for Thriving Moms
Rachel’s journey is a reminder that motherhood is not about perfection but connection, resilience, and self-compassion. Her advice to fellow mothers is simple yet profound:
Ask for Help: “It’s not a failure to ask for support. It’s an act of strength.”
Embrace Vulnerability: “Sharing your struggles helps break the isolation and fosters deeper connections.”
Take Small Steps: “Self-care doesn’t have to be a grand gesture. Even a hot coffee in a keep-cup can feel like a win.”
Trust Yourself: “If something doesn’t feel right—whether it’s about your health, your parenting, or your emotions—advocate for yourself.”
Final Thoughts: The Reciprocal Gift of Motherhood
Rachel ended the episode with a quote from Jessica Ehrlich’s poem My Everything:
“I once thought I was to show you the world, when all along you came to show me.”
This beautifully encapsulates the journey of motherhood. As much as mothers give to their children, they also receive lessons, growth, and love in return.
To all the Thrivers out there, remember: Motherhood is a shared experience of humanity. It’s raw, messy, and beautiful—and in embracing every part of it, we discover our true strength.
Until next time, Thrivers, keep thriving and know that you are not alone on this incredible journey. 💛